Two California State University, San Bernardino graduate students have been named 2026-27 Sally Casanova Scholars, a distinction that supports promising California State University students preparing for doctoral study and careers in higher education.

Sukhmanpreet Kaur, a master’s student in biology, and Marlena Brown, a first-year graduate student in the master of arts in communication studies program, were selected through the California Pre-Doctoral Program.

Sally Casanova Scholars receive individualized guidance from a CSU faculty mentor and up to $5,000 for doctoral preparation activities, including conference travel, graduate school application expenses, visits to doctoral-granting institutions and professional development. Scholars also are eligible for additional funding for an eight-week summer research experience at a major research university.

The scholars are named in tribute to Sally Casanova, a champion of educational opportunity who launched the program.

Kaur, a Twentynine Palms resident, has aspired since childhood to become a biology professor who combines teaching and research.

At CSUSB, she works in the lab of Laura Newcomb, a professor of biology who specializes in molecular virology and eukaryotic cell biology, researching ways to inhibit replication of the Influenza A virus. Newcomb serves as Kaur’s CSUSB faculty mentor.

Kaur has also conducted research in the Department of Ecology at the University of California, Riverside, and was the sole student selected as the 2025 Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Intern at Joshua Tree National Park.

Recently selected as a California Institute for Regenerative Medicine intern, Kaur will conduct research at UC Riverside during the upcoming year, studying stem cells and how environmental exposures affect human airways.

“I am very thankful to all the professors that guided me to this point in my career,” Kaur said. “Any win in my career is as much theirs as mine.”

Brown, a San Bernardino resident, studies interpersonal communication, relational maintenance, conflict and repair. Her research examines how emotional regulation, accountability and communication during conflict can shape the health and resilience of close relationships.

Through qualitative research, Brown aims to develop evidence-based communication strategies that help people navigate conflict and build healthier relationships.

Brown plans to pursue a Ph.D. in communication studies and become a professor, researcher and mentor. Her experience includes work as a teaching intern, researcher, university staff member and mentor for first-generation college-bound students through the Help a Brotha Out Foundation.

“Being selected as a Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar is an incredible honor and an affirmation of my goal to become a scholar, educator and mentor,” Brown said. “This opportunity will help prepare me for doctoral study while allowing me to pursue research that advances our understanding of interpersonal communication and equips people with practical tools to build healthier, more resilient relationships.”

Debora Pérez Torres of CSUSB’s Department of Communication & Media serves as Brown’s faculty mentor.

Through the California Pre-Doctoral Program, Kaur and Brown will join a statewide community of aspiring academics while receiving mentorship, research opportunities and professional development designed to strengthen their preparation for competitive Ph.D. programs.