Real-Life Research with Robots
In April 2017, Gutierrez found out she'd earned a spot in Harvard's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, to take place over 10 weeks in summer 2017. Though she was overjoyed to be accepted, the trip would mark the first time she'd ever been away from home. With the encouragement of CSUSB faculty and staff, she accepted.
While in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Gutierrez participated in hands-on computational robotics research, working to create robots that could function well outdoors.
The experience wasn't just fun; it helped cement her post-graduation goal: to work in biomechatronics and develop robotic prosthetics to help people with disabilities, like those with amputated limbs, or stroke victims.
"I find it fascinating to be able to give human capabilities to robots. This could lead to something bigger, to something that could possibly enhance human life," Gutierrez explains.
"I love to help others and am looking forward to seeing how the things I construct and program will help other people throughout my career."
I did not let my fears take over. Instead, I challenged them and I came out better and wiser. — Erika Gutierrez
A Village of Support
Asked to name those on campus who have helped her, Gutierrez quickly lists over a dozen and then stops. There are just too many, she says, who have made an impact on her these past two years.
"The atmosphere here is so overwhelmingly welcoming and helpful," she says of CSUSB, where 80 percent of students are first-generation and 63 percent are low-income. "We all come from very similar backgrounds and understand each other's struggles."
What she calls "a village of people who have supported me" has given Gutierrez the confidence to succeed. "It is such a great feeling to know that there are all of these people standing behind you, who want to help you reach your goals and dreams," she enthuses.
Clearly, that shy freshman is no more. The self-described extrovert is now president of CSUSB's University Honors Program, special projects coordinator for Associated Students Incorporated, and a member of numerous groups, including the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.
And while she's proud of what she has accomplished, the eldest of three daughters wants to be sure that her experience smooths her sisters' — Monica, 19, and Angelica, 17 — college experiences.
"College isn't easy, but it is helping to shape who I want to be and where I want to go," she says. "CSU San Bernardino has changed me. I did not let my fears take over. Instead, I challenged them. And I came out better and wiser.
"My experiences have shown me that the road to where I want to go won't be easy, but it will definitely be worth it."
As a freshman, Erika Gutierrez dealt with feelings of self-doubt. She credits CSU San Bernardino's faculty, staff and other resources for giving her the courage and confidence to succeed in the computer science field.
"Student success is very important to Jesse," Gutierrez says of Jesse Felix, interim executive director of CSUSB Associated Students Incorporated (ASI). "He has given me many opportunities within ASI to enhance my undergraduate career goals and provides me with guidance on the tasks I do not understand."
Because Gutierrez knows first-hand the obstacles first-generation students face, she has vowed to make the transition to college as seamless as possible for her younger sisters, Monica and Angelica (pictured at left).
"College isn't easy, but it is helping to shape who I want to be and where I want to go," Gutierrez says. "CSU San Bernardino has changed me."
Says Gutierrez of Brenda Luis, CSUSB Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program counselor: "My SAIL counselor, Brenda [Luis], is my biggest motivator and inspiration on the CSUSB campus. She's always there to support me, encourage me, and help me whenever I need it. While I was at Harvard this summer for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Brenda would video chat me to check up on me. She sees the potential in me and pushes me to aim high. My college experience just wouldn't be the same without her."
Says Gutierrez of Alfredo Barcenas, CSUSB ASI policies and legislative specialist (pictured at left): "Since my very first day at ASI, Alfredo has been my go-to person. Because of his constant help and support, I always have someone on campus to guide me with my work and academic tasks."
Gutierrez's parents, Carmen and Mario, serve as her greatest motivators. She looks forward to graduating from CSU San Bernardino and making her parents, who are immigrants from Mexico, proud of being the first in the family to earn a college degree.
Gutierrez is the eldest of three daughters. The computer science student strives to be a role model for her sisters, Angelica, 17 (left), and Monica, 19 (right), who is also a CSU San Bernardino student.
"The atmosphere [at CSU San Bernardino] is so overwhelmingly welcoming and helpful," Gutierrez says. "We all come from very similar backgrounds and understand each other's struggles."
After returning from Harvard's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program in the summer of 2017, Gutierrez made the decision to focus her studies on biomechatronics.
By working in the robotics field, Gutierrez aspires to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, such as those with amputated arms and legs, or stroke victims.
Says Gutierrez of Kristen Stutz, CSUSB SAIL director (pictured at right): "To get into Harvard's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, I needed recommendations and Kristen was one of them. She has given me endless support and advice and is currently helping me through the graduate school process, helping me create a roadmap to what I want to do after CSUSB."
"After participating in the undergraduate research program at Harvard, I was accepted to present my research at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference, but I did not have funding," says Gutierrez. "Belisario [Ventura, CSUSB Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation coordinator, pictured at left] introduced me to resources that helped fund my trip. It is through his help that I am able to present my research and share what I have learned with others."
"When I first joined ASI, I was very quiet because I did not know anyone and did not feel I was good enough for the position," says Gutierrez. "Dacia [Woods, CSUSB ASI administrative coordinator, pictured at left] was always the smiling face that greeted and welcomed me. It was her heartwarming attitude that made me feel at ease in my role as ASI special projects coordinator. She is someone I look up to very much."
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