2023-2024 Jo Little Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced
Kevin Ogbonna ‘24 (CCS Biology), Aurora de Tagyos ‘24 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry), Emily Conway ‘24 (L&S Environmental Studies), and Casey Gallagher ‘24 (L&S Environmental Studies) exude academic excellence and community involvement
The Jo Little Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Jo Little, a longtime UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) staff member. Jo was a beloved staff member known for an unwavering commitment to student wellness and the undergraduate community. During 25 years at UCSB, Mary "Jo" Little (1954-2017) served in the Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Environmental Studies before becoming the College of Creative Studies (CCS) Assistant Dean in 2013. Jo was a driving force behind the campus support group Shoreline which provides socialization and scholarship opportunities for students.
To honor her life and sense of spirit, her family established the Jo Little Memorial Fund to provide scholarships to support students who excel academically and contribute to their community. The scholarships are awarded annually to the most qualified undergraduate students at CCS and/or Environmental Studies at the College of Letters and Science (L&S). This year, four students—two from CCS and two from L&S Environmental Studies—were selected by committees of faculty and staff among many worthy student candidates.
Meet 2023-2024 Jo Little Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Aurora de Tagyos ‘24
CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry
Aurora is a fourth year Chemistry & Biochemistry major at the College of Creative Studies. Aurora was awarded this scholarship for a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility, notably by organizing funding logistics for inclusive conferences at the national level. Aurora’s leadership roles in various organizations—including the Deutschklub, Chemistry Club, and Santa Barbara Hillel—underscore a passion for creating spaces where diverse identities are celebrated and understood. Aurora's aspirations extend to pursuing a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacogenomics at UC San Francisco (UCSF), where Aurora aims to utilize scientific expertise for societal benefit.
Kevin Ogbonna ‘24
CCS Biology
Kevin, a fourth year Biology major in CCS, was awarded this scholarship for engagement in diverse research initiatives at UCSB, including orchestrating cloning projects and designing hydrogels to contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation and dedifferentiation. Kevin's aspiration to become a physician-scientist is fueled by witnessing the efforts of researchers combating the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Kevin’s pursuit of an MD/Ph.D. in pathology and regenerative medicine is motivated by an interest in stem cell therapy and improving medical technologies. Ogbonna is deeply committed to mentorship and outreach, particularly for underrepresented minorities in science and medicine.
Emily Conway ‘24
L&S Environmental Studies
Emily, a fourth-year Environmental Studies major at the College of Letters & Science (L&S), excels in both academic excellence and community involvement. Emily is deeply committed to local food systems, working with UCSB Department of Public Worms and Isla Vista Food Forest. Emily's initiatives include developing educational programs and planting fruit trees for food security, and academic pursuits and career goals in environmental science include plans for graduate studies and participation in the Soil Food Web training program.
Casey Gallagher ‘24
L&S Environmental Studies
Casey, a fourth-year L&S Environmental Studies major with a minor in Comparative Literature, is deeply engaged in research on environmental justice and 'Big Oil' rhetoric. Casey is also an adept undergraduate research assistant for Professor Sideris, contributing to a project on the El Segundo Blue Butterfly's habitat. Casey’s extensive extracurricular involvement includes activism, volunteer work, and international projects. With aspirations in investigative journalism and humanities graduate studies, Casey aims to serve her community as a writer-activist.
2024 Jo Little Memorial Campus Walk
In addition to honoring Jo’s memory by providing the annual scholarships, an annual Jo Little Memorial Campus Walk was established as Jo was key in helping to share the campus’ flora. This year’s walk is on Monday, April 29 at 3:30 pm, hosted by UCSB Affiliates. Paleobotanist Bruce H. Tiffney—CCS Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Earth Sciences—will lead the campus flora walk and provide a brief introduction to the diversity of plants that faculty and staff have introduced to campus. Kindly RSVP to carnold@ucsb.edu as space is limited to 20 participants
To honor her life and sense of spirit, Jo’s family established the Jo Little Memorial Scholarship to support undergraduates in Environmental Studies and/or CCS who excel academically and give back to their community. Gifts at all levels in loving memory of Jo to the Jo Little Memorial Fund can be made online or by contacting Venilde Jeronimo (venilde@ucsb.edu).