school of social ecology 2019Â Graduate Student Ambassadors

meet our ambassadors

ELISE NELSON

MARGARET GOLDMAN

LEGAL & FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY MA

CRIMINOLOGY, LAW & SOCIETY PHD

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because it led me to a group of like-minded individuals striving towards a similar goal that pushes me to achieve my best. If I’m not in class or in a lab, you can find me relaxing by the beach and enjoying a break. If I weren’t in grad school, I’d be traveling the world.

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because the interdisciplinary nature of my program allows me to explore multiple areas of research with a diverse group of scholars If I’m not in class or in a lab, you can find me at the gym or on a hike. If I weren’t in grad school, I'd be teaching or organizing with non-profit youth agencies in LA..

SHAUNA SIMON

LACEÉ PAPPAS

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE    PHD

SOCIAL ECOLOGY CORE         PHD

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because the collaborative environment fuels creative problem solving and interdisciplinary work. If I’m not in class or in a lab, you can find me at my favorite yoga studio, on a hike in the mountains, or relaxing near the ocean that we are lucky to live so close to If I weren’t in grad school, I’d be traveling to countries and probably attempting to make it as a travel blogger.

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because I love working in an interdisciplinary field and it allows me to diversify my interests, while integrating them to find new ways to approach social issues. If I’m not in class or in a lab, you can find me taking photos out in nature, doing yoga on the beach, or swimming either in the pool or the ocean. If I weren’t in grad school, I’d be traveling around the world doing missionary work while taking photos of different cultures that express what it means to be alive.

KHAJIKA SOYOLTULGA

ZIHUI LEI

PUBLIC POLICY                                 MA

URBAN & REGIONAL PLANNING MA

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology the academic environment is a very inviting and welcoming space. I feel supported by not only my cohort members, but by the faculty and staff as well. If I’m not in class or in a lab, you can find me on the driving range hitting a some golf balls or in Newport kayaking. If I weren’t in grad school, I’d be continuing my career at UCI as well as volunteering more of my time to local community organizations and animal shelters.

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because it gives me a new perspective to see the world and an opportunity to collaborate with different people in diverse fields. If I’m not in class or in a lab, you can find me exploring new cities and scenery all around the world, or playing tennis. If I weren’t in grad school, I’d be traveling around the world or sleeping at home.

PAROMA WAGLE

TIFFANY LEWIS

URBAN & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & POLICY PH.D.

ADVANCED STUDY OF CRIMINOLOGY, LAW & SOCIETY MA

I am glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because of the wide variety of courses, challenging research opportunities, multicultural cohort, and supportive faculty. I really feel that the last four years transformed me into a capable academic researcher. If I'm not in class or a lab you can find me enjoying the theatres, concerts and independent movie theatres in Southern California, at the beaches, enjoying the amazing diverse food options that Southern California has to offer, planning a trip, and cooking and baking in my home.  If I weren't in grad school, I'd be travelling the world, running my own café or a cat shelter (cat café!), doing independent research projects around the world. 

I’m glad I chose UCI School of Social Ecology because I get to study at one of the nation’s top research universities among an exceptionally diverse student population and award-winning faculty who have taught me the value of leadership and innovation. If I’m not in class or in a lab you can find me relaxing with family and friends, at my daughter’s gymnastics practice, or somewhere on an outdoor adventure. If I weren’t in grad school, I’d be giving back to the undergraduate community through interpersonal mentorship and enjoying the simple things in life.