inFOCUS Newsletter

Fall 2025

Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the FOCUS Program’s newsletter, inFOCUS! Fall term is always a time of new beginnings: welcoming new cohorts into the FOCUS Program. We have gotten to know those who joined at the beginning of the term – and who you will meet in this issue of the newsletter – and are starting to get to know those who we have selected to join during the winter term. Their introductions will come in the next issue!

It’s also a new beginning with a new FOCUS Coordinator starting in the fall. This year, Jonathan Nguyen (‘25, Biology and CAMS) is at the helm and has settled into his role wonderfully.

There has been a wide variety of exciting events that FOCUS students have been part of this term, from poster sessions to events with a Convocation speaker (introduced by FOCUS students, too!) to regular opportunities to relax over cookies. It’s always good to be able to leverage the connections between students in these settings.

Thank you for your support of, interest in, and/or participation in FOCUS! This program exists to support our students and thrives because of the support of people from all around campus!

– Deborah Gross

The Fall 2028 Cohort was asked the following questions:

1. What is your prospective major?
2. What has been your favorite thing about Carleton so far and why?
3. What animal best represents your personality and why?

The Technology of Keeping Time & the Humanity of Spending Time

This year the Fall Cohort took PHYS 100: The Technology of Keeping Time and the Humanity of Spending Time with Professor of Physics, Melissa Eblen-Zayas.

In the seminar, students explored human-made devices for tracking the passage of time from ancient astronomical clocks to modern atomic clocks. They examined how these devices were constructed, the science that made them possible, and the reasoning behind the different choices in measuring time. The class also considered what was gained and what was lost as timekeeping became more precise and more embedded in daily life. Alongside readings and discussions, students engaged in the hands-on process of building their own timekeeping device.

This year we kicked off the start of the new school year with our annual AllFOCUS Get Together on Tuesday, September 16th! Members of each FOCUS cohort welcomed the Class of 2029 over some delicious food and introductions. Everyone joined in a fun and engaging STEM “Fish Bowl” activity, guessing STEM themed words through rounds of verbal clues, drawings, and charades. Check out the photos!

On October 7th, FOCUS collaborated with TRIO to host our annual STEM Faculty Lunch for both programs’ students! Professors all across the STEM disciplines were invited along with first and second year students in both programs. Students were encouraged to ask any and all questions they have about STEM at Carleton.

On Thursday, October 16, FOCUS had the pleasure of welcoming back Carleton alum Dr. Maya Warren ’07, the Ice Cream Scientist™. While at Carleton, Maya majored in Chemistry and went on to earn her PhD in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in the microstructure, sensory properties, and behavioral aspects of frozen aerated desserts.

She is the founder of IC3 CRM Consulting LLC as well as the Season 25 Amazing Race winner!

Over some dinner provided from Carleton’s Distinguished Women’s Visitor Endowed Fund, students got to ask Maya questions about her journey to where she is now and connected with her over her experiences at Carleton. The following morning, Dr. Maya was introduced as the Convocation speaker by FOCUS seniors, Evelyn Ponce ’26 and Lisvel Sagbaicela ’26.

On Friday, October 17, Carleton hosted the annual Undergraduate Research and Internship Symposium. Several FOCUS members presented their work over the summer, ranging from wet lab research they conducted to sharing results from their internships. This year there were 21 FOCUS students presenting! We would like to congratulate the following list of students who presented their summer work!

This section celebrates FOCUS students who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements during Honors Convocation in Spring ‘25 and Opening Convocation in Fall ‘25. Whether through academic excellence, leadership, research, or service, these students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their work and to the broader campus community. We are proud to highlight their accomplishments and honor the impact they continue to make.

With Aurora Juarez ’26

What is the working title of your comps?

“Protagonists of Succession and Shaping Insect Interactions: An Exploration of Microbes.”

What is something interesting you’ve found about your topic?

I find the overall topic of my comps interesting. I never would have thought I’d be writing about insects in such detail, seeing as my main interest is not entomology.

FOCUS students are known for their engagement, achievement, and leadership across campus. This term, they carried that same spirit beyond campus. From presenting at conferences across the country to studying abroad, these FOCUS students continue to learn, connect, and make an impact wherever they go — representing our community with curiosity and commitment around the world.

Get to know Jonathan Nguyen ’25

What is your background at Carleton?

I graduated from Carleton in June 2025 as a first-generation low-income student, though I am originally from Houston, Texas. My drive to address inequities in higher education and healthcare as a future physician has guided my Carleton journey.

I majored in Biology, conducting qualitative research in Professor Rou-Jia Sung’s Biochemistry Augmented Reality Lab and writing my comps about climate change effects on blue crabs. I double majored in Cinema & Media Studies because I was excited to learn how videography could be used as a medium for community engagement and amplifying underserved voices.