UC San Diego APIMEDA Lifebook 2023

M I D L E E E N R AS T D D ES I A M E R I C A N

e l o c m e

wAs UC San Diego’s inaugural Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA) Associate Director and a UC San Diego alumna, I am proud to welcome you to our community. One of my favorite times of the year is when we get to welcome new people to our campus and introduce them to our communities.

When the members of the Coalition for Critical Asian American Studies (CCAAS) conceived of this Lifebook in 2014, they wanted the diversity of APIMEDA students at UC San Diego to see themselves being successful on this campus, and for new members of our community to find ways to connect to those of us who have been here for a while. This Lifebook is intended to provide you with the information that will help you to navigate the campus academically and socially. Continuing APIMEDA students have told us what things have been most useful to them and what things they wish they knew and started to utilize sooner, and we did our best to put as much of that in this book as we could. We also asked APIMEDA staff and faculty to be amongst those resources.

We hope that you take the time to visit each of the campus resources listed and to attend student organization meetings to help you find your place on campus.

In addition, I hope that you visit APIMEDA Programs and Services. We are a young office that has continued to conceive of new ways to connect and grow. We hope you will join our communities.

But most importantly, we want you to know that there is a community full of people at UC San Diego who wants to help you to succeed. Please get to know us, ask us when you need help, and stop by just because you can. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,

Windi Sasaki

UC San Diego Class of 2000 APIMEDA Associate Director she/her/hers, they/them/theirs

T R I o T N S

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK TABLE OF

UCSD is filled with people who want you to be successful, and they may provide you with opportunities to work with them, organize, and gain some of the skills below. Part of preparing for success in your career is knowing how to capitalize on the resources at your disposal. That’s where this Lifebook comes in!

The Lifebook is a resource to help you achieve your goals no matter what they are! Written by students, for students, we’ve all been there. Let the Lifebook help set you up for your definition of success and gain skills that you can’t get in a classroom.

NACE'S TOP 10 SKILLS EMPLOYERS SEEK FROM RECENT GRADS

Skills that you can’t get in the classroom are also what interviewers are looking for! The skills listed here are the top skills employers want in recent graduates, and many of these are things you’ll get more experience with outside of the classroom. As you look through the Lifebook, see what other students have already made use of and what opportunities you can take for yourself!

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• Problem-solving skills

• Analytical thinking and quantitative skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Creativity, originality, and taking initiative

• Strong work ethic

• Technical skills

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Detail-oriented

APIMEDA PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Asian Pacific Isander Middle Eastern Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA) Programs and Services provides community and retention support for students who are part of our large and diverse APIMEDA communities. As the newest initiative within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion organizational structure, we are continuing to develop and grow programs that help our APIMEDA population find their place and thrive at UC San Diego.

who we are

“APIMEDA” describes domestic students who are Asian (including East, South, and Southeast Asian), Pacific Islander, and/or of Southwest Asian North African descent. APIMEDA people come from a large diversity of ethnic identities, whose population size varies widely in the US, California, and UCSD.

The students from the Coalition for Critical Asian American Studies (CCAAS) who advocated for this office used APIMEDA to describe the population. They sought to have an office that provided specific and targeted services for students who came from marginalized ethnic populations who were not being served directly by other campus offices.

OUR STAFF

MEET

what we do

We encourage community development that enhances coalition building with and within the APIMEDA students, staff, and faculty by fostering greater visibility for the diversity within the APIMEDA community and helping students gain skills for success in their future careers. Here are some notable programs we regularly hold!

APIMEDA COMMUNITY & COALITION

This conference is designed to provide students with strategies for creating coalitions and community through authentic experiences from your mind, heart and hands. Students are supported in implementing their plans with their peers and gain a deeper understanding of ways they can think about their shared experiences.

ASK APIMEDA SERIES

For this series, we bring in members of our community that have expertise in a wide range of topics so that students can hear about some of their experiences! Past invitees include academic advisors, CAPS staff, and alumni. We hope to give students the chance to make connections and enhance their college experience.

Hosted by APIMEDA and the LGBT Resource Center, this is a quarterly gathering for LGBTQ APIMEDA identified folx to be in community and find each other! Whether it be discussing the intersections of identities or having fun bonding, we hope to foster a supportive environment where our family can feel safe and thrive!

COMMUNITY TIME

This is a weekly community building event open to all, giving a chance to build new friendships and feel connected to others around campus. There are a variety of activities that happen each week, ranging from fun social gatherings to professional development to a collective study space.

apimeda lgbtq family gathering

community assistant

KELLY CALLEJO they/them/theirs

ALEXANDRA KIM they/them/theirs, she/her/hers

design & publications assistant

vivian yan she/her/hers

DISCOVERING YOUR CAREER COMPASS

These workshops teach students strategies that can help you explore concrete academic and career paths. Career Compass is a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with staff and advisors who can help center your own strengths, personal & cultural values as you explore options for the future.

&ME project

This project highlights coalition leaders that have made impactful strides with their legacy of activism. Students who participate have an opportunity to connect their own identities to the causes that these coalition leaders fight for and make a commitment to become more involved with APIMEDA communities.

One of our amazing campus partners!

Tracy Cruz

Assistant Dean of Academic Advising at Warren College, Career Compass Co-coordinator

PRONOUNS: She/Her IDENTITIES: 1st gen, Lowincome, Daughter of immigrant, Filipino/ Caucasian woman, Mom of 2 multiracial kids

“Students should get to know their College Advisors so they can better understand what they need to do in order to graduate, and to have a staff support person they can trust.”

APIMEDA Programs and Services also has a great community for graduate students, creating a sense of belonging amongst different grad students as well as providing support with overall development. Here are some grad-focused programs that we regularly hold that are open to everyone, including undergrad students!

GRAD CAFES

This is a nice event that happens regularly, allowing grad students to get some support and feel connected to other folks. It is structured as a virtual writing session, but there are also times for breaks and not getting work done is perfectly okay.

grad welcomes

There are so many different things to learn about the campus, but the APIMEDA grad welcomes help with giving a nice starting place. Not only do you get to meet other grad students, these are a chance to meet with staff and faculty and give you some go-to people right at the start of your time at UCSD.

WHAT HELPED YOU TRANSITION BETTER TO LIFE AT UCSD, BOTH ACADEMICALLY & PERSONALLY?

DANYA YASSINE

PRONOUNS: She/Her

MAJOR: Business Econ

COLLEGE: Sixth | 3rd Year Transfer

IDENTITIES: Lebanese, Palestinian, Muslim, Straight, Female

“What helped me transition to UC San Diego was creating my club and paving a space for a cultural community that I can share with the rest of the campus. My first quarter here, I extensively utilized the academic achievement hub, which I think is an under-utilized lifesaver.”

LORETTA CHENG

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

MAJOR: Human Biology

COLLEGE: Roosevelt | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: 1st Gen

“Something that has helped me transition to a better life here at UCSD academically would be learning to be more pro-active and willing to ask IAs for help during discussion or after has helped me understand class material a lot better. Learning to be more organized by using Google Calendar and planning out my work in advance has helped me not fall behind. Personally, exploring La Jolla and San Diego has helped me transition better because its pushed me out of my comfort zone to try new things. It also allowed me to find cute cafes and restaurants to try and study at.”

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

GRADUATE PROGRAM: Education Studies | 5th Year

IDENTITIES: Chinese American, Woman

“Developing personal relationships with people in all types of roles - not just graduate students. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know faculty and staff. I especially value forming relationships with undergraduate students beyond TA and student because I believe undergraduate students and graduate students have much more similarities and connections beyond the classroom.”

President of Middle Eastern and North African Student Association

CAMPUS COMMUNITY CENTERS

Campus Community Centers at UC San Diego build community among our diverse population of students, faculty and staff members. Each provides a forum to increase awareness of social issues, encourage dialogue, build community, improve retention, increase outreach, and foster academic success.

Black Resource Center

bcr.ucsd.edu

UC San Diego’s Black Resource Center promotes scholarship, fosters leadership, and cultivates community for students while centering the Black experience. Not only does the BRC serve undergraduate students, the center is also positioned as a resource for alumni, faculty, staff and the broader Black community.

Cross Cultural Center

The CCC strives to create a welcoming environment for students and staff alike from all different walks of life, identities, cultural backgrounds, and ethnicities. It’s a place where culture comes to life and where diversity is celebrated, which is shared through in their events, collaborations, and space.

ccc.ucsd.edu

Intertribal Resource Center

itrc.ucsd.edu

UC San Diego’s Intertribal Resource Center provides community, personal, academic, and leadership development for UC San Diego’s native and indigenous populations. Their space promotes overall increased educational accessibility for native students, and a place where they can study, learn, and be in community.

women.ucsd.edu

LGBT Resource Center

The LGBTRC is a great space to explore topics about sexuality and gender while meeting others in a friendly environment. It provides a visible presence of community, and is open to everyone, whether you want to learn more or have questions. The LGBTRC hosts a rainbow of programs and services for every letter in the LGBTQ+ acronym. This cozy space can feel like a home that supports an ever-growing family.

