Hispanic Serving Institute(HSI) | First Gen | Concordia University Irvine

Valerosos y Curiosos HSI STEM Grant

Purpose

Concordia University Irvine is a private Christian university in Irvine, CA, with over 2,500 students across various programs. Its six schools offer a range of majors, including STEM fields. However, Hispanic and low-income students in STEM face challenges with retention and graduation rates due to limited exposure to university services. To address this, Concordia University Irvine's Valerosos y Curiosos project aims to support these students through a STEM Scholars Program. This program includes academic support, mentoring, and research opportunities, along with faculty and staff training to foster a sense of belonging. The project's goals include increasing enrollment, transfer rates, retention, and graduation rates for Hispanic and low-income STEM students. Concordia University Irvine seeks $3,000,000 over five years to fund this initiative, which aligns with priority areas for student support and postsecondary education access.

Meet the Staff

Dr. Scott Gaines

Position: Program Director
Contact Me: 949-214-3305 | scott.gaines@cui.edu

Dr. Scott Gaines (M.S, Ph.D.) has been at Concordia University Irvine since 2012 teaching subjects such as Biomechanics, General Biology, Integrated Biology, and Human Anatomy & Physiology. Professor Gaines has earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, a M.S. in Human Movement from A.T Still University in Arizona and a Ph.D. in Education from Curtin University in Australia. Prior to coming to Concordia, Professor Gaines worked as an educator for health and fitness professionals for over 20 years. He is an author and national speaker on a wide range of topics such as biomechanics and cardiovascular-based program design. Professor Gaines also has a special interest in innovative teaching techniques, and is the faculty advisor for the Concordia University Irvine chapter of the International Medical Fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon.

Make an Appointment

Patricia Berenice Sanchez, "Coach Patty"

Position: Academic STEM Coach
Contact Me: 949-214-3742 | patricia.sanchez@cui.edu

Coach Patty currently acts as the Academic STEM Coach and Student Development Lead for Valerosos y Curiosos (VyC) STEM. Coach Patty’s primary focus is helping STEM undergraduates realize their potential and equipping them with the tools for success through academic coaching, workshops, and supporting VyC student workers.

Before coming to CUI, Coach Patty received her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Riverside, where she majored in biology and minored in entomology. As a first-generation college graduate and proud Mexicana, she worked as a natural sciences Peer Academic Leader (PAL), conducted undergraduate research in ant behavior, and went on to win scholarships and presentation awards in STEM conferences. In this role, she works alongside STEM professors and students to build community, reduce barriers to success, and demystify the “hidden curriculum” many Hispanic and first-generation students encounter in higher education.

Coach Patty’s dedication and passion for helping students have led her to continue her education, receiving the Advanced Academic Coaching Certification from the National Tutoring Association. In Valerosos y Curiosos, Coach Patty uses her extensive experience, as well as the knowledge and skills she received in her advanced training, to help students navigate the challenges they face, realize their potential, and strive toward their goals self-assured. Her role is to walk alongside students throughout their STEM journey so they feel confident in their own abilities.

Make an Appointment

Dr. Lindsey Kane-Barnese

Position: Peer Mentor Supervisor and Research Coordinator
Contact Me: 949-214-3299 | lindsay.kane-barnese@cui.edu

Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese (Ph.D.) graduated from Concordia University Irvine with B.A. in Biology and a B.A. in Chemistry. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Kane-Barnese’s doctoral work and current research interests involve a protein involved in some cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She teaches a variety of classes, ranging from introductory to advanced biology and chemistry courses. Dr. Kane-Barnese also advises students in research pertaining to ALS or other biochemistry or molecular biology related research. She enjoys working with students to learn complex biological and chemical topics in their classes and research and helping them explore the intersection of faith and science in their chosen field.

Montana Mellody

Position: Supplemental Instructor Supervisor
Contact Me: 949-214-3320 | montana.mellody@cui.edu

Professor Montana Mellody earned her B.S in Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematics from Vanguard University in 2017. Mellody then earned her M.S. in Biochemistry at California State University, Fullerton in 2023. Professor Mellody teaches introductory to advance chemistry courses here at Concordia University Irvine! Professor Mellody is researching the important role that RNA binding proteins play in controlling the process alternative splicing. This mechanism is important to regulate protein expression in response to changes in environments. The RNA binding proteins she is studying is the polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTBP) family. Two members of this family share high structural similarity but have distinct tissue-specific expression patterns and functions that are critical for the process of brain development. My research is focused on trying to understand how these two related, highly similar proteins can have different biological functions.

Valerosos y Curiosos HSI STEM Grant