CSUSB Graduate and Undergraduate Students
Hunter Harger, M.S. (expected December 2026)
I was born and raised in southeast Texas. After moving to California in the fall of 2017, I fell in love with geology. My interest in this field of study was solidified when I took my first geology class at community college. I graduated with a B.S. in geology and am currently working on a M.S. in geology. My main interests in geology relate to structural geology. The focus of my research is analyzing the geometric and kinematic relationships between the Garlock and Owl Lake faults here in southern California. When I am not working on my research, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, going to the gym, detailing cars, or playing card games with friends.
I was born and raised in southeast Texas. After moving to California in the fall of 2017, I fell in love with geology. My interest in this field of study was solidified when I took my first geology class at community college. I graduated with a B.S. in geology and am currently working on a M.S. in geology. My main interests in geology relate to structural geology. The focus of my research is analyzing the geometric and kinematic relationships between the Garlock and Owl Lake faults here in southern California. When I am not working on my research, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, going to the gym, detailing cars, or playing card games with friends.
Jillian Bottini, M.S. (expected December 2026)
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Syunsuke "Sunny" Hasuka, M.S. (expected May 2026)
Since I was little, I have been a curious individual, always intrigued by the way things worked. I often pondered—and still do—about the Pale Blue Dot we live on, so it was a natural choice for me to study geology once I realized it was something I could pursue. Currently, I work as a geologist for an environmental consulting company, and my graduate work focuses on the Coachella segment of the San Andreas fault; it involves a lot of mapping! In my spare time, I enjoy camping, traveling, cooking, going to concerts, watching movies, and spending time with my dogs.
Since I was little, I have been a curious individual, always intrigued by the way things worked. I often pondered—and still do—about the Pale Blue Dot we live on, so it was a natural choice for me to study geology once I realized it was something I could pursue. Currently, I work as a geologist for an environmental consulting company, and my graduate work focuses on the Coachella segment of the San Andreas fault; it involves a lot of mapping! In my spare time, I enjoy camping, traveling, cooking, going to concerts, watching movies, and spending time with my dogs.
Alicia Borchmann, M.S. (expected May 2026)
I was born and raised in Southern California, and I’ve felt the earth move beneath me for as long as I can remember, starting with the 1971 Sylmar earthquake. Although I’m not your typical student (I’m an empty nester), geology, tectonics, and the formation of mountains—not ancient dinosaur burial grounds!—have always fascinated me. It’s a passion that’s stayed with me through the years. I currently work for the State of California and am pursuing a a Master’s degree in Geology to advance my career and become an engineering geologist. My goal is to succeed professionally while doing something I truly enjoy. Outside of work and school, I spend my time rockhounding, camping, listening to music, and reading. I especially love spending time with my grandchildren and kids—in that order!
I was born and raised in Southern California, and I’ve felt the earth move beneath me for as long as I can remember, starting with the 1971 Sylmar earthquake. Although I’m not your typical student (I’m an empty nester), geology, tectonics, and the formation of mountains—not ancient dinosaur burial grounds!—have always fascinated me. It’s a passion that’s stayed with me through the years. I currently work for the State of California and am pursuing a a Master’s degree in Geology to advance my career and become an engineering geologist. My goal is to succeed professionally while doing something I truly enjoy. Outside of work and school, I spend my time rockhounding, camping, listening to music, and reading. I especially love spending time with my grandchildren and kids—in that order!
Derek Abeln, B.S. (expected May 2026)
I was born in Whittier, California, and raised in the Inland Empire. When I began my academic journey, I originally planned to become an attorney. It wasn’t until I took a geology class that I discovered my love for the Earth. I’m particularly interested in structural geology and natural hazards. My undergraduate research focuses on mapping and analyzing the kinematics of the Crafton Hills fault zone. In my free time, I enjoy barbecuing for friends and family.
I was born in Whittier, California, and raised in the Inland Empire. When I began my academic journey, I originally planned to become an attorney. It wasn’t until I took a geology class that I discovered my love for the Earth. I’m particularly interested in structural geology and natural hazards. My undergraduate research focuses on mapping and analyzing the kinematics of the Crafton Hills fault zone. In my free time, I enjoy barbecuing for friends and family.
