Two of 12 exceptional graduates to represent SFSU’s colleges at Commencement are from CoSE
The students will be honored at the University’s Commencement ceremony at Oracle Park May 23
Graduate Speaker
Patra Holmes
M.S. Chemistry (Biochemistry)
College of Science & Engineering
A first-generation college student, Patra Holmes exemplifies the transformative impact SFSU can have on an individual. Holmes’ 14-year university journey — marked by determination and perseverance — earned her multiple degrees: first dual bachelor’s degrees (one in Biochemistry, another in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Computer Applications), now a graduate degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and a Graduate Opportunities in Learning Data Science (GOLD) Certificate.
Holmes discovered her true calling in research. She not only excelled as a scientist, but she became a dedicated mentor and advocate for students who did not initially see themselves as scientists. She created inclusive spaces for students through her work with Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). She also recruited and trained numerous students in biophysics research.
In her graduate research, Holmes engineered novel protein probes to investigate how molecular crowding affects protein solubility in cells, offering insight into the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. She also advanced tools for studying cellular biophysics by contributing to the development of a laser-based polarization technique for measuring protein diffusion in living cells. While at SFSU, she earned the Data Science and Machine Learning for Biotechnology certificate, participated in the Promoting Inclusivity in Computing program and has been awarded several scholarships and fellowships.
Holmes is pursuing her Ph.D. at Columbia University, and she continues to use her position to positively impact others. She is conducting outreach to local middle schoolers with the Girls’ Science Day Program, represents her cohort in the Graduate Student Council and plans to join the Student Workers of Columbia Union Committee.
College of Science & Engineering
Denise Louise Steffen
B.S., Civil Engineering
From the moment she arrived at SFSU, Denise Louise Steffen was determined to do more than just earn a degree. She wanted to find purpose, community and a way to give back. She is a first-generation college student earning her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and will be continuing as an SF State Scholar to complete her master’s degree with an emphasis in Structural Engineering.
She is working with Associate Professor Jenna Wong on a project investigating the structural dynamics of buildings with vegetated roof systems. This cutting-edge research blends sustainability with structural engineering and pushed Steffen to independently study steel design, learn programs for structural analysis and collaborate with industry advisors. She is also conducting sensitivity analyses to assess the performance of these structures under various natural hazard scenarios. Her outstanding research earned her a spot as an SFSU representative at the CSU Research Competition in Humboldt.
Steffen’s leadership highlights her passion to foster and impact the sense of community on campus. As a student assistant in the Engineering stockroom, she learned the ins and outs of supporting her department behind the scenes. With encouragement from mentors, Steffen became the professional outreach chair for the American Society of Civil Engineers and treasurer for the Engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, where she has played an integral role in revitalizing the SFSU Alpha Gamma chapter.
Steffen’s story is shaped by her personal journey. She is in long-term recovery from addiction and actively sponsors other women on their path to rebuilding their lives. Her experiences have instilled empathy, determination and responsibility — qualities that influence her relationship with colleagues and her professional passion. Steffen will continue her education in graduate school and hopes to become a licensed structural engineer who contributes to a future where sustainability and resilience are intertwined.
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