Dr. Cristina Gómez embodies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and heart that defines the very best of Citrus College. As an alumna, her journey began right here, where she discovered her calling to become a psychologist. Her academic path led her through the University of La Verne and Alliant International University, where she earned both her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her achievements are not only a testament to her intellect and perseverance but also a beacon of inspiration for students who dare to dream big.

What sets Dr. Gómez apart is her unwavering commitment to her students and her deep-rooted pride in her Mexican heritage. She brings warmth, empathy, and cultural richness into every classroom, creating a space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her passion for supporting the Latinx community—whether as a clinician or instructor—shines through in her teaching. She encourages her students to explore psychology not just as a career path, but as a tool for personal growth and community healing.

As the first in her family to achieve the highest level of education, Dr. Gómez serves as a powerful role model. Her story resonates with many students who face similar challenges, and she meets each one with compassion and encouragement. Her dedication goes beyond academics—she genuinely wants her students to succeed in life. Whether mentoring aspiring psychologists or helping others find confidence in their abilities, Dr. Gómez’s impact is profound and lasting.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Gómez finds joy in the simple pleasures of life: spending time with her loved ones, caring for her pets, staying active, and embracing the beauty of nature. Her vibrant spirit and nurturing presence enrich our campus community, making her a truly deserving nominee for Adjunct of the Month.

• We are pleased to select Dr. Rami El Oweini, for Adjunct of the Month January 2026. He serves Citrus College students as an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry, most recently teaching CHEM 110 and CHEM 111, and he is deeply committed to innovation, engagement, and excellence in chemistry education.

• Teaching excellence and student engagement
  • Designed student-first Canvas modules that include pre-quiz integrity instructions, clear checklists, and accessible study guides to support learning equity and accountability.
  • Built hands-on, low-cost laboratory experiences that emphasize critical thinking and inquiry-based learning.
  • Developed ChemWorks AI, a suite of specialized chemistry tools that revolutionize how students learn and study chemistry. ChemWorks AI includes interactive bots that generate personalized study guides, create practice quizzes, and reference syllabi to support exam preparation. These AI-driven learning companions foster independence, improve retention, and make chemistry more approachable and enjoyable.
  • Maintain same-day responsiveness to student questions and ongoing encouragement that empowers first-generation and returning students to succeed.

• Community involvement and service
  • Lead discussions on the ethical and effective integration of AI in higher education through professional development and peer collaboration.
  • Actively contribute to faculty communities by sharing open-access learning materials, assessment rubrics, and AI-enhanced teaching strategies.
  • Serve in faculty association initiatives that advocate for adjunct inclusion and instructional excellence.

• Professional growth and impact
  • Certified in evidence-based teaching practices aligned with ACUE principles.
  • Continuously refine curricula to meet transfer and articulation standards while maintaining accessibility and affordability.
  • Creator of the “Research Explained” science communication channel, which translates complex chemistry concepts into short, engaging multimedia lessons for students and the public.

• Fun fact
  His students say his “pre-lab pep talks” make chemistry feel both inspiring and achievable—many describe them as “TED Talks before titrations.”

• Congratulations for what you do to make Citrus College a better place! 

Lee Ann is a Visual and Performing Artists adjunct faculty member whose creativity and passion bring piano to life for today’s students. A classically trained pianist with over 30 years of experience and international touring background, she brings both artistry and innovation to her Class Piano and Music Appreciation courses at Citrus College. Professor Leung’s teaching bridges the gap between classical tradition and contemporary creativity. In one recent unit, students analyzed chord functions from Beethoven’s works and compared them with harmonic progressions in Super Mario Bros., revealing the continuity between centuries of musical storytelling. Other students have connected their piano studies to their own music production, using classical forms to inspire rhythmic and harmonic structure in electronic compositions. Vocal students often share how Leung’s emphasis on theory and listening has helped them perform more expressively in choir and solo contexts. Her students have gone on to perform at Carnegie Hall and on America’s Got Talent. Through innovative lessons and her deep understanding of both classical and contemporary music, she cultivates musical curiosity and confidence, making the piano classroom a place of creativity, relevance, and community.