Raza Resource Centro

The RRC is an open and inclusive community space which strives to serve students primarily of Latinx and Chicanx descent and origin. The Centro is a lively space where students study, meet, write, get tutoring, and most importantly can lean on each other for support. It is a space where not only Latinx/Chicanx organizations hold meetings and events, but also where cultura, arte, and academics interconnect.

Women's Center

The WC is a space where people can come together and collaborate to support women from all walks of life. The Women’s Center provides education and support regarding gender issues, with the goal of promoting an inclusive and equitable campus community. Additional facilities specific to the center include a shower in the restroom and a private lactation room. Drop in to learn about more resources you can access or for engaging educational programs like the weekly Gender Buffet!

Kelly Judea Callejo

“The Women's Center, and the Cross-Cultural Center (and other Campus Community Centers!) have libraries with a nice book selection, and study space. The Women's Center also has a kitchen, and refrigerator, which are open for hot drink use, and storage of meals!”

WHY WERE YOU DRAWN TOWARDS YOUR CURRENT MAJOR?

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

MAJOR: Urban Studies & Planning, Education Studies

COLLEGE: Seventh | 2nd Year

IDENTITIES: Toisanese-American, 1st Generation, Queer

“While UC San Diego is known to be a STEM school, the social sciences, arts, and humanities here are incredible and the professors, especially in upper-division courses, are really passionate about the topics they teach and the research they do. Education and Urban Studies have given me the tools and language to identify the issues I saw & experienced growing up in urban schools back home. Take advantage of your passion! There is a professor, class, lab, or organization on campus that can help you explore your passions deeper.”

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

GRAD PROGRAM: Education Studies

and Cognitive Science/PhD | 4th year

IDENTITIES: Taiwanese-American, Daughter of immigrants

“As I double majored in Music and Cognitive Neuroscience, I have been passionate about combining my interests in the education context. With the resesearch practitioner partnership through my research projects, I characterize early cognitive development in associations with music in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.”

PRONOUNS: He/Him/His

MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE: Warren | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: Vietnamese-American

“I was drawn to mechanical engineering because of how broad and applicable it is. While I was initially unsure of what I would do with it, I realized that one of my passions was building sustainable communities, through renewable energy and energy efficiency. It brought me to participate in unique projects on campus like an electric car project and building a fully solar-powered house with Triton Solar Decathlon.”

Johnny Nguyen

APSA LEAP Access Coordinator at SPACES

NAOmi lin EDS Cohort Representative

VERONICA LIU

APSA LEAP / Workshop Coordinator

STUDENT WELLNESS SERVICES

College is a time to practice and learn wellness skills that will be useful when becoming a working professional. Student wellness services helps students so that they can feel good, get fit, be safe, and find resources easily for healthy, balanced living.

Health promotion services

Health Promotion Services assesses the needs of students on campus to promote the policies and activities that will keep them living healthy lifestyles. They offer tons of informational and counseling services that cover a wide range of health related topics for whatever you need!

THE HUB

Basic needs are super important to being successful. Between housing, food, and finances, it can be a lot to juggle but the Hub is a space made to ensure students have these essentials! Working with on and off-campus resources, the Hub can help students meet their day-to-day needs.

Triton Food Pantry

No matter what your circumstance is, all students need to eat. With open hours every day, TFP is a student-run service that seeks to reduce the challenges that students can face related to food insecurity and make sure that each student has enough energy to be successful. Make sure to drop by regularly and grab some food through weekly assigned free points!

Student Health ServiceS

SHS strives to provide all students with access to quality healthcare. Services provided range from urgent care, x-rays, vaccines, and mental health care to ultimately ensure that students are developing and maintaining healthy, safe lifestyles.

The Zone

When you want to step out of those busy college schedules, The Zone is there for you! The Zone is a lounge that promotes healthy, balanced living to students with programs like cooking, yoga, and therapy fluffies. As a space to relax, hang out, study, and sip some free tea there are a bunch of ways to practice some self care.

UCSD RECREATION

Want to get into climbing? Join an inner tube water polo team? UCSD Recreation offers you opportunities to move your body, learn new skills, and have some fun. Along with their many free facilities on campus, there are a wide variety of classes they offer, teams you can join or create, and chances to go on recreation trips!

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOICAL SERVICES

College can be difficult, and sometimes it’s hard to know who to turn to in moments when you might feel alone. Here at UCSD, we have CAPS to help! You can always contact CAPS whether it be stress, anxiety, personal or family struggles, depression, identity issues, or just generally any time you feel like you just need to talk to a professional. There is no stigma when it comes to your personal wellbeing, so if you need to talk and let it out, CAPS is the place to go.

APIMEDA COMMUNITY FORUM

Each quarter, our CAPS staff partners with APIMEDA Programs and Services to host Community Forums. These are informal drop-in groups designed for APIMEDA students to gather in community and discuss topics relevant to their experiences. The topic of conversation varies each week and can depend on what the people attending want to talk about. Drop in to share conversations and be in community with others who might be having similar experiences. Check out the APIMEDA Programs and Services e-news for dates and locations.

Also an awesome campus partner!

dr. Louie Limas

Staff

Psychologist,

CAPS Liaison

PRONOUNS: He/Him/His IDENTITIES: Filipino, Mexican, 1st Generation college student

“I am here to not only provide students mental health services but to also be a figure that students can relate to on both a professional or personal level. I think it is important for students to see staff who are from a shared identity (e.g., first gen, biracial).”

CARE AT SARC

CARE at SARC is a free, confidential resource for students, staff or faculty who are survivors or those supporting survivors that have been impacted by issues such as sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. The office, which is located on the 5th Floor of the Student Services Center in Suite 500, specializes in two main functions: prevention education and support services. They are on-call after hours and on weekends for crisis support. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact CARE @ SARC at (858) 534-5793, e-mail us at careinfo@ucsd.edu or stop by our office, where our hours are listed on our website at care.ucsd.edu, and we will do our best to address them. If you’d like to stay updated on upcoming events and workshops, feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@ucsdcare)!

#selfCARE STRATEGIES

grounding

get out of your head and tap into your physical senses EXAMPLES

SIGHT TOUCH

SMELL

READ &LEARN

emotional release

give yourself space to let it all out EXAMPLES

POP A FEW BALLOONS

self-love

become your own best friend EXAMPLES

FORGIVE YOURSELF

thought challenge

take some time to think about it EXAMPLES

CLEAN& ORGANIZE

WATCH A MOVIE / SHOW

LISTEN

TO MUSIC

TALK TO A FRIEND

MAKE A TO-DO LIST

• for short term relief

• break from heart & mind

• gets you through crisis

• doesn’t address underlying issues

• unsustainable strategy for long periods of time

TASTE HEARING

FOCUS ON YOUR SURROUNDINGS

NOTICE THE TEMPERATURE SIP ON A HOT/COLD DRINK

YOURSELF WITH COLD WATER SPLASH

PRACTICE GUIDED VISUALIZATION

LAUGH & CRY IT OUT

life purpose

tap into what nurtures your soul EXAMPLES

IT’S OKAY TO SAY NO

WRITE DOWN ALL YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

& DANCE LOUDLY SING

SCREAM &SHOUT TRY OUT BOXING

GO OUTDOORS & GET ACTIVE

TAKE A REFRESHING SHOWER ORDER TAKE-OUT

QUIET YOUR INNER CRITIC

DECLUTTER YOUR MIND & LIFE

TREAT YOURSELF

IMAGINE THEY WERE WRITTEN BY SOMEONE YOU CARED FOR

HOW WOULD YOU FEELOR REACT?

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM?

VOLUNTEER & JOIN A CAUSE CONNECT WITH FRIENDS&FAMILY

PRAY

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

SHARE PEACE & POSITIVITY

SEE THE WORLD BUILD CONNECTIONS

• reduces physicality of anxiety and strong emotions

• slows disassociation (feeling numb, floaty, disconnected)

PROS CONS

• sometimes it’s best to stay a bit disassociated

• best for anger & fear

• releases pressure and overwhelming emotion

PROS CONS

• difficult to do for every life situation

• not sustsainable for long periods of time

• build an inner support system

• self-compassion leads to an increased resilience and decreased stress.