Emily Bridges, B.S. (expected May 2026)
I was born and raised in San Bernardino. I began my love for geology and earth sciences at a very young age, as my parents always encouraged me to explore and be curious about my surroundings. I spent most of my childhood collecting rocks wherever I went, whether I was in Big Bear, Death Valley, Joshua Tree or any other beautiful local places. I recently completed a summer internship (2025) at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL), where I did image processing of Jupiter's moons Europa and Io to compare and contrast their morphologies for the ongoing Europa Clipper mission. My senior thesis focuses on exploring cross-fault Miocene to Pleistocene slip rates along the southern San Andreas Fault near CSUSB using more sedimentological methods. When I am not in school, I am a lifeguard supervisor and swim instructor. I enjoy painting and listening to music in my free time.
I was born and raised in San Bernardino. I began my love for geology and earth sciences at a very young age, as my parents always encouraged me to explore and be curious about my surroundings. I spent most of my childhood collecting rocks wherever I went, whether I was in Big Bear, Death Valley, Joshua Tree or any other beautiful local places. I recently completed a summer internship (2025) at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL), where I did image processing of Jupiter's moons Europa and Io to compare and contrast their morphologies for the ongoing Europa Clipper mission. My senior thesis focuses on exploring cross-fault Miocene to Pleistocene slip rates along the southern San Andreas Fault near CSUSB using more sedimentological methods. When I am not in school, I am a lifeguard supervisor and swim instructor. I enjoy painting and listening to music in my free time.
Andrew Huynh, B.S. (expected May 2026)
I was born in Riverside and raised in Moreno Valley, California. I was introduced to the outdoors through backpacking in high school. During my second year of college, I changed my major to geology because of its extensive fieldwork opportunities. In my free time, I like to rock climb and run in nature. My senior thesis project is focused on mapping the Helendale fault, near Apple Valley, to find its geometry, kinematics, and slip history.
I was born in Riverside and raised in Moreno Valley, California. I was introduced to the outdoors through backpacking in high school. During my second year of college, I changed my major to geology because of its extensive fieldwork opportunities. In my free time, I like to rock climb and run in nature. My senior thesis project is focused on mapping the Helendale fault, near Apple Valley, to find its geometry, kinematics, and slip history.
Trent Muha, B.S. (expected May 2026)
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Andres Tagle, B.S. (expected May 2026)
I’ve lived my entire life in Southern California, specifically within the Inland Empire. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the rocks and fault in our region. I loved learning about anything related to Earth’s formation and geologic history, so geology naturally became the obvious choice for my academic path. My senior project focuses on mapping alluvial fans in the Coachella Valley using remote sensing datasets and techniques such as surface roughness analysis. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the Banning and Mission Creek faults and their kinematics. In my free time, I enjoy camping, hiking, playing tennis, and the occasional video game session.
I’ve lived my entire life in Southern California, specifically within the Inland Empire. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the rocks and fault in our region. I loved learning about anything related to Earth’s formation and geologic history, so geology naturally became the obvious choice for my academic path. My senior project focuses on mapping alluvial fans in the Coachella Valley using remote sensing datasets and techniques such as surface roughness analysis. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the Banning and Mission Creek faults and their kinematics. In my free time, I enjoy camping, hiking, playing tennis, and the occasional video game session.
MU Graduate Students
Kimberly Moore, Ph.D. (expected May 2026)
I developed my love for the natural world while spending my youth immersed in a variety of landscapes (Australia, Arizona, and Texas). My fondness for geology came much later, while taking my first geology class. My desire to know more strengthened after completing my B.S. in Geology at Sam Houston State University in 2017. I moved to Columbia, Missouri, directly after to begin work on my M.S. research at the University of Missouri (MU). The project focused on neotectonic deformation of the Avawatz Mountains in California. I successfully defended my thesis and graduated with my M.S. in Geology in the summer of 2019. I am currently working toward my doctoral degree at MU, where my work is focused on tectonics and thermochronology. In my spare time, I enjoy socializing with family and friends, crafting, tabletop gaming, and biking.
