Angel Avalos was determined to make the most out of his life after he lost his sister to cancer as a teen. While surrounded by innovation at the University of California, San Francisco, during his sister’s treatments, Angel was inspired to pursue a degree in science. ​​​

​​​Today, he is a senior at California State University, Stanislaus, majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in molecular and microbial biology with a minor in chemistry.

Angel volunteers at a local grief-counseling center to help people in similar situations. A desire to expand his knowledge led him to participate in research internships studying DNA nanotechnology at the University of California, Merced, and examining bacterial enzymes at Stanislaus State. He has maintained a 3.9 GPA and assists other students as a supplemental instruction leader. ​​​

A member of Phi Kappa Phi, the Stanislaus State Honors Program, the McNair Scholars Program and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Angel is committed to earning a doctorate in microbiology.​​​​