School of Art and Design Announces Outstanding Students
Crystal Choi: Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Crystal Choi has been named both the Outstanding Undergraduate Student from the School of Art and Design and the 2025 Outstanding Undergraduate for the entire College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts at SDSU. An Art History major with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies, Crystal has demonstrated a deep commitment to cultural representation, museum accessibility, and academic excellence.
“My goal is to create museum spaces that reflect the richness and diversity of the communities they serve,” Crystal shared. Her passion for Asian diasporic art, inclusive exhibition design, and curatorial research has shaped her academic journey and career aspirations. Following graduation, she plans to work in art conservation or curatorial research, with the goal of pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in Art History or Conservation and eventually teaching at the college level.
Crystal credits much of her growth to the mentorship of Dr. Gillian Sneed, who she says “gave me the confidence to believe that a future in the arts—whether in conservation, curation, or higher education—was not only possible, but worthwhile.” From guiding her research to helping revive the Art History Club, Dr. Sneed’s support has been pivotal. Crystal’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and a visionary approach to the arts.
Yena Kim: Outstanding Graduate Student
Yena Kim has been named the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student from the School of Art and Design at SDSU. A dedicated MFA candidate in Studio Art, Yena’s work explores the emotional and cultural complexities of immigrant identity, loss, and transformation through experimental sculpture and installation.
Her creative practice is deeply rooted in material exploration and personal narrative. She often incorporates found objects, textiles, and natural materials to construct immersive environments that, in her words, “give shape to feelings that are otherwise difficult to express.” Through her work, Yena seeks to “bridge personal memory with collective experience,” creating spaces for empathy, reflection, and healing.
Post-graduation, Yena plans to continue developing her studio practice while pursuing teaching opportunities at the college level. Her time at SDSU has been defined by artistic risk-taking and growth, as well as mentorship from faculty who encouraged her to push conceptual and material boundaries. Yena’s thoughtful, process-driven approach and her commitment to community engagement have made her an inspiring voice in contemporary art and a standout graduate in the PSFA community.