PROS CONS

• very difficult to achieve

• may at times feel superficial

• may help shift long-term negative thinking habits

• thinking logically can help reduce extreme emotion

PROS CONS

• this is harder to do when facing stronger emotions

• difficult to practice when addressing guilt and/or shame

For more information on resources, programs, and support services, contact the CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center: Student Services Center, 5th Floor, Suite 500 careinfo@ucsd.edu | (858)534-5793 | care.ucsd.edu

• reminder that everyone is valuable

• life-purpose can be found in many different way

PROS CONS

• may get stuck on focusing on saving everyone else

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

There are a variety of services on campus dedicated towards supporting students with financial guidance, professional development opportunities, academic success regardless of ability, and much more. These services are geared towards assisting students to succeed at UCSD.

Campus Safety

This office aims to provide all students with guidance and assistance for financial support. Some examples include loans, applications, work study, and study abroad/ exchange programs. They also host walk-ins for asking quick questions and provide new scholarship information.

Living Learning Communities

LLCs are identity themed housing spaces that allow you to get to know and grow with the people you live with. The LLCs are each characterized by housing within the same residence location, share the same co-curricular experiences, access to resources, and engage in activities that reinforce common affinities such as aspects of culture. There are currently the LGBTQIA+, Multi-Cultural, Black Graduate Experience, African Black Diaspora, and Raza LLCs and International House in undergraduate housing and the Black Graduate Experience LLC in Graduate and Family Housing.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

The mission of the UC San Diego Police department is to ensure and maintain a safe campus for students. Some services and programs they offer are safety escorts, residential security, and lost and found. If students ever feel unsafe, blue tower call boxes equipped with cameras and courtesy phones are found in many campus parking lots and outdoor sites that directly connect to campus police.

Office of Student with Disabilities

OSD aims to accommodate students who have documented disabilities with personalized support and assistance to help ensure their success at UCSD. They can provide permanent or temporary assistance for physical, mental, academic, and social disabilities in different situations such as classroom or laboratory settings.

Student Veterans Resource Center

The SVRC is a space on campus for UCSD’s population of students who are affiliated with the military. It is for students to come to gather, study, and meet with campus community members who can specifically serve the student veteran population and ensure they are successful in a university environment.

Triton Transfer Hub

The Triton Transfer Hub is a new entity on campus aimed at providing transfer students with access to resources that will help them succeed and feel like a part of the UCSD community. The hub provides study space, networking opportunities, workshops, and a friendly place to socialize.

Student Legal Services

SLS offers services ranging from counseling, attorney referrals, and workshops. They can assist in civil, criminal, UCSD Conduct Coderelated issues, or any other legal problem/ concern a student may have. They also host a preventive legal education program to help with legal life skills and empower them to make informed legal decisions.

Undocumented Student Services

This center strives to support and protect undocumented students, students from mixed-status families, and these students’ families through legal advice and services. It is a resource that provides undocumented students a sense of community and connection with other undocumented students who can empathize and help each other.

Marie Tiendung Nguyen

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

MAJOR: Oceanography

COLLEGE: Marshall | 3rd Year Transfer

IDENTITIES: VietnameseAmerican

“The Triton Transfer Hub was an immense source of relief during the beginning stages of transitioning to UCSD. Additionally, they have a program with transfer peer coaches so you can ask any questions related to classes, life on campus, or overall any advice they'd recommend in order to have a smoother transition.”

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

Part of being a successful college student is learning how to take advantage of all the academic resources here on campus. The Academic Resource Services at UCSD will help you find strategies to work more efficiently and effectively, explore career paths, and combine what you learn in class with your future career.

Academic Internship Program

AIP connects students with opportunities to explore careers, engage with communities, and enrich their education through experiential learning. The Academic Internship Program allows students to integrate academic theory into real world practice, engage in research that explores the relationship between the two, and gain hands-on experience in professional settings.

Digital Media Lab

Geisel Library’s DML provides a space for media creation and editing open to all UCSD faculty, staff, and students. There are options for video editing (Adobe Premiere), image manipulation (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), sound editing (Audacity), 3D modeling (Blender, Solidworks), photogrammetry (Agisoft Pro), and basic productivity (MS Office, web browsers, Adobe Acrobat Pro). The DML is completely self-service and you can make reservations on their website.

Career Center

The Career Center is a resource for UCSD students to consult if you have questions about topics such as long term career plans, plans after college, advice about finding jobs and internships, or resume and cover letter help. It also has books and resources such as test prep books, Grad school books, etc. If you need help starting to think about your career, haven’t written a resume or cover letter yet and need guidance, or want to take personality quizzes to find out what interests you, the Career Center is the place to go.

Cam linh pham

Associate Director of

Career Development & Industry Engagement

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

IDENTITIES: VietnameseAmerican, 1st Generation, Immigrant

“Not only do I organize career development workshops and events for our students, I also meet with students on a daily basis to provide help on resume/cover letter writing, negotiating, utilizing career tools/ resources, preparing for graduate school, and so much more.”

OASIS

The Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) helps students adjust and transition to academic life in college. In addition, they also help students gain confidence in themselves as scholars, developing their leadership ability and cultural competence. OASIS provides academic support services and transition programs for students at various class levels through tutoring and mentoring. They also offer opportunities for hands-on learning through structured programs!

Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Office is a valuable resource on campus for students interested in international scholar programs. The office can provide you with information about many different options for students to study abroad as well as information about financing them.

More more more talented campus partners!

SPACES

Student Promoted Access Center for Education and Services (SPACES) is a student-run program that aims to increase access and retention of UCSD students.

SPACES strives to build leadership and unity among students as well as reach higher education equity. They provide many programs to help students navigate their academics through programs centering students in SPACES-affiliated organizations, overnight programs for high school students, a book-lending program, and many more.

Teaching + Learning Commons

The Teaching and Learning Commons is a hub at UCSD designed to provide students with ways to apply what they are learning in practical settings. They provide resources on receiving internships, information about research opportunities, and ways to track the learning done in student organizations and volunteer opportunities on their cocurricular record.

Undergraduate Research Hub

Alanna

“Using the library resources and services can save you valuable time. Make friends with the librarians--we love to help!”

Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion & Ethnic Studies Libarian

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

IDENTITIES: Multiracial, queer, Japanese American, parent

The Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) provides undergraduate students with opportunities for mentoring, placement into research, and opportunities to interact with faculty. URH designs their programs to encourage undergraduate students to continue their education after receiving their Bachelor’s degree.

Aiko moore

INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

UC San Diego offers a wide range of ways to get experience in your field of interest while you interact with their vibrant communities! Here’s a few places you can jump right into getting involved.

Envision

The EnVision Arts and Engineering Maker Studio at UC San Diego is a hands-on, experiential educational facility where visual arts and engineering communities converge. It is here to empower students to think, design, make, tinker, break and build again.

IDEA Center

The IDEA Engineering Student Center provides engineering students with academic support and social engagement that enhances values of diversity for a global community.

Sustainability Resource Center

The SRC educates students about environmental, social and economic stewardship related to sustainability. They are committed to creating models that balance the relationship between humans and the natural environment so that future generations can fulfill their needs.

Global Ties

Global TIES gives students an opportunity to apply their skills and co-create sustainable solutions for nonprofits and NGOs. By tackling needs in San Diego and the developing world, students learn the potential effects of their work both on a local and global scale.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND APPLIED LEARNING

The Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) Portal helps students discover internships and other hands-on experiential learning opportunities.

The Basement

The Basement provides a creative space, mentorship, entrepreneurship programming, and resources to support aspiring innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers at UCSD. It brings together students and alumni, ideas and inspiration, earnest ambition, and real-world experience.

HOW HAVE YOU WORKED THROUGH A MORE CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR TIME AT UCSD?

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

GRAD PROGRAM: Bioengineering PhD Program | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: Filipino-American, Daughter of Immigrants, Christian Scientist

“When it came to the academically difficult classes, I worked a lot with study groups during my first year whether it was reviewing the material or even understanding and then attempting pretty intense coding assignments. As for a more personal level, when balancing both academic and personal life got really tough, I went to group therapy sessions offered by CAPS and/or individual 1-1 sessions which alleviated a lot of my own concerns and/or anxiety.”

rianna iris

brodeth challoy Student Leader

PRONOUNS: They/Them

MAJOR: Human Biology

COLLEGE: Marshall | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: Pilipino, 1st Gen, Genderqueer

“To get through the challenging moments, I feel that it’s important to know that you have communities on campus either going through the same thing or are working to help you get through that rough patch. Having open and honest communication with professors is also really helpful, especially when deadlines sneak up on you. Taking things one at a time while also making time for yourself, while it seems contradictory, is really really helpful. I realized that the busier I get, the slower I need to go when approaching assignments.”

