CSUB Celebrates Top Graduates of 2026
CSUB's top graduates for 2026 are proving that talent, determination, and opportunity can change lives and communities.
Winners, Alexandra and Kelbi with President Vernon B. Harper Jr. and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Deborah Thien … and their own proud parents.
Each year, California State University, Bakersfield recognizes graduates whose academic achievements and leadership set them apart. This year, CSUB President Vernon B. Harper Jr. made a powerful statement in support of women in STEM by selecting two biology standouts as the university's top graduates of 2026.
Top undergraduate student Kelbi Banducci and top graduate student Alexandra Brown are both first-generation college students, accomplished researchers, and mentors to fellow Roadrunners.
"These remarkable grads have a lot in common, beginning with the fact that they are only children and first-generation college students who are making their mothers awfully proud today," Dr. Harper said while presenting the President's Medal during a ceremony at CSUB's Dore Theatre.
Brown, who graduated last fall, nearly missed the call informing her of the honor.
"I didn't recognize the number, and it went straight to voicemail," she said. "Then I saw I had missed a call from Dr. Harper. It's still hard to believe, but very exciting."
Alexandra Brown: ‘An encouragement to people underrepresented in STEM’
Brown's impact has extended well beyond the laboratory. While completing her master's degree, she taught biology courses at CSUB, Bakersfield College, and Taft College while mentoring nearly 30 undergraduate and high school students.
Her research focused on microplastic pollution in California coastal ecosystems and environmental challenges affecting the Lower Kern River.
Brown hopes her visibility as a Black woman in science encourages others to pursue careers in STEM.
"We get a mental block of who can do math and who can do science," she said. "By being exposed to it and participating, it helps young women of color from thinking this is impossible. There is nothing to stop you from being a scientist. I want to be an encouragement to people who are underrepresented in STEM."
Her passion for teaching recently earned her a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at Bakersfield College.
"I'm still kind of in shock," Brown said, "but I'm happy to be doing what I love, which is teaching science."
Kelbi Banducci: ‘I’m pretty sure every professor knew me by name’
Academic excellence has long been familiar territory for Banducci, who completed most of her associate degree coursework while still attending Liberty High School before transferring to CSUB.
Faculty mentor Michele Engel described her with two words: "driven and organized."
"She is the student who shows up in office hours with color-coded Post-Its for her questions," Engel said. "Even her lunchbox is packed like a game of Tetris."
Banducci discovered an early passion for pediatric medicine and rare diseases, leading her to seek research opportunities across the country. Her efforts resulted in positions with institutions including the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Stanford University, and the University of Rochester.
Following graduation, she will join the highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program at Vanderbilt University with the goal of combining research with patient care.
Reflecting on her time at CSUB, Banducci said, "I loved the small classes and individual attention. I'm pretty sure every professor I had knew me by name."
Outstanding Graduates of 2026
In addition to honoring its top graduates, CSUB recognizes exceptional students from across its many departments and fields of study. Please join us in applauding these remarkable Roadrunners, whose achievements earned them the distinction of being named "Outstanding Students" in their respective areas of study.
Outstanding Graduate — Carla Brown
Caral has earned a master’s degree in educational administration from CSUB and holds a master’s in education from Columbia College.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES Outstanding Undergraduate — Carlos Aguayo Lemus Carlos is graduating with his bachelor’s in music teacher education.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Outstanding Undergraduate — Nayeli Rosales
Nayeli is graduating with her bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in public administration.
Outstanding Graduate — Sankalp Pankaj Bhatia
Sankalp, who came to the U.S. as an international student, has earned a Master of Business Administration degree from CSUB.
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION Outstanding Undergraduate — Michelle Chavez
Michelle is graduating with a bachelor’s in sociology and a minor in communications.
Outstanding Graduate — Emiliano Lopez-Carrillo
Lopez-Carrillo has earned a Master of Social Work degree from CSUB.