The Associated Students of Nevada, Reno (ASUN) department of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) recently hosted an award ceremony recognizing three 推荐杏吧原创 students who have excelled in the fields of social justice and STEM. This was the first year the department of IDEA has hosted awards. All undergraduate students were eligible to win. Students could have been nominated for the award or have applied on their own. The awardees received a $700 scholarship and a trophy commemorating their accomplishment.
The STEM Award winners included Angeline Rios and Raeleen Valencia. The Social Justice Award winner was Nathan Carrillo.
STEM Award
Angeline Rios
Angeline Rios is a sophomore and proud first-generation student, studying neuroscience. When Angeline is not in class she can be found working as a Spanish translator at the UNR Med Student Outreach Clinic. She also conducts undergraduate research in Professor Thomas Bell’s medicinal chemistry lab, where she leads a project focused on modifying the CADA (Cyclotriazadisulfonamide) an experimental compound in order to explore its potential as a preventative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
“Undergraduates rarely get the opportunity to lead their own research, so it’s something I’m really proud of,” she said.
“It genuinely felt like all the effort I’ve poured into my journey was finally being recognized,” she said. “This award means so much to me — not just as a student, but as someone who’s worked hard to belong in spaces where people like me aren’t always represented. Don’t let anyone make you doubt your worth. You’re here because of your work, your passion and your persistence. And you belong.”
Raeleen Valencia
Raeleen Valencia is a sophomore majoring in biotechnology microbiology and immunology. Raeleen is a dedicated student worker as she works in both the Biology Preparatory Lab and the Gulia-Nuss Research Lab.
“I strive to be someone who can contribute to positive changes and make underrepresented students feel included,” Valencia said. “I am currently the associate director of student engagement for the Nevada Medical Research Consortium, which is an organization that provides undergraduate students with opportunities in medical research and mentorship. It is an honor to be chosen for the STEM award and be viewed as someone who has made an impact on the STEM community. This recognition not only supports my own educational journey, but also supports marginalized students like me throughout campus.”
Valencia was happy to be able to share this moment with the support from her friends who have stood by her throughout her college experience.
“If there’s one thing I’d like others to take away from this experience, it’s to take initiative and be proactive,” Valencia said. “Reaching out and taking action, even when faced with failure or rejection, leads to opportunities. It’s how I got my job and even how I ended up applying to this award.”
Social Justice Award
Nathan Carrillo
Nathan Carrillo is a first- generation Latino student majoring in social work. Carrillo is a current senior graduating this spring.
“Since starting college, I’ve known that social work was my calling,” Carrillo said. “Everything I’ve done has been guided by that passion.”
Carrillo said he felt both “relieved and grateful” when he learned he had been selected for the honor.
“Personally, the award helps me continue funding my education — something I’ve taken on entirely on my own,” Carrillo said. “Professionally, it’s a reminder that I’m advancing in the right direction in my chosen field.”
Carrillo said he strives to create a sense of belonging for others like him on campus. Through his mentorship and involvement in campus life, he hopes his presence encourages fellow students to show up as their authentic selves.
“A standout moment for me was having my sister and my friend by my side as I received the award,” he said. “It made the moment even more meaningful.”
Carrillo added that he hopes others take away one key message from his experience: “everyone deserves to be seen.”
“We are all worthy of being recognized and valued for our accomplishments,” he said. “If you’re a student, I encourage you to apply for scholarships, not just for financial support, but to acknowledge how far you’ve come.”
