B.S. Physics/Astrophysics graduating student Orlando Mayen-Castañeda selected as Undergraduate Speaker for SF State's University Commencement!

https://news.sfsu.edu/news/dozen-students-chosen-represent-sfsu-colleges-commencement

Undergraduate Speaker 

Orlando Mayen-Castañeda
B.S., Physics (Astrophysics)

Orlando Mayen-Castañeda grew up listening to his mother’s stories about the night sky. Now he aspires to pursue a career as a bridge between the stars and community. A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program solidified his career trajectory.

As a first-generation Astrophysics student, Mayen-Castañeda studied the chemical composition of stars at SFSU and then traveled to Chile for an REU program working with the NOIRLab (formally called the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory) studying stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Beyond the science, he helped create an inclusive and safe community for students and mentors at the NOIRLab and was inspired by being able to positively impact others in this way. 

At SFSU, Mayen-Castañeda served as a learning assistant in his department, gave planetarium shows and helped coordinate and gave talks for Noche de Estrellas, a monthly bilingual (Spanish-English) event inviting the community to the planetarium and observatory. He has also presented his research at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Baltimore. Over the years, Mayen-Castañeda received the Dennis Bennett Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy and the Michael and Greta McKinney Physics and Astronomy Scholarship and was most recently named the Department and College Honoree.

After graduation, Mayen-Castañeda will be staying at SFSU to complete his master’s degree to further refine his skills. He plans to continue his work with Noche de Estrellas and departmental outreach. After his graduate studies, he hopes to return to the NOIRLab to continue his work.