PRONOUNS: He/Him/His

GRAD PROGRAM: History/PhD |

2nd Year

IDENTITIES: VietnameseAmerican, Buddhist, Educator

“Three ways:

1) Focusing on what is in my control

2) Giving myself grace when I stumble

3) Aiming to be a better person than yesterday”

Phoebe ValdeS

Part of the April 2022 grad panel, STEM grad mentor

Alexander Hung

Quoc Dinh

APIMEDA STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

APIMEDA Programs and Services connects with student organizations as affiliates to help support their leadership development and connect with students, staff, and faculty. Student Organizations are an excellent way to build leadership, career skills and a support network all while getting involved at UC San Diego!

Afghan StudenT Association

Our purpose is to unite students of Afghan background for cultural support and inclusion, to bring a sense of warmth and community amongst the Afghan population at UCSD, and to learn about the complexities of our country’s history as well as provide a safe space for students to express their cultural and personal identity despite the negative associations we have faced in the news.

APIs For Humanities

APIAH is a nonprofit studentled organization designed to foster a supportive close-knit community for API students and creatives interested in the arts & humanities.

apiah0.wixsite.com/ucsdapiah

facebook.com/apsaucsd

instagram.com/ucsdasa

Asian Pacific-Islander Student Alliance

APSA strives to create a space where political, educational, cultural, and social issues can be addressed; to increase awareness about API history and heritage; to unite and represent a common voice and empower ourselves; and to serve as a basis for building bonds and addressing differences between students.

Cambodian Student Association

CSA believe that by (1) building and strengthening identification of the Cambodian culture among community, (2) offering academic, social, and moral encouragement and (3) developing social networks that will assist us in college and in our lives thereafter, we will have established rare relationships and support systems based on common principles and values with fellow members who share common interests.

facebook.com/CSAUCSD1

Chi Delta Theta

CDT emphasizes the importance of empowerment within the Asian American community while promoting the significance of embracing one’s identity. We accept individuals of all sexualities, races, religious backgrounds and genders. Furthermore, our purpose is to promote friendship, communication, cultural awareness and social activity among university students. We all stand as one to strive to further our goals both academically and socially.

KP strives to fulfill an enriching and holistic college experience for its members by providing social, political, academic, and cultural experiences (S.P.A.C.E.) and empowerment. It is the duty of KP to provide workshops, events, and general body meetings that promote the growth of its members in all aspects of S.P.A.C.E.

sdchideltswebdesig.wixsite.com/ sdchideltatheta

Hmong Student Association

The HSA is a cultural organization that unifies Hmong college students to promote and increase awareness about the Hmong culture/identity among the UC San Diego students, staff, and community. In addition, we foster and support the retention of Hmong students in higher education at all levels surrounding UC San Diego.

facebook.com/groups/ucsdkp

facebook.com/HSAUCSD

Kaibigang Pilipin@

Middle Eastern North African Student Association

The mission of M.E.N.A.S.A. is to increase M.E.N.A. student involvement by creating a community and place of belonging regardless of ethnic, political, or religious identities. M.E.N.A.S.A. will also advocate for issues happening overseas and educate other UC San Diego students about these conflicts. We are ecstatic about sharing the different M.E.N.A. cultures with the organization and the rest of the UC San Diego Campus while welcoming all M.E.N.A. students and its regions allies. instagram.com/mena_ucsandiego

Multi Identity Art Collective

The MIAC was founded with the intention of creating an inclusive and warm artist space here at UCSD. The Collective is welcoming of all personal identities, experience levels, and artistic mediums. Members will learn technical art skills and art critique. The Collective guarantees a welcoming atmosphere for all who wish to create art and stand against discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexuality.

miacucsd.wixsite.com

Nikkei Student Union

NSU is an all-inclusive Japanese-American social and cultural student organization. We aim to create a safe space for conversations around Japanese-American and Japanese culture, identity, history, and community.

Mixed Student Union

MSU strives to increase and highlight cultural exchange amongst members and the campus at large, as well as create a welcoming and inclusive community for people of multicultural identities.

instagram.com/ucsd_msu

linktr.ee/ucsdnsu

Muslim Student Association

MSA strives to develop individuals by means of spiritual, social, and educational avenues through which a foundation based on Islamic principles is instilled. We stand to unite and retain these individuals and nurture a diverse community.

instagram.com/msaucsd

Pacific Islander Student Association

PISA’s mission is to provide a sense of community for students who identify as Pacific Islander or wish to be a part of and learn about the Pacific Islander community.

instagram.com/ucsdpisa

Queer and Trans* People of Color

QTPOC’s purpose on campus is to create a space for queer and trans students of color where we can find community with one another and learn more about the intersections of other’s identities, and more about ourselves.

facebook.com/qtpocucsd

Pilipin@ Undergrad Society for Health

PUSH believes in the empowerment of Pilipinx students. We are leaders of the Pilipinx community who strive to serve, establish networking opportunities and collaborations, and promote education and awareness of health issues to direct ourselves towards our future goals in health professions.

pushucsd.wixsite.com/home

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

The SASE at UCSD is a preprofessional organization dedicated to promoting professional development and preparing undergraduates for their futures, whether it be graduate school, research in a lab, an engineer, or anything in-between. We help students by organizing professional events and workshops, such as our annual networking event Dining with Professionals, resume workshops, and more.

saseatucsd.weebly.com

Sri Lankan Student Association

Our mission is to gather the Sri Lankan student community and those interested in the country of Sri Lanka within UC San Diego. The Sri Lankan Student Association aims to promote Sri Lankan culture and showcase Sri Lankan traditions through several mediums.

TRITONS FOR ISRAEL

TFI is the proIsrael student organization at UC San Diego. We are dedicated to raising awareness about Israel and celebrating Israeli culture, educating students and encouraging dialogue, as well as promoting peace in the Middle East.

studentorg.ucsd.edu/home/Details/14356

facebook.com/groups/ SriLankanStudentAssociation

Center for Student Involvement provides resources and opportunities to assist student organizations, events, Greek Life, and select communicaiton and leadership programs to help enrich student involvement and growth. Get involved by searching Facebook for groups or check out this list: studentorg.ucsd.edu

• Armenian Student Association

• Asayake Taiko

• Chinese American Student Association

• Coalition for Critical Asian American Studies

• Da Real Punjabiz

• Korean American Student Association

• Malaysians in America at UCSD

• Medics in Armenia

• Multi Asian Student Association

• Pan-Arab Student Association

• San Diego Indonesian Association

• Sangam

• Singapore Students Association

• Students for Justice in Palestine

• Taiwanese American Student Association

• Thai Student Union

• Turkish Student Association

• Vietnamese Student Association

• Women of MENA

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR CLASSES, EITHER ABOUT YOURSELF OR WHAT YOU WERE STUDYING?

PRONOUNS: She/They

MAJOR: Vis Arts - Studio

COLLEGE: Sixth | 5th Year

IDENTITIES: Mixed filipinx queer lesbian libra

“The greatest thing I learned during my undergraduate experience was that my education belongs to me. For most of my life I felt like I was learning for a quiz, a test, a grade. I was convinced I had to turn in what was expected of me. There were a handful of teachers who helped me see the importance of my personal intentions: to have fun, to move, to learn about myself, and to create myself. These are the lessons I put my energy toward, through taking dance classes for the first time, taking a course about queer Filipinx diasporic literature, and giving myself the time to focus on painting and connect more to what inspires me.”

PABODHA RATNAYAKE

Co-President

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

MAJOR: Neurobiology

COLLEGE: Roosevelt | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: First generation, Sri Lankan American, Sinhalese, Buddhist

“The most surprising thing I learned from classes here was that you do not always need to get a high or perfect score on a test to get a good grade in the class overall. Even if you fail one exam, there is always a chance of getting a good grade at the end of the quarter. And sometimes, the ranges to get an A is lower than the normal range, making it easier to get better grades.”

HAILEY DUONG

Tutor

PRONOUNS: They/Them/Theirs & She/Her/Hers

MAJOR: Computer Science

COLLEGE: Marshall | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: Chinese-Vietnamese, Queer, Woman-Adjacent

“It’s okay to ask for help, and you’re not meant to know or understand everything right off the bat. I came into university with a sort of a pride, that I was to be the one helping and not the one being helped. Admitting that you don’t understand and getting help is one of the best ways to make bonds and learn faster.”

Former CSE

Former OASIS Mxntor & Student Coordinator

KIMMIE KOPP

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU DURING YOUR TIME AT UCSD?

