Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
In the journey from classroom to career, the influence of dedicated mentors often proves invaluable. At Cal State San Bernardino, Tandis Bigoli, assistant professor of geological sciences, exemplifies this vital role. With a dedication that transcends traditional teaching, she invests in her students’ growth, offering support, insight and opportunities that empower them to thrive both academically and personally.
National Mentoring Day on Oct. 27 served as a reminder of the essential role mentors play in students’ lives. Bidgoli’s commitment to supporting students highlights how dedicated educators can transform academic journeys into lifelong careers, shaping not only skills but also identities.
“One of the big differences between teaching and mentoring is that mentors really serve as long-term advisors, sometimes for life,” said Bidgoli. “As a teacher, your role in a student's life often ends with the end of the semester or with graduation from a program. My relationship with students that I mentor continues far past the end of a project or school year.”
National Mentoring Day highlights the importance of mentoring and recognizes those who have made a difference, such as Bidgoli. In 2014, Chelsey Baker, an award-winning business mentor, established National Mentoring Day to shine a light on mentoring in all forms both received and given. Launched in London, England, the day has since evolved into a global event, giving individuals worldwide the opportunity to showcase the benefits of mentoring and the positive impact it has had in their lives.
For Syunsuke (Sunny) Hasuka ’24, a CSUSB alumnus and current geology graduate student, Bidgoli’s mentorship and guidance has helped him achieve his goals. As an undergraduate, he completed his honors and senior theses with Bidgoli on the Mission Creek and Banning strands of the San Andreas fault in Indio Hills and Thousand Palms. The experience had a lasting effect on him.
“(Bidgoli) has influenced both my personal and professional development with her mentorship, wisdom and unending patience. With her assistance, I have become a more competent and confident geologist and overall scientist,” said Hasuka. “Her encouragement to participate in research and field work has been instrumental in my understanding of geology and helped mold me into a productive member of the scientific community.”
Bidgoli understands the importance of providing students with hands-on and research opportunities to explore career pathways and set them up for success after graduation. She has made it a priority to provide these experiences to students by supporting their research endeavors with grants she obtains, as well as working on projects and conducting research with the aspiring geologists.
These experiences have opened doors for students and led to presentations at the Geological Society of America national conference and the American Geophysical Union annual meeting. Additionally, students acquire skills and knowledge that prepare them for their careers.
“One skillset I had developed that has been particularly valuable has been field skills. (Bidgoli) has helped develop my geologic eyes, which has allowed me to make better observations,” said Hasuka. “Another skillset that I had developed that I did not anticipate was project management ... (Bidgoli) helped develop those skills, skills that I use every day.”
In 2022, Bidgoli began working at CSUSB and brought with her a wealth of higher education experience, previously teaching at the University of Missouri and University of Kansas, where she also served as a research scientist and supervised graduate research.
Bidgoli’s role at CSUSB gave her the opportunity to move back to her home state of California and once again be a part of the California State University system, having earned her bachelor’s degree at San Francisco State. Bidgoli was excited to join the university and give back to the CSU system, which played a critical role in developing her interests in geology and shaping her career. Mentoring students is one of the many ways she pays it forward.
“My own experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student were really formative for me. I had excellent mentors throughout my education and my professional career, and I still rely on those people from time to time,” said Bidgoli. “My own experiences completing mentored research projects were transformative for the career direction I ultimately took. As a mentor, I have also seen student's career trajectories and paths transformed because of advice or opportunities I helped provide.”
By investing time and effort into her students’ growth, she not only honors the guidance she received but also ensures that her mentees are prepared for their future endeavors. Bidgoli’s commitment to providing hands-on opportunities demonstrates how mentorship can create pathways to success, encouraging students to explore their passions and expand their horizons.
“Mentoring students is probably one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job as a professor, in part, because you can see the products of your efforts in your mentee's successes,” said Bidgoli. “I believe I am motivated to be a good mentor to students because I, myself, received excellent mentoring as an undergraduate and graduate student.”
She added, “I also know that mentors can have lasting impacts on their mentees, so it's a very important job. I want to make sure it’s a job that I take seriously and do well.”
Bidgoli embodies the values of mentorship that can make a lasting difference in students' lives, and she has taken on this role with passion and purpose. National Mentoring Day showcases the essential role mentors play in guiding and shaping the futures of students. The experiences and skills a student gains through mentorship not only enhances their academic, personal and professional development but also instills confidence and a sense of belonging.