Two Cal State LA students named as 2025 GMiS STEM Scholars
The Californer/10332270

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Two Cal State LA students have been named among the 2025 Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) Scholars, a prestigious national recognition honoring outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in academics, research, leadership, and service to underserved communities.

Rana R. Ashour and Omar Navar will receive a corporate-sponsored scholarship from Edison International as part of the Class of 2025 GMiS STEM Scholars.

Ashour is a senior majoring in computer science with a minor in biomedical engineering. She is also part of the university's Honors College.

"Since starting at Cal State LA in fall 2020, she's consistently gone above and beyond, earning a spot on the Dean's List every single semester," said Eun-Young (Elaine) Kang, chair of the Department of Computer Science. "We couldn't be prouder of Rana and are so excited to see where her journey takes her next!"

Ashour is currently leading a senior design project sponsored by the Provost's Office at Cal State LA to develop a mobile app that connects students with workshops, internships, and other opportunities beyond the classroom. She has also gained valuable experience as a software engineering intern.

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"It is an incredible honor to be named a GMiS STEM Scholar," said Ashour, who will graduate from Cal State LA this coming spring. "Being a first-generation woman in STEM is an intimidating journey, but organizations like GMiS and Edison International empower students like me to reach our goals. I'm so grateful to them and my mentors at Cal State LA for this accomplishment."

Navar is a transfer student from Los Angeles City College and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity. His goals include working in digital forensics, where he can utilize his skills to contribute to cybersecurity research.

"Omar's dedication to cybersecurity excellence has been demonstrated through his success in national competitions, earning first place at a 2024 Cybersecurity Challenge and ranking in the top 500 in the National Cyber League," said Ming Wang, chair of the Department of Information Systems.

Navar is currently an IT intern at Influential, where he has worked on projects including asset recovery, IT audits, and assisting with security audits. Passionate about empowering underrepresented students in technology, Navar also assists with Mission X, a cybersecurity club at Los Angeles Mission College.

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"Thank you to Great Minds in STEM and Edison International for selecting me as a GMiS Scholar and giving me the opportunity to attend the GMiS Conference in San Diego," said Navar, who is in his first semester at Cal State LA. "I had an incredible experience networking with inspiring professionals and learning about new opportunities in STEM."

The 2025 GMiS STEM Scholars (https://greatmindsinstem.org/gmis-scholarship-application/gmis-scholarships/) were recognized at the GMiS Scholars Pinning Ceremony this past October.