“On a normal Saturday morning, I woke up and walked out of my room to the balcony of my suite. And saw a tiny bird, with yellow and grey feathers, standing on the rail. As soon as I approached it, it took flight. My artwork "The flyer" captures this beautiful creature in motion, while I filled in the inner parts of the bird with patterns of my imagination. This tiny bird greatly inspired me, since it showed me the beauty and agility of nature, and further boosted my love for my major, biology.”

MARINA ZHU

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

“This artwork features a lotus made out of CDs rotating around a lightbulb. During my time at UCSD I was constantly exposed to a mixture of Humanities and STEM. I realized that I did not have to choose one or another, instead I could incorporate both into my practice. I am constantly grateful to the ICAM department for inspiring me and showing how technology and art can work harmoniously and pave the way for new innovations.”

KRISTY LEE

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

MAJOR: ICAM & Cognitive Science (Design Interaction)

MINOR: Studio Art

COLLEGE: Roosevelt | 4th Year

kristymleeart.com

AAPI STUDIES PROGRAM

After decades of activism, most recently by the Coalition for Critical Asian American Studies, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Studies Program started in Fall 2020. The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Studies minor centers the study of race, power, and inequality in contemporary Asian American and Pacific Islander life. This Program, housed in the Institute of Arts and Humanities, hosts events on Asian American and Pacific Islander issues and joint events with APIMEDA Programs and Services and other groups to help connect students, staff and faculty.

Most importantly, undergraduate students can minor in AAPI Studies! You can find the requirements and list of approved courses on their website here: aapi.ucsd.edu/.

project grow

After the AAPI Studies Program started in Fall 2020, there was a desire to document the efforts and activism that lead to the start of AAPI Studies at UC San Diego. Both undergraduate and graduate students work to identify documents from the history, build a timeline of events, and collect oral histories from people involved in the movements at different times. Students involved have built a supportive community, and gain research and archival experience.

You can learn more about Project GROW here: knit.ucsd.edu/grow/. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Windi Sasaki from APIMEDA Programs and Services or the Program Director of the AAPI Studies Program.

VANESSA NA

Graduate Teaching Consultant

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

GRAD PROGRAM: Education Studies | 5th Year

IDENTITIES: Khmer American, daughter of refugees

“My time with the Generating and Reclaiming our Wisdoms (GROW) Project will continue to stay with me beyond UCSD. Not only was I able to engage in archival research with undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff, I was able to understand how my own experience at UCSD was deeply intertwined with those who have come before and those who will come after.

I feel so honored to have listened to these stories that have shaped UCSD.”

GRADUATE RESOURCES

Being a successful graduate student means you’ll want to take advantage of resources too! Graduate students can utilize most of the resources listed so far, but these are resources that have a specific focus for graduate students that we wanted to spotlight. These are also open to undergraduates, so be sure to check them out either way!

Engaged Teaching Hub

As a part of the Teaching + Learning Commons, the ETH offers resources, workshops, and consultations for tutors, teaching assistants, and instructors to support your teaching practices and pedagogical development. Graduate students can also take advantage of the Introduction to College Teaching course and the Summer Graduate Teaching Scholars program.

Another awesome campus partner!

doreen hsu

Writing Hub Grad Writing Consultant Liaison

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

GRAD PROGRAM: PhD | 5th Year

IDENTITIES: Taiwanese American

“As a grad student, it’s hard to make time for socializing outside of our own departments, and I’m grateful for the grad side of services that APIMEDA Programs provides. I have made a lot of my friends through APIMEDA Programs and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Career Nights

Sponsored by grAdvantage and the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), these events expose students to UCSD alums to showcase a variety of career opportunities. There are usually speakers and Q&A, with a social component to mingle for a mix of professional and social experience.

NCFDD

The National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity offers professional development, training, and a mentoring community for graduate students. You automatically get a free membership by being affiliated with UCSD!

Writing Hub

Also underneath the Teaching + Learning Commons umbrella, the Writing Hub offers consultations for graduate students led by other graduate students. This is a great opportunity to workshop your thesis/ dissertations, course papers, possible publications, grant applications, teaching statements, and more!

WHAT INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, OR VOLUNTEER WORK HAVE YOU COMPLETED WHILE YOU WERE A STUDENT AT UCSD?

WHAT ARE SOME MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES/LESSONS FROM IT?

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

GRAD PROGRAM: History | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: Chinese-Vietnamese American, Daughter of a refugee, Queer

“I am the current Climate and Community Intern for APIMEDA Programs & Services! There is a lot of labor that goes into building and maintaining community, be it through planning and coordinating events or simply making such spaces visible for folks. I will forever be appreciative of such people who dedicate their time to building these spaces for everyone!”

PRONOUNS: She/They

MAJOR: Sociocultural Anthropology & History

COLLEGE: Roosevelt | 4th Year

IDENTITIES: Mixed (Jamaican, Chinese, German)

“I have had the opportunity to intern twice on Capitol Hill, and with APAPA, a non-profit whose goal is to promote the interests of Asian and Pacific Islanders through public policy initiatives. All three experiences were amazing, and more than anything I learned the importance of active communication, and project management.”

PRONOUNS: She/They

MAJOR: Global Health

COLLEGE: Muir | 3rd Year

IDENTITIES: Pan-Asian (Japanese, Filipino, Indian), Queer/Bisexual, and Spiritual :)

“I was an Joy de la Cruz Art and Activism intern at the Cross-Cultural Center where I created and presented a self-initiated research project titled: Abolition Medicine: Transformative and Restorative Practices where I discuss how we can transform medicine as we know it to really heal people in a way that does not uphold capitalistic forms of healthcare. As part of my role as an intern, I utilized art as a way to talk about social justice education and I learned a lot about public speaking, creating educational presentations, as well as experienced a lot of growth in terms of professional development.”

SOPHIA HINDS President of Mixed Student Union

MIRA HAGIWARA GUPTA

APSA Co-Chair

Catherine Quan Potmesil

APIMEDA Programs & Services Climate and Community Intern

POPULAR STUDY PLACES

Middle of Muir

MOM is a cute coffee shop that offers couches, tables computers, printers, and the MOM&POP Shop. Bringing the quintessential coffee shop experience to UCSD, Muir woods is the energetic heart of campus that exudes positive vibes while you study.

The Loft

Located on the 2nd floor of PC, the Loft sets a chill backdrop with lots of space to do work. This space mainly serves food and drinks and has events at night, but during the day you can chow down while you study!

UCSD’s main library has multiple floors and layouts for groups and individuals. There are computer stations, study rooms, and printing machines for your access. You can also rent chargers, reserve available course books, and much more!

Geisel

Treehouse Lounge

The treehouse lounge above the General Store is a sunny spot where you can access printers, computers, comfy couches. On top of that, being in the middle of the Old Student Center makes it the perfect place if you want to take a break and visit one of the many nearby co-ops!

WongAvery Library

WongAvery lies hidden on the opposite side of Library Walk from Geisel. It is another large study space with multiple layouts, computer stations, study rooms, and more. If you want a silent space to get into the grind, this is the perfect place to go.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU DURING YOUR TIME AT UCSD?

Heather Nicosia

MAJOR: Visual Arts | 2nd Year

“

UC San Diego’s beautiful campus always inspires me. The architecture may be brutalist, but it makes nature shine in a special way. Getting outside in the sun in between classes, to do homework or just to relax, energizes me and brightens up my day. Take the time to photosynthesize!”

“This is charcoal and watercolor of Geisel library. For me, Geisel Library was one of the most memorable place on campus -- from late night study jams, trying to sneak pizza in to play DnD, A Cappella callbacks, and so much more. This image reminds me that life was always in motion on campus, memorializing my busy school days and hectic college schedule. The quick sketches and scribbled lines are chaotic showcasing the confusion and messiness that college can become. But at the end of the day, it makes up the bigger picture of our experiences and memories.”

Fia Nguyen

PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers

COLLEGE: Marshall | 4th Year

MAJOR: Communication, Visual Arts Media

TRANSPORTATION TIPS

UC San Diego provides a variety of transportation services and resources to facilitate access to campus and medical centers. This includes access to public transportation MTS buses, campus wide shuttle loops, and carpooling incentive based programs. Transportation services also handles on campus parking permit sales and citation appeals.

Rider Tips

U-Pass provides students unlimited rides on all regional MTS and NCTD mass transit bus and trolley/light rail routes. Check it out here: u-pass.ucsd.edu

Download the PRONTO app and create an account using your UCSD email to access your U-PASS included in your student fees.

Alternative Options

Zipcar can be useful if you already have a license. You can apply online and rent a car by the hour. There are many Zipcar locations all over campus. Students can get a discount at: transportation.ucsd.edu/campus/ car-sharing.html

UCSD has teamed up with Lyft to provide you with free ride credit during certain times: blink.ucsd.edu/travel/ partners/lyft/index.html

You should have your pass under the “Use” section. When it is loaded there should be a QR code that you will scan each time you board the bus.

