Four Cal State San Bernardino students have been named to the 2025-26 California Pre-Doctoral Program and are among 85 California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova California Pre-Doctoral Scholars selected systemwide this year.

CSUSB graduate students Krisha Orgo, Sasha Augustina Tesoro, Margaret F. Phillips and Filimon Fregoso were chosen by the Pre-Doctoral Program Advisory Committee, which consists of faculty members and administrators from throughout the CSU system.

The California Pre-Doctoral Program, now in its 36th year, was created to increase the pool of potential CSU faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages.

Sally Casanova Scholars receive funding for educational and research activities, one-on-one guidance provided by faculty members within the CSU and the opportunity to work with faculty from doctoral-granting institutions. The scholars also have the opportunity during fall 2025 to apply for a 2026 summer research experience at a doctorate-granting institution.

Krisha Orgo of Ontario earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a biopsychology concentration from CSUSB in May 2023. She is pursuing a master’s degree in the psychological science, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience concentration program at CSUSB and plans to complete her master’s degree in December. Her faculty mentor is Nicolas Brunet, associate professor in the Department of Psychology. Orgo plans to complete her master’s degree in December.

“My long-term career goals include earning a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in cognition, perception, and cognitive neuroscience, and becoming a professor and researcher,” Orgo said. “This scholarship will enhance my academic profile, making my doctoral program applications more competitive while also supporting the professional development activities necessary for success in academia.”

Sasha Augustina Tesoro of Torrance, a first-generation student of Mexican and Filipina heritage, received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 2024 and is pursuing a master’s degree in child, adolescent and family studies at CSUSB. She plans to graduate in 2027. Her faculty mentor is Eugene Wong, professor in the Department of Child Development.

Tesoro said her long-term educational goal is to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, and as a neuropsychologist, conduct pediatric cognitive assessments in a children's hospital. “The biggest thing this scholarship allows me to do is meet with different labs and different programs to learn more about their research focuses and chat with current students,” she said. “This is something I wouldn't be able to do without the scholarship because of financial constraints, so this weight off my shoulders truly allows me to focus on my future.”

Margaret F. Phillips of Desert Hot Springs graduated in May 2024 from CSUSB with a bachelor’s degree in history. She is pursuing a master’s degree in history and anticipates graduating in May 2026. Her faculty mentor is Michael Karp, assistant professor in the Department of History.

"I have had a passion for history since I was a child, and pursuing a doctoral degree in it, with the hope of teaching others and contributing to the field, has been a dream of mine just as long,” Phillips said. “Being named a Sally Casanova Scholar has meant the world to me, especially in these uncertain times. The support and guidance in navigating doctoral studies is unmatched. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to prove myself that this program has given me."

Filimon Fregoso of Colton is pursuing a master’s degree in English and writing studies at CSUSB with an anticipated graduation date of 2026. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from CSUSB in 2023. His faculty mentor is Alexandra Cavallaro, associate professor in the Department of English.

Fregoso aims to pursue a doctoral degree in rhetoric and composition to extend his research on the nuanced relationships between queer people and literacy. Through his doctoral studies, he intends to conduct archival research on the systems of communication that queer people in the mid-to-late twentieth century (re)configured to build community.

Each scholar also expressed gratitude to their faculty mentors and academic departments for their continued support throughout their studies at CSUSB.

The Sally Casanova scholarship supports a plan developed with each student’s faculty mentor. The plan may include travel for the scholar to visit doctoral-granting institutions and to attend professional meetings; acquisition of materials such as reference books, software and journal subscriptions; and subsidy toward costs of doctoral program application fees, graduate entrance examinations and preparation for entrance examinations.

According to CSU, a preliminary follow-up study of former Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars indicates that more than 40 percent enter a doctoral program by the term following their scholarship year.

To view current and past scholars, visit the CSU’s Sally Casanova Scholars webpage.