Two Cal State LA students have been named among the 2025 Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) Scholars, a prestigious national recognition honoring outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in academics, research, leadership, and service to underserved communities.
Rana R. Ashour, a computer science major, and Omar Navar, a computer information systems major, were both selected from more than 1,000 applicants nationwide. Each will receive a corporate-sponsored scholarship from Edison International as part of the Class of 2025 GMiS STEM Scholars.
Since 2001, GMiS has awarded more than $6.5 million in scholarships to over 2,200 students across the country. This year, 30 recipients will share more than $48,000 in financial support to further their education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Ashour is a senior majoring in computer science with a minor in biomedical engineering. She is also part of the university’s Honors College.
“Since starting at Cal State LA in fall 2020, she’s consistently gone above and beyond, earning a spot on the Dean’s List every single semester,” said Eun-Young (Elaine) Kang, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. “We couldn’t be prouder of Rana and are so excited to see where her journey takes her next!”
Ashour is currently leading a senior design project sponsored by the Provost’s Office at Cal State LA to develop a mobile app that connects students with workshops, internships, and other opportunities beyond the classroom. She has also gained valuable experience as a software engineering intern.
“It is an incredible honor to be named a GMiS STEM Scholar,” Ashour said. “Being a first-generation woman in STEM is an intimidating journey, but organizations like GMiS and Edison International empower students like me to reach our goals. I’m so grateful to them and my mentors at Cal State LA for this accomplishment.”
“I would also like to recognize Dr. Daniel Galvan, the student engagement director of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST), for recommending me for this scholarship,” added Ashour, who will graduate from the College of ECST at Cal State LA this coming spring.
Navar is a transfer student from Los Angeles City College and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity.
“Omar’s dedication to cybersecurity excellence has been demonstrated through his success in national competitions, earning first place at a 2024 Cybersecurity Challenge and ranking in the top 500 in the National Cyber League,” said Ming Wang, professor and chair of the Department of Information Systems.
Navar is currently an IT intern at Influential, where he has worked on projects including asset recovery, IT audits, and assisting with security audits. Passionate about empowering underrepresented students in technology, Navar also assists with Mission X, a cybersecurity club at Los Angeles Mission College, where he helps prepare the members for cybersecurity competitions.
“Thank you to Great Minds in STEM and Edison International for selecting me as a GMiS Scholar and giving me the opportunity to attend the GMiS Conference in San Diego,” said Navar, who is in his first semester in the College of Business and Economics at Cal State LA. “I had an incredible experience networking with inspiring professionals and learning about new opportunities in STEM.”
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Navar’s future goals include working in digital forensics, where he can utilize his skills to contribute to cybersecurity research.
The 2025 GMiS STEM Scholars were recognized at the GMiS Scholars Pinning Ceremony on Oct. 3, held in conjunction with the 2025 GMiS Conference in San Diego, California.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 270,000 distinguished alumni.