Some MTS buses and Campus Shuttle Loop run in both directions. Always be mindful of which direction you’re going while riding the bus.

Don’t get passed by the bus! Download the transit app and keep track of when buses are coming.

If you find yourself without a ride between the hours of 11:30PM - 6AM, check out Triton Rides, a free shuttle service for students and faculty seven days a week. Call (858) 534-9255 to request a ride.

The Holiday Airport Shuttle provides students transportation between Rupertus Lane and the San Diego International Airport during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Make reservations in advance as seats are limited.

APIMEDA STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Our staff have tons of responsibilities across every field imaginable. Because of this, they know just how to help students navigate the campus, connect to future careers or mentors, provide support, and make our campus feel a little bit more like home. Some are even alumni with firsthand UCSD experience! The APIMEDA staff listed here have volunteered to share their contact information because they want to better support students seeking other folks in their community. Feel free to reach out at any time, they look forward to meeting you!

Vietnamese-American, Chinese-American she/her/hers aihuynh@ucsd.edu

Alanna Aiko Moore Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion & Ethnic Studies Libarian Library

Multiracial, queer, Japanese American, parent she/her/hers aamoore@ucsd.edu

Alexandra Vargas Humanities Program Coordinator Revelle College Filipino she/her/hers alexandra@ucsd.edu

Alyssa Patricio Senior Academic Advisor John Muir College

1st generation college graduate, Filipina American she/her/hers apatricio@ucsd.edu

1st generation college graduate, Filipina-American, daughter of immigrants she/her/hers alaserna@ucsd.edu

Student Involvement

1st generation College Graduate and Filipinx American he/him aamorao@ucsd.edu

Management Services

Chinese-Vietnamese, UCSD Doctoral Student, Spiritually Connected to Buddhism, He/Him/His/ 他 ahua@ucsd.edu

Aimee Huynh Salesforce Administrator Rady School of Management

Andrea Laserna Program ManagerScience & Sustainability Division of Extended Studies

Andrew Amorao Community Service Program Manager Center for

Andrew Hua Director of Student Affairs Case Management Services Student Affairs Case

“Take the time to map out your college expererience, not just what you’re studying to become.”

alumni alumni

alumni

Director of Outreach, Access, Recruitment, and Retention Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs

Pilipina American, 1st Generation College Graduate, Daughter of Immigrants she/her/hers avyang@ucsd.edu

Anju

Scholar-Athlete Development and Eligibility Advisor Athletics

Nisei, Japanese American she/her/hers astringer@ucsd.edu

Taiwanese-American, transracial adoptee, former foster youth she/her/hers ael007@ucsd.edu

Services

Chinese, Vietnamese, mixed race, 1st generation college grad he/him/his, they/them/theirs bcrie@ucsd.edu

Associate Director of Career Development & Industry Engagement

Career Center

Vietnamese-American, 1st Generation, Immigrant she/her/hers campham@ucsd.edu

be afraid to fail. Use that experience to learn, grow and become even stronger, wiser, and resilient. And don't forget to enjoy the present moment!”

Associate Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Residence Life Seventh College Residence Life

Japanese American, born and raised on O’ahu, Hawaii she/her/hers curabe@ucsd.edu

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Filipino American, Plus Size, Only Child she/her/hers clargoza@ucsd.edu

Christine

Assistant Director of Operations Office of Innovation & CommercializationThe Basement she/her/hers clliou@ucsd.edu

Assistant Dean of Academic Advising Eleanor Roosevelt College

Taiwanese-American, multilingual (Taiwanese, Mandarin, Spanish, English) she/her/hers cihsu@ucsd.edu

College

Chinese-American, 1st generation immigrant she/her/hers, they/them/theirs c7sun@ucsd.edu

Cyrus

Assistant

of Academic Advising Seventh College

Filipino-American he/him/his rcsteele@ucsd.edu

Angeline Yang

Stringer

Annie Lin Student Affairs Case Manager Case Management Services

Brian Crie Programs & Operations Coordinator APIMEDA Programs and

Liou

Cindy Hsu

Claire Sun Academic Advisor Seventh

Steele

Dean

Cam Linh Pham

Cari Ann Urabe

Chelsea H. Largoza Special Events/Outreach Coordinator

“Failure builds character, don't

alumni alumni alumni alumni

alumni alumni

Diana Joy Go Intake and Operations Coordinator Student Affairs Case Management Services

1st generation college graduate, FilipinaAmerican, San Diego born and raised she/her/hers dgo@ucsd.edu

Doug Easterly Dean of Academic Advising John Muir College

Japanese American/Nikkei, nisei, hapa he/him/his douge@ucsd.edu

Dr Hemlata Jhaveri Associate Vice Chancellor Housing, Dining, and Hospitality HDH

1st generation college graduate she/her/hers hjhaveri@ucsd.edu

“At HDH, we celebrate the culture, food and traditions of our diverse students by offering inclusive arts, dining and residential programs.”

alumni alumni

Dulce Dorado Director, International Students and Programs Office

Global Initiatives

Filipino-American, 1st Gen College Graduate she/her/hers ddorado@ucsd.edu

Eddie L. Paje Assistant Director, TRIO Student Support Services Program

OASIS

Mixed Race Pacific Islander he/his/him epaje@ucsd.edu

eeman agrama minert Human Resources

Egyptian, Bay-Area native, Artist, mother she/her eeman@ucsd.edu

Emily J. Gonzales

Dean of Academic Advising Thurgood Marshall College

Filipina-American, Catholic she/her/hers emjgonzales@ucsd.edu

Daughter of immigrant parents, ChineseAmerican, Swimmer she/her/hers eloui@ucsd.edu

Emmeline Domingo Supervisor, Academic Resource Communities

OASIS

Filipinx, Ilocana, 1st-Gen College & Grad School Graduate she/her/hers/siya edomingo@ucsd.edu

“I provide academic advising support through a holistic lens - reminding you that it’s understandably difficult to accomplish your academic work when your physical or mental health is struggling.”

Erin Nicole Vedar Senior Academic Advisor Sixth College Bisexual 1st-Generation Filipina-American she/her/hers, they/them/theirs envedar@ucsd.edu

Emily Loui Program Coordinator Center for Student Involvement

alumni

Essma Eweida Project Manager

School of Global Policy and Strategy

Palestinian-MuslimAmerican she/her/hers eeweida@ucsd.edu

Ethel Regis Lu

Student Affairs Manager Political Science

Filipina American, Immigrant, Mother/ Daughter/Sister she/her/hers erlu@ucsd.edu

Felicia Young Sponsored Students and Special Programs Coordinator Global Initiatives/ISPO

Chinese American, daughter of immigrants, low income college grad she/her/hers fcyoung@ucsd.edu

Fengqin Lian Counseling Psychologist Counseling and Psychological Services

Chinese American she/her/hers flian@health.ucsd.edu

Frida Pineda Alvear Associate Director, Communication & Leadership and Community Service Center for Student Involvement (CSI)

Pinay, 1st Gen College Grad, San Diego born & raised she/her/hers falvear@ucsd.edu

Gayle Ta Director

Student Financial Solutions and Passport Services

Vietnamese/Chinese American, 1st Generation she/her/hers gta@ucsd.edu

Gennie Miranda Director of Operations IDEA Engineering Student Center

Filipina American, Australian, mother of two, and eternal believer of the goodness in people she/her/hers gbmiranda@ucsd.edu

Aquino Academic Counselor

Eleanor Roosevelt College 1st generation she/her/hers gaquino@ucsd.edu

Hannah Aksamit Assistant Director for Education Women’s Center White Armenian cis-Women she/her/hers haksamit@ucsd.edu

Hassan Akmal Executive Director, Career & Professional Development Career Services

South Asian; 1st Generation; Muslim he/his/him hakmal@ucsd.edu

Helen Han Senior Associate Director Career Center Korean American she/her hehan@ucsd.edu

Gloria

“Role modeling vulnerability and coming to work with a learner mindset creates the space for true connection and relationship building.”

alumni alumni

alumni alumni

Isheeta Rahman Assistant Director of Residence Life ERC Office of Residence Life

Bangladeshi-American she/her/hers i3rahman@ucsd.edu

James Her Financial Systems and E-Commerce Administrator Student Financial Solutions - Central Cashier’s Office

Hmong American, 1st generation graduate he/him/his jamesh@ucsd.edu

Jennifer Bourque Director, Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA)

Korean American, 1st Generation, middle child she/her/hers jbourque@ucsd.edu

Jerry Pang

Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor

School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) Chinese American, 1st Generation, Gay he/his/him jtpang@ucsd.edu

Joanne Song Engler

Associate Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Residential Life Thurgood Marshall College

Korean American, Daughter of immigrants, Mother she/her/hers jsengler@ucsd.edu

John Jacinto Duca Director of Development, Diversity Initiatives Advancement

Filipino-American he/him/his jduca@ucsd.edu

Joje Marie Reyes-Alonzo Senior Academic Advisor Muir College

Academic Advising she/they jreyes@ucsd.edu

Julia Cai Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Program Analyst Center for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion

Chinese American (Cantonese), immigrant she/her/hers juc034@ucsd.edu

Julie Nguyen

Eleanor Roosevelt College

Senior Academic Counselor

Eleanor Roosevelt College

Academic Advising

Vietnamese American, 1st gen College Graduate, Daughter of Immigrants she/her/hers jtn111@ucsd.edu

Kacy Marume Associate Director Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions

Japanese American, Nisei & Yonsei, Shin Buddhist she/her/hers kmarume@ucsd.edu

allow the fear to stop you from at least trying because more likely than not it will turn out better than you could have even imagined.”

