Camille Vrieling and Miranda Owen were selected as the 2025-26 Outstanding Students for the College of Natural Sciences. Owen, Outstanding Undergraduate Student, and Vrieling, Outstanding Graduate Student, will be honored at the college’s Spring Commencement at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

For Vrieling, a nurse education graduate student, her goal is to become an educator for nursing students and help them achieve their dream of entering the profession. Teaching in both the classroom and clinical settings is a passion she is eager to begin, and she is also interested in pursuing a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in education.

After graduating in January, Vrieling began teaching a pathophysiology class and co-teaching the health assessment laboratory at CSUSB, putting that passion into practice.

“I became a nurse not only to help people, but because the human body is one of the most complex puzzles in life, and helping others understand it and see how it impacts their life in a positive way is what I am passionate about,” said Vrieling.

While in the program, Vrieling balanced coursework with her role as a hospital floor nurse working the night shift. With support from her husband and employer, along with the flexibility of the master of science in nursing (MSN) program’s hybrid courses, she was able to adjust her schedule and manage her responsibilities.

During her MSN program, Vrieling conducted research on delirium in older adults in healthcare settings. She collaborated across disciplines to develop an education program for hospital nurses focused on recognizing, documenting and addressing delirium, which contributed to improved documentation and increased awareness in the hospital setting.

Vrieling also credits faculty mentors for shaping her path as a nurse educator. She highlighted the guidance of Dawn Blue, professor emerita in the Department of Nursing, in navigating the complexities of research and the encouragement of Anne Lama, assistant professor of nursing and MSN program coordinator, whose support helped her achieve her goal of graduating with her MSN and preparing to educate future nurses.

“CSUSB gave me the opportunity to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and take steps toward achieving a goal I had been dreaming about for years. I can continue to grow in education and strengthen the nursing field through the students I encounter by leading their learning with compassion and grace,” said Vrieling.

Owen, a geology major, discovered her interest in the field after taking an Earth science class at a local community college while in high school, where she enjoyed learning about the relevance of Earth’s processes.

At CSUSB, she gained hands-on experience through field mapping projects examining larger fault systems across Southern California, including the Elsinore Fault and the San Andreas Fault system. For her senior research project, she analyzed fault activity and displacement history near the Eastern San Bernardino Mountains, using field observations, drone imagery and elevation data to map fault movement.

She plans to attend graduate school, potentially pursuing a Ph.D., to continue geologic research focused on the applications of new remote sensing tools to examine, monitor and address natural hazards.

As a student-athlete on CSUSB’s track and field team, Owen said her proudest accomplishment was building strong relationships and finding a sense of community.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the geology department, the athletics department, my friends, and my family,” said Owen. “CSUSB provided me with an education and valuable experiences at no cost to me. I was able to continue being a student-athlete, build friendships with some amazing people, and learn lots from my peers and mentors.”

She also reflected on the personal influences that shaped her journey and drive to succeed.

“My dad inspired me the most. As a single father, he did a lot for my siblings and me. I strive to follow his example of being there for yourself and others and showing up every day no matter the challenges,” said Owen.