I developed my love for the natural world while spending my youth immersed in a variety of landscapes (Australia, Arizona, and Texas). My fondness for geology came much later, while taking my first geology class. My desire to know more strengthened after completing my B.S. in Geology at Sam Houston State University in 2017. I moved to Columbia, Missouri, directly after to begin work on my M.S. research at the University of Missouri (MU). The project focused on neotectonic deformation of the Avawatz Mountains in California. I successfully defended my thesis and graduated with my M.S. in Geology in the summer of 2019. I am currently working toward my doctoral degree at MU, where my work is focused on tectonics and thermochronology. In my spare time, I enjoy socializing with family and friends, crafting, tabletop gaming, and biking.
Past Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
- Miracle Dean, B.S. (OSR USRP Intern, Riverside City College, June-August 2025) - Student at RCC
- Ellie Change, B.S. (OSR USRP Intern, Riverside City College, June-August 2025) - Student at UCR
- Gideon “Skye” El-Rahi, M.S. (Cal State – San Bernardino, May 2025) – Geoscientist with Tetra Tech
- John Rodriguez, B.S., (Cal State – San Bernardino, December 2025) – Rodriguez Consulting and Engineering
- Ricardo Nuno Gutierrez, B.S., (Cal State – San Bernardino, May 2025) – San Antonio Regional Hospital
- Jasmyn Garland, B.S. (Cal State – San Bernardino, December 2024)
- Valerie Sosa, B.S. (OSR USRP Intern, Riverside City College, June-August 2024) – Student at RCC
- Joseph Santana, B.S. (OSR USRP Intern, Riverside City College, June-August 2024) – Student at RCC
- Syunsuke “Sunny” Hasuka, B.S. (Cal State – San Bernardino, May 2024) – M.S. at CSUSB
- Jillian Bottini, B.S. (Cal State – San Bernardino, May 2024) – M.S. at CSUSB
- Sean Polun, Post-doctoral Researcher (Univ. of Missouri, June 2019-March 2024) – Geoscientist with Verisk
- Ashley Stroup, B.S. (Cal State – San Bernardino, May 2023) – Ph.D. at UC Riverside
- Taylor Murphy, M.S. (Univ. of Missouri, August 2023) – Geoscientist with Burns & McDonnell
- Noah Cadwell, B.S. (Univ. of Missouri, March 2020-May 2022) – U.S. Geological Survey
- Nathan Reed, M.S. (Univ. of Missouri, August 2022) – Geoscientist with Terracon Consultants, Inc.
- Katherine Ludwig, M.S. (Univ. of Missouri, August 2022) – Instructor at Univ. of Tenn. - Chattanooga
- Qian Zhao, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar (Univ. of Missouri, January 2020-October 2021) – Postdoc. at CUG
- Kenny Edge, M.S. (Univ. of Missouri, May 2022) - Geologist/Environmental Scientist with Tetra Tech
- Daniel Shi, B.S. (Univ. of Missouri, May 2021) - Ph.D. student at Baylor University
- Begum Kurtoglu, M.S. (Univ. of Missouri; July 2020) – Geoscientist with Golder Associates, Inc.
- Wei Wang, Post-doctoral Researcher (Univ. of Missouri; December 2018-July 2019) – Faculty at CUG
- Esmail Ansari, Post-doctoral Researcher (Univ. of Kansas; August 2017-June 2019) – Consultant
- Jeffrey Jennings, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; did not complete) - Landscaper
- Andrew Hollenbach, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; January 2017-May 2019) – Ph.D. at University of Kansas
- Kathleen Graham, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; September 2016-February 2019) – Geoscientist with Chesapeake
- Wei Wang, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar (Univ. of Kansas; September 2015-October 2017) – Faculty at CUG
- Drew R. Schwab, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; September 2014-December 2016) – Geoscientist with Chevron
- James P. Tyrrell, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; September 2014-December 2016) – Geoscientist with Concho
- Jeffrey Jennings, Kansas Geological Survey Intern (September 2016-December 2017)-Landscaper
- Kesley Lamer, Kansas Geological Survey Intern (May 2017-August 2017)
- Christa M. Jackson, Kansas Geological Survey Intern (May 2015-June 2016)