Kameo Quenga

Basic Needs

Assistant Director Basic Needs

Chamorro-Mexican American, Queer, 1st Gen Scholar, Bay Area native she/her/hers kquenga@ucsd.edu

“Do not

alumni alumni alumni

alumni alumni alumni

Earl Warren College

Japanese American; Born and raised in Hawai’i she/her/hers kbayani@ucsd.edu

Karen Zhu

Assistant Academic Advisor

Eleanor Roosevelt College

Academic Advising Chinese American she/her/hers kmzhu@ucsd.edu

Kelsey Darvin Graduate Admissions Credential Evaluator Graduate Division

Filipina American, San Diego Native, Daughter of Immigrants she/her/hers kadarvin@ucsd.edu

alumni

Kritin Karkare

Bioinformatics/Microbiology Staff Associate Biology Instructional Labs

Thai-Indian American, Transgender, Child of Immigrants, Music Conductor, Writer she/her/hers, they/them/theirs kkarkare@ucsd.edu

Kumi Obayashi-Ward Program Coodinator and Academic Advisor

The Japanese Studies Program

Born and raised in Japan, Bilingual she/her/hers kobayashiward@ucsd.edu

Kyung J. Brown Student Affairs Manager Structural Engineering

Korean American, 1st Generation Female College Student, Nondenominational Christian, Mother of 2 she/her/hers kjb002@ucsd.edu

“The thing about change isn’t that it’s an unstoppable wave - you yourself are always present with the change and get to ride it. It’s easy to sink under the what ifs, but if you take the chance to soak up the change around you, you’ll find plenty of new opportunities you never dreamed of.”

Ling-chih Kao Program Manager

Analytical Writing Program

Born and raised in Taiwan; speaks Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English; Mom; 1st Generation College Graduate she/her/hers l3kao@ucsd.edu

Lorna Hirae-Reese Senior Academic Advisor/ International Programs Coordinator

Eleanor Roosevelt College

From Hawaii, Japanese descent, U.S. Citizen, 1st Generation she/her/hers lhirae@ucsd.edu

and Psychological Services

Filipino, Mexican, 1st Generation college student he/him/his ellimas@ucsd.edu

Malia Mahi Associate Director, Housing Administrative Services HDH

Hawaiian, hula dancer, mother of 3, softball obsessed she/her/hers mmahi@ucsd.edu

Kara Bayani Operations and Program Analyst

Louie Limas Staff Psychologist Counseling

Department of Medicine

Laotian, 1st-gen, Sacramento she/her/hers mrattana@ucsd.edu

Pinay, Daughter of Immigrant Parents, 1st Generation College Graduate she/her(s)/siya m1geroni@ucsd.edu

Solutions

Chinese-American, 1st Gen College Graduate, Daughter of Immigrants she/her/hers mawong@ucsd.edu

1st generation college graduate, Chamorro & Japanese musalas@ucsd.edu

Vietnamese American, from Milwaukee, WI, & 1st gen college graduate she/her/hers mlmai@ucsd.edu

Misty

School of Global Policy & Strategy

Multi-cultural, bilingual, mother of 3 she/her/hers menguyen@ucsd.edu

Palestinian, BA in computer science, IT and programming she/her/hers mhassoun@eng.ucsd.edu

“Speak up and ask questions! We are here for you and want to help you!”

Structural Engineering

1st generation, Cambodian/Khmer he/him/his m5chau@ucsd.edu

Female, Chinese-American she/her/hers nwolfe@ucsd.edu

1st Generation College Graduate, Hmong, Woman she/her/hers pachia@ucsd.edu

Life

Filipina-American, MultiRacial, Woman, 1st Gen American College Graduate she/her/hers patty@ucsd.edu

Margaret M. Rattanachane Executive Assistant to the Chair

Maribel (Bel) Geronimo Summer Programs Manager OASIS

Mary Wong Sourcing and Partnerships Manager Integrated Procure-to-Pay

Michael Ujigawa Salas Employer Relations Manager, Career Management Center HDH

Mony Reansey Chau Undergraduate Student Affairs Advisor

Natalie Wolfe Business Operations Manager Economics

Pa Chia Vue Assistant Director Student Financial Solutions

Patty Lyczkowski Assistant Director for Residence Life Seventh College Residence

Minhtuyen Mai Code.org Regional Partnership Manager and Research Practice Partnership Designer CREATE

E. Cervantes Nguyen Business Officer

Mona Hassoun Project Manager Qualcomm Institute

alumni alumni alumni

alumni

alumni alumni

South Asian - Indian she/her/hers pbose@ucsd.edu

“I love working 1 on 1 with students to provide direct advocacy & support. I also know the importance of institutionalizing change on a campus to support all students.”

Priscilla

Assistant Dean of Students Affairs Student Affairs at Sixth College

Taiwanese-American, 1st generation U.S. Citizen, woman she/her/hers pju@ucsd.edu

“I support students by merging my personal and professional experience in order to best serve as a leader.”

Rey Guerrero

Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Residence Life

Eleanor Roosevelt College and International House 1st gen college student; 2nd gen Filipino-American; gay POC; raised Catholic he/him/his rsguerrero@ucsd.edu

alumni

alumni

Renee Lee HR Administrative Operations Manager Human Resources

Immigrant from Hong Kong/Macau, 1st gen college student she/her/hers renee@ucsd.edu

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)

Cambodian Laotian American she/her samantha@ucsd.edu

Sarab Aziz Events Coordinator History Department

Syrian/American s3aziz@ucsd.edu

Ronald Reyes

Associate Director, Career Development Career Center

Filipino American he/him/his r1reyes@ucsd.edu

Roxanne Farkas Career Service Manager/ Career Coach UC San Diego Extension Filipina/American 1st Generation she/her/hers rfarkas@ucsd.edu

Sarah

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

Eleanor Roosevelt College Student Affairs

Korean American, adoptee she/her/hers sgallenberg@ucsd.edu

Pediatrics

1st gen Taiwanese American, born in Manila, speaks Mandarin, Taiwanese, Spanish, and English, learning Korean with youngest daughter she/her ssyoung@health.ucsd.edu

Piya Bose Assistant Vice Chancellor Student Affairs

“PJ” Ju

Gallenberg

Sharon Young Research Coordinator/ Fellowship Coordinator

Samantha Champi Communication & Leadership Program Manager

Sherry Hu Assistant Director

21st Century China Center

1st generation Chinese American, educator, connector she/her/hers shh106@ucsd.edu

Sophia Tsai Neri Research Scholarships Coordinator Undergraduate Research Hub

Taiwanese-American, daughter of immigrants, 1st generation PhD graduate she/her/ 她 (tā) stsai@ucsd.edu

Steffi Huynh Program and Community Development Coordinator HDH Connect

Vietnamese-American, Daughter of Immigrants, 1st Generation Graduate she/her/hers s2huynh@ucsd.edu

SuHui Ho Digital User Experience (UX) Librarian University Library

Chinese American, Immigrant, 1st generation college student she/her/hers suho@ucsd.edu

alumni

Tiffany Plengsangtip Donnelley Fund Manager Marine Physical Laboratory/SIO

Thai-Chinese American, 1st Generation College Graduate she/her/hers tplengsangtip@ucsd.edu

Timothy Chu First Year Experience Librarian Library

4th Generation Japanese American & Chinese American he/him/his tschu@ucsd.edu

Tina Gov Assistant Director | Student Success Center Division of Physical Sciences

Proud daughter of refugee parents, 1st generation college graduate, ChineseCambodian American she/her/hers tgov@ucsd.edu

Tina Mata Project Policy Analyst Academic Personnel Services

Wife, Mother, Filipina she/her/hers tmata@ucsd.edu

alumni alumni

Assistant Dean of Academic Advising Earl Warren College

1st gen, low-income, daughter of immigrant, Filipino/Caucasian woman, Mom of 2 multiracial kids she/her/hers tlcruz@ucsd.edu

“The Library is more than a study space! We have millions of books, thousands of journal subscriptions and hundreds of databases for you to use in your studies here at UC San Diego!”

