Kudos to Omar Masri, a 2023 graduate and physical science major who was recently named a Key of Knowledge recipient at the 60th annual Achievement Awards ceremony. This fall, he will attend UCLA and major in chemistry.

While at Citrus College, Omar was involved in the honors transfer program, TRIO STEM and Pathways to STEM. In each of these groups, Omar received support from the campus community and learned how to become a better student. He praised Sandra Aquino, TRIO facilitator and Key of Knowledge presenter, for giving him the resources and advice to help him succeed.

"The Pathways to STEM program was my favorite experience at Citrus College," Omar said. "I was a part of this program last year and it greatly improved my skills as a scientist."

While in Pathways to STEM, Omar conducted research at the Oak Crest Institute of Science, USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability on Catalina Island and the University of Colorado Boulder. The research he conducted with peers at Oak Crest was later published in the International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities.

Omar said one reason he chose chemistry as his major at UCLA was that "it's fascinating how ordinary things can turn into something extraordinary after undergoing a chemical reaction."

"My career goal is to become a forensic scientist," he said. "The idea of using science to bring justice to my community sounds very rewarding and exciting to me."

Although his journey at Citrus College is ending, Omar said he will never forget his time on campus.

"If someone was on the fence about attending community college, I would tell them that the smaller class sizes helped me pay more attention in class and easily get one-on-one help with my instructors," Omar said. "I also saved a lot of money and earned money through many scholarship opportunities."

Thank you for your service to Citrus College, Omar! The campus community can't wait to see what you accomplish next!