The peer mentor-mentee relationship is a very valuable experience for both the mentor and the mentee. We would like to ensure we pair everyone up fairly and to the best of our abilities. However, this is on a first come first serve bases but everyone will recieve a mentor. Carefully read through the Mentor Bios. The majors have been bolded to make reading through them easier. The answers from this web-form will help match mentors and mentees. We hope you enjoy reading through the bios.
1) Jesus Salcedo
My name is Jesus and I am a third year Computer Science and Engineering major. I am a first generation college student so I understand a lot of the difficulties of adjusting to college and know tips to succeed. I am very interested in robotics and artificial intelligence, so I am aiming to get a job somewhere in that field. I am a member of the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau, and Treasurer of the Robotics Society. In general, I am very outgoing and friendly and on my free time I like to play my guitar and video games, but I also know how to succeed and do well in college.
2) Victor Hernandez
My name is Victor and I am a third year Material Science and Engineering major. I am considering continuing on to graduate school or joining industry after I graduate. With my emphasis in nanotechnology, I would like to improve energy efficiency devices. I was born in Mexico and brought to the United States at the age of five. I enjoying meeting new people and listening to their stories. I look forward to learning and trying new thing. I have a great interest in education and helping other students in underrepresented communities access higher education. My main goal is to always keep learning and discovering new ideas and adventures.
***Note: Ideal mentor for Engineering or Physics majors
3) Ruby Alberto
My name is Ruby and I am a third year majoring in Biology and I am apart of the UC Merced women's soccer team. As a student athlete I know how difficult but important it is to balance school and sports. I still have personal time but I know the importance of my education and getting extra help like going to office hours. I have recently completed tier one of the bobcat leadership series and recognize the crucial roles to be a great leader. I am a hard working individual that takes my responsibilities seriously. After graduating from UC Merced I plan apply to medical school. As of right now, I am interested in focusing on Physiatry. This interests me because it is mainly a rehabilitation physician that treats certain injuries or illnesses that affect movement.
4) Janette Velazquez Pina
My name is Janette and I am a third year Biology major with a human emphasis. I specifically chose this emphasis because my career path is to become a physical therapist. I come from a very small town about an hour south of Merced. I actually came to the US at a young age from Mexico. I have a lot of siblings and I am one of the very few who have pursued higher education. I enjoy listening and helping in whatever I can, I have personally grown a lot since I used to be shy but I have learned quite a bit and hope to pass this knowledge. I have watched a few anime. I also enjoy listening to different music such as instrumental; I am diverse in that sense.
5) Patricia Luna
My name is Patricia Luna and I am a third year Human Biology major. I am from Dinuba, a small town in the Central Valley. My career goal is to obtain a career in the medical field. My interests include dancing, soccer, and just fun things in general. I love to try new things and I am always up for trying and learning more. I have been in the Fiat Lux program since my freshman year and it has definitely been a key factor in my education. I am in the organization Students Advocating Law & Education (S.A.L.E.) that advocates to empower undocumented students and provide any resources they may need. Although I myself am not undocumented, I find this organization very empowering and I love being part of it. I also look forward to this opportunity to be a mentor and to share all my experiences. I can't wait to meet my new mentee(s)!
6) Alejandra Barajas-Diaz
My name is Alejandra and I am currently a third year Biology student and have been involved in Fiat Lux Scholars Program. I am involved in the iSight: Pre-Optometry & Vision club. I would like to spread vision care awareness and am considering to pursue the field of Optometry. During my spare time I enjoy playing tennis as well as creating works of art.
7) Hashmat Khorsand
Hello my name is Hashmat. I am a senior going into my last semester hoping to graduate and apply to dental school. I am a Human Biology major and I have worked in a research lab sophomore year. I have been a part of several clubs and held key positions as well as create one of my own. I love football.
8) Claribel Ramirez
My name is Claribel and I am a third year at UC Merced working for a major in Management and Business Economics and a minor in Spanish. I am currently a member of the Fiat Lux program, Delta Sigma Pi colony and UC Merced Women’s Cross Country team. When I am not studying or running you will most likely find me sleeping or laying around listening to music.
9) Maria Zamudio
My name is Maria and my major is Management and Business Economics with a Sociology minor. My career goals are to graduate and go to grad school to peruse a masters degree. I like to serve my community because I believe in serving others. I have always been very involved in school. I am currently involved with Hermanos Unidos and I am also a proud sister of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. as well as a conversational partner for the Center for Research on Teaching Excellence. I am an easy going and open-minded person. I am a motivated individual who loves the outdoors. I am a certified naturalist by UC Merced SNRI. I firmly believe in what you reap is what you sow so come along and discover how much more you can be reaping in your academic and personal life as an undergrad in the Fiat Lux program!
10) Laura Alfaro
My name is Laura and I am a third year Management and Business Economics major with a minor in Arts at the University of California Merced. I plan to pursue a career in teaching. In congruence with my teaching plans, I hope to travel around the world and immerse myself in the distinct countries’ culture. After taking a trip in high school to Cambodia, I became fascinated with assimilating the countries culture, as well as volunteering. My drive to venture outside of my comfort zone is also the prominent factor behind many of my life choices and ambitions.
11) Siomara Melchor
Hello, my name is Siomara Melchor. I am a fourth year Psychology major. My journey at UCM has been a difficult but song experience. I had such a rough start my fall semester because I got distracted and not focused. I got dismissed and I appealed through help of faculty, staff and other student support I have grown and learned through my time here. I currently work as a tour guide, in the past worked for the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, and I volunteer at a local elementary school. My career goal is to become a principal.
12) Miriam Mosqueda
Hello, my name is Miriam. I am a junior majoring is Sociology with a minor in Spanish. I have been involved in the Fiat Lux Program since my freshman year. I have been part of Hermanas Unidas, the Spanish Club, and the Hispanic Honor Society. I have also done research with Dr. Almeida at UC Merced. Last summer, I obtained an internship through the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and I had the opportunity to get involved in the community by forming coalitions between different organizations in Merced. Last semester, I studied abroad in Italy, and I would like to help other students reach their goals and overcome the obstacles they are faced with.
13) Rafael Ramirez Flores
My name is Rafael. I am a third year Sociology major with a double minor in Chicano Studies and Spanish. I am from Modesto, CA (Central Valley native) that has been part of the Fiat Lux Scholars Program since August 2013. It has helped me in numerous ways, such as providing me with various resources to succeed in college being a low income, first generation college student. I am interested in working with students and helping others as much as I can because I believe that knowledge is not as strong & valuable when you don't share it with others. My research interests are social protest movements, gender inequality, race/ethnic studies, social stratification & income inequality, as well as other sociological topics that are relevant to current events. Some hobbies that I have are dancing, going out with friends, going on road trips (travelling), and exploring nature. I have been involved with the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, Sucess Mentor Program, have taken Summer Bridge classes (including USTU) which all helped me tremendously my 1st year. Some of the organizations I have been involved on campus include Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan de UC Merced (M.E.Ch.A.), Latino Associated Students, and El Club de Español (Spanish Club) where I have taken active member roles and in some I have been an officer. I have accomplished to complete one of the leadership programs (BLS), engage in research and present at a conference (NACCS), work with the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, and gone to do community service in the community of Merced, just to name a couple. My career goals are to obtain a job where I am helping others, guiding them, or serving as a resource for them so they can be successful. This is why after completing my bachelor’s degree, I want to do a graduate program that will help me get there.
