CSM volleyball standout Kathleen Suayan selected to attend Georgia Tech summer research program

At this time of year, most college students are looking forward to the end of the semester and are making plans for the summer. But just like on the volleyball court and in the classroom, College of San Mateo freshman standout Kathleen Suayan is already ahead of the game.

Suayan will be packing her bags for Atlanta next month as she was recently accepted into the Georgia Institute of Technology's prestigious Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering (SURE) program.

SURE is a 10-week program designed to attract qualified students who are interested in attending graduate school in the fields of engineering and science.

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Gary May, a former Dean of the Georgia Tech College of Engineering, the SURE program is committed to increasing the number of qualified college students who are traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. These include but are not limited to first-generation and socioeconomically disadvantaged students from minority groups, women, and students with disabilities.

Each summer, approximately 40 students of at least junior-level undergraduate standing are recruited on a nationwide basis and paired with both a faculty and a graduate student mentor to undertake research projects in the College of Computing, College of Engineering, and College of Sciences.

CSM volleyball head coach Katie Goldhahn is extremely proud of Suayan's success that she has achieved in a little less than a year at the college.

"Kat is the epitome of an excellent student-athlete," said Goldhahn. "Her disciple, focus, and commitment in the classroom transcends to the volleyball court. She has the respect from her teammates, coaches, and peers.

Suayan had an impressive first season on the indoor volleyball squad for the Bulldogs this past fall.

Originally out of San Mateo's Aragon High School, Suayan was a first-team All-Coast Conference South Division selection from the libero/defensive specialist positions. She currently competes for the CSM beach volleyball team as a part of the squad's No. 1 duo.

"She is a gifted volleyball player," Goldhahn added.  "She will continue to turn heads next year. I am so glad to be a part of Kat's journey, her future is very bright."