Assistant OASIS

Lao, 1st Generation College Grad, Daughter of Immigrants she/her vskeodara@ucsd.edu

Windi

Associate Director APIMEDA Programs and Services

1st generation college graduate, multi-ethnic Asian American woman she/her/hers, they/theirs/them wsasaki@ucsd.edu

Sasaki

Tracy Cruz

Vanessa Keodara Summer Programs

MORE WORDS FROM STAFF!

TONS of great advice! Don’t be afraid to reach out to the staff - they are here to support you! :)

JOANNE song engler

“We do our best to help students have a positive on-campus living experience. If you are experiencing challenges with transitioning to living on campus, the physical structure of your living space, and/or need advice navigating difficult roommate issues, you can contact our office for support.”

Annie Lin

“Don’t be so hard on yourself! Learning is a continuous process, and none of us are perfect.”

Christine Liou

Ethel Regis Lu

“Join a student organization! You learn as much from taking a course as you do being involved in community work. And if you can, find a class that does both!”

Dulce Dorado

“When engaging with students, it is important to really listen. Sometimes, students want me to help them problem-solve but other times, they just want to be heard or need a cheerleader to encourage them to keep going forward.”

SuHui Ho

“The Basement is a resource for ALL students at UC San Diego interested in exploring, learning, and experiencing entrepreneurship. This can be building a business idea from the ground up or learning interpersonal skills necessary to land a job upon graduation.”

“Sometimes you may not be in an environment that lets you shine or you may be in an undesirable situation, but you have a unique gift to contribute to the world. Find a mentor to guide you through your college years.!”

APIMEDA FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

When CCAAS talked about their UCSD experience, they noted a lack of APIMEDA faculty. Faculty includes the university’s researchers and instructors, and it mattered to students to see themselves reflected in the people who teach them. The APIMEDA faculty listed have put out their information so that students can recognize them as well as attend their office hours, classes, or just reach out to meet them!

alumni

Assistant Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature Literature

Palestinian she/her/hers abatarseh@ucsd.edu

Dimensions of Culture Program Pinay, educator, mother she/her/hers alsolomon@ucsd.edu

South Asian American he avvijay@ucsd.edu

Japanese American, Asian American she/her/hers csasaki@ucsd.edu

Claire Meaders Assistant Teaching Professor Cell and Developmental Biology

Filipina/Caucasian, daughter of an immigrant parent she/her/hers cmeaders@ucsd.edu

alumni

Daniel Lee Clinical Professor of Medicine

Department of MedicineOwen Clinic

Chinese, cis-gender, gay male he/him/his dalee@health.ucsd.edu

Dredge Byung’chu Kang Assistant Professor Anthropology and Global Health Program; affiliation with Critical Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Transnational Korean Studies 1st-generation college graduate, Pell grant recipient, non-traditional student; Korean, queer any pronouns dredgekang@ucsd.edu

“We’ve all had different journeys to get to where we are in our careers, you never know what advice someone might share that could impact your trajectory!”

Amanda Batarseh

Amanda Solomon Amorao Director

Ameeth Vijay Assistant Professor Literature

Christen Sasaki Assistant Professor Ethnic Studies

Erin Suzuki

Associate Professor Literature

Japanese American, 4th-generation, raised in Hawai’i she/her/hers esuzuki@ucsd.edu

Hentyle Yapp Associate Professor of Performance Studies Theater + Dance

Queer, Asian/American, Artist he/him hyapp@ucsd.edu

Hoang Tan Nguyen Associate Professor Literature

1st generation college grad, queer, Vietnamese American he/him/his, they/theirs/them htn057@ucsd.edu

alumni

Hyonny Kim Professor

Structural Engineering Korean American he/his hyonny@ucsd.edu

James C. Nieh Professor of Biological Sciences Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution

Chinese American, Gay, LGBTQ he/his/him jnieh@ucsd.edu

Asian American male, 2nd generation Chinese he/him/his jimlin@math.ucsd.edu

Jin-kyung Lee Associate Professor Literature

Korean American/Asian American she/her/hers jinkyung@ucsd.edu

Jennifer Chang Head of Undergraduate Acting Theatre and Dance

Chinese - Filipino, 1st Generation American she/her/hers j7chang@ucsd.edu

Jerry Yang Professor Chemistry and Biochemistry Korean-American he/him/his jerryyang@ucsd.edu

alumni

Jody Blanco Associate Professor Literature

Filipino-American he/him jdblanco@ucsd.edu

Joo Ok Kim Assistant Professor Literature

Korean American, 1st gen college grad she/her/hers jok023@ucsd.edu

“Find mentors that inspire you to find your interests and approaches to life’s big questions.”

Jim Lin Emeritus Math Professor, former Acting Provost of Muir and Sixth College Mathematics

Korean-American; 1st generation college graduate she/her/hers judyk@ucsd.edu

Literature

Muslim, Queer, South Asian/Irani he/him, they/them mkali@ucsd.edu

alumni

Iranian-American she/her/hers, they/theirs/them lirani@ucsd.edu

2nd generation Asian American woman she/her/her nhkwak@ucsd.edu

Queer, non-binary, abolitionist, radical, diasporic Korean they/them/theirs pahn@ucsd.edu

Biology

Sixth College + Division of Biology

Indian, Immigrant, scientist, mother and grandmother she/her/hers lchilukuri@ucsd.edu

alumni

Center on Gender Equity and Health, Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine

4th generation Japanese American with publication record in community-based research in the Philippines and Mexico lurada@ucsd.edu

Chinese born Latina, teacher, womyn of color from Ecuador. lmchung@ucsd.edu

Residential

Assistant Graduate and Family Housing

Hapa haole, Japanese, Vegan he/him/his mshoemaker@ucsd.edu

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Chinese American he pyu@ucsd.edu

Economics he/him/his prbharadwaj@ucsd.edu

“We love to teach. We love to shift culture. And we are deeply invested in transforming the lives and minds of our students.”

Judy Kim Associate Professor Chemistry and Biochemistry

Kazim Ali Professor and Chair Department of

Lakshmi Chilukuri Sixth College Provost + Teaching Professor, Division of

Lianne Urada, PhD Assistant Professor

Nancy Kwak Associate Professor History

Patty/Karam Ahn Associate Teaching Professor Communication

Paul K. Yu Professor

Prashant Bharadwaj Associate Professor

Lilly Irani Assistant Professor Communication

Luz Marina Chung Lecturer, Undergraduate Advisor, World Languages Credential Supervisor Education Studies

Mark Osamu Shoemaker

Services

Iranian, queer woman, mother, musician she/her/hers rkheshti@ucsd.edu

Associate Professor Anthropology (co-director of the South Asian Studies minor) she/her/hers s2varma@ucsd.edu

Indigenous, multiracial, 1st generation they/theirs/them smuseus@ucsd.edu

he/him/his srmehta@ucsd.edu

Ethnic Studies

Muslim, Dalit, Pakistani-Canadian she/her/hers shp005@ucsd.edu

Asian American; queer he/him/his siman@ucsd.edu

Great way to connect outside of the classroom!

VA Primary Care Doctor, UCSD Internal Medicine Residency Program Director, Clinical Professor Internal Medicine, School of Medicine

Sikh, Punjabi, 1st generation she/her/hers sjassal@health.ucsd.edu

Cell and Developmental Biology, Biological Sciences

1.5 gen Asian Canadian he/him/his smlo@ucsd.edu

DINE & Coffee with a prof

Communication

Japanese American, Asian American he/his/them stanaka@ucsd.edu

Being able to talk with a professor/TA in a more casual environment means you can make a personal connection with them that can be tough to do otherwise. I’d recommend scheduling something with one of the faculty in this book, I’m sure they would be excited to chat and everyone likes a free meal or coffee! students.ucsd.edu/academics/success/dinewith-a-prof.html

Roshanak Kheshti Associate Professor Ethnic Studies

Saiba Varma

Sam Museus Professor Education Studies

Sanjay Mehta Associate Professor Medicine and Pathology

Stanley Lo Assistant Teaching Professor

Stefan Tanaka Professor

Shaista Aziz Patel Assistant Professor of Critical Muslim Studies

Simeon Man Associate Professor History

Simerjot Kaur Jassal