Eugenie Bassilly
Candidate for Board of Directors, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Candidate Slogan
NSM Reimagined: Science Without Barriers, Powered by Community.
Candidate Biography
Hello Titans! My name is Eugenie Bassilly, and I am running for Board of Directors Chair for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I am a Biological Science major with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology, a Kinesiology major with a Pre-Allied Health concentration, and a minor in Chemistry. My time at CSUF has been guided by a passion for science, healthcare, and serving others, alongside a commitment to student success and community building. I currently serve as a Government Ambassador, Supplemental Instruction Leader for Organic Chemistry I and Introduction to General Chemistry, Co-Event Coordinator for the American Medical Student Association, and Nursing and Pharmacy Chair for the Student Health Professions Association. These experiences have given me insight into the challenges NSM students face and the importance of mentorship, resources, and collaboration. I am running for Board Chair because NSM students deserve support academically, professionally, and personally. I am passionate about advocating for stronger resources, expanded access to research and career opportunities, and a community where students feel connected and empowered. It would be an honor to serve as Board of Directors Chair and help build a stronger, more supportive NSM community where every student can thrive.
Candidate Statement/Platform
If elected as Board of Directors Chair for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, my focus will be on three key pillars: Sense of Belonging, Accessibility, and Collaboration. Many NSM students face challenging coursework, rigorous expectations, and a competitive environment that can feel isolating. To foster a stronger Sense of Belonging, I will work to create welcoming and inclusive programs, such as peer support networks, low-pressure study events, and panels that share honest student experiences. These initiatives will help students feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.
Accessibility is essential to student success. Upper-division NSM courses can be some of the most demanding and isolating, yet academic support is often concentrated in lower-division courses. I will work to expand tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions for upper-division courses and develop exam-review programs to help students feel prepared and supported. Success in these courses plays a critical role in shaping graduate school, professional pathways, and career opportunities, and students should never have to navigate these challenges alone. I will also advocate for expanded access to research, internships, and professional development opportunities so every student has the resources and guidance needed to achieve their goals. As part of this effort, I hope to partner with UROC to create a research-centered hub specifically for NSM students, a centralized space where students can easily access information on ongoing research, learn about available opportunities, and gain insight into pathways for hands-on experience. This hub will make research more accessible, transparent, and navigable for all students, helping them connect with faculty, discover projects, and build skills that prepare them for graduate school and professional careers.
Collaboration strengthens both academic and professional growth. I will advocate for cross-university research partnerships, including CSU-to-CSU collaborations and CSU–UC summer research pipelines, to expand opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, hands-on research. Additionally, I plan to support a more robust NSM/STEM fair to connect students with surrounding companies, organizations, and potential career opportunities, helping them build professional networks and gain insight into future pathways. By fostering these connections, we can create a more collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented NSM environment. Additionally, I will push for programs that connect NSM students with broader campus and community initiatives, fostering partnerships and experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Open communication and student-administration dialogue will also be a priority, ensuring that students’ voices are heard in decisions that affect their education and experience.
By focusing on these pillars, I aim to strengthen academic support, expand opportunities, and cultivate a connected, inclusive, and empowered NSM community. My goal is to create an environment where students feel supported, have access to the resources they need, and can collaborate with peers and faculty to achieve success. Together, we can build a stronger NSM community where every student has the tools, guidance, and confidence to thrive.