Brendan Franklin charts a stellar course for his future in astrophysics and academia
Brendan Franklin’s academic journey is a testament to the power of community, mentorship,
and lifelong curiosity about the universe. Growing up with a grandmother who is a
high school math teacher, Brendan developed an early affinity for mathematics and
science. Throughout high school, he often sought her guidance, laying the foundation
for a future career in academia.
After graduating from Gahr High School in 2023, Brendan wasn’t sure about his field of study. However, the Cerritos Complete Promise program opened the door to a two-year, tuition-free education at Cerritos College. It was during his first counseling appointment that his interests in math, science, and the mysteries of the galaxy coalesced into a single goal: pursuing a degree in astrophysics.
Brendan’s time at the college has been defined by his active engagement with campus resources and his commitment to helping others. Early in his studies, thanks to Math Assistant Professor Rocio Aguilar Bastida, Brendan secured on-campus roles as a Success Center tutor and an ASK (Academic Support Keys) student mentor, helping his peers navigate their educational paths. In his second year, he gained hands-on experience as a physics lab assistant under Professor Thad Szabo. Through Professor Carlos Mera, Brendan pursued advanced enrichment opportunities, including a UCLA/IEEE engineering workshop and the prestigious NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program.
Brendan demonstrated his leadership skills during an NCAS mission, serving as the project manager. Leading a student team to establish a fictional company competing for a Mars rover contract, he managed supply transactions, time allocation, and task delegation. Reflecting on the experience, Brendan emphasizes the value of courage in one's career: “If you have the chance to meet someone, or to take on an internship that you are unsure about, you should take it. Sometimes it is these experiences that connect you to someone/something that gets your name out there.”
Despite a demanding academic and work schedule, Brendan maintains a deep connection to martial arts. A third-degree black belt, he has practiced karate for fifteen years and now shares his expertise by teaching karate and self-defense alongside his mother.
In April, Brendan received the Paige Scholar Scholarship and Academic Excellence Award from Cerritos College. With a clear vision for his future, he is transferring to UCLA in the fall. Inspired by his grandmother’s legacy, Brendan plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in astrophysics and, eventually, return to the classroom as a university professor to inspire the next generation of scientists.