Meet the Staff

Director

Shanelle Watkins, Ed.D.

Hometown: San Diego
High School: Point Loma High School
College BA: California State University, San Marcos
MA: University of San Diego
EdD: University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: Copa Vida
Bucket list: To vacation in the south of France
Advice to new students: Throughout your journey here, remember your greatness, and that your story is uniquely yours, and do not be afraid to share it!

Shanelle has worked in the field of education for over 14 years, at the K-12, community college and four-year university levels. As a first-generation student herself, Shanelle’s life passion has been to ensure that all students have supportive pathways to and through postsecondary education. Her dissertation research focuses on the experiences of Black women undergraduate student leaders at Hispanic Serving Institutions in the state of California.

swatkins@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-5392

Coordinators for Academic Support and Student Success

Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Hometown: Richardson, Texas
High School: Plano Senior High School
College (BA): Brown University
MA & C.Phil: UCSD Department of Literature. Currently in joint doctoral program in education at UC San Diego and California State University, San Marcos
Favorite spot at UCSD: The May 1970 Peace Memorial on Revelle Campus
Bucket list: To finish my dissertation!
Advice to new students: UC San Diego can feel big & impersonal, but you will find your place if you look for it.

Karen has worked at UC San Diego for over 15 years as a writing instructor and as a program coordinator in Student Affairs. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation on the role of the University of California system in the success of non-traditional students.
kvanness@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-0322

Schedule an appointment, https://calendly.com/karenvanness

Specializations: Classes/Enrollment, Tutoring Resources, OLC Requirements, Academic Jeopardy, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission, General advising, Financial aid eligibility/questions.
Noemi Vera | INTERIM STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR

Hometown: Ramona, CA
High School: Romona High School
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: 5th floor terrace at Sixth College
Bucket list: I want to hold and feed a small baby penguin, specifically an Emperor Penguin.
Advice to new students: Take things one step at a time at your own pace! It is ok if you are not at the same pace as the rest, everyone does things their own way and as long as it is getting done, you're golden!

Noemi was part of the 2021 CASP cohort and started working for the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Programs June 2022 as a summer intern and is now working as the Interim Student Success Coordinator. She is the first in her family to obtain a Bachelor's degree having majored in Human Biology at UC San Diego. She was raised in the small town of Ramona, found in the foothills of the San Diego County Mountains. She is passionate about mentoring and helping students to achieve their educational goals, as well as a deep enthusiasm for the field of medicine. Currently, she are enrolled in an M.S. in Medical Sciences with Southern California University of Health Sciences.

novera@ucsd.edu

Schedule an appointment, https://calendly.com/novera23/

Specializations: Questions regarding Campus involvement, Career development, CPL/first-year mentoring, CASP 101, Alum events, General advising, Financial aid eligibility/questions.

Student Retention Specialist

Maria Soto

Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Gompers Preparatory Academy
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: Muir & Price Center!
Bucket list: Create an organization that supports first-generation students applying to college!
Advice to new students: Please do not be afraid to ask for help! There are lots of people on campus willing to support and guide you, as long as you ask. When things get rough, remember that you deserve and earned your spot-on campus!! Lastly, enjoy your time, try new things, and discover yourself on this journey.

Maria Soto is a first-generation, Latina, alumna from the University of California, San Diego. She is part of the 2015 CASP Cohort and majored in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. Maria was born and raised in South East San Diego and it has always been her dream to come back and help students towards their educational goals. She is passionate about social justice issues, access, and equity in education.

m8soto@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-3526

Schedule an appointment, https://calendly.com/m8soto

Specialization: Academic jeopardy, General advising, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission.

Office Manager

Nicole Howard

College Academic Advisor Liaisons

Roberto Mata| REVELLE COLLEGE
Email: r2mata@ucsd.edu
Karla Kastner | JOHN MUIR COLLEGE
Email: kkastner@ucsd.edu
Sierra Rios | THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE
Email: s9rios@ucsd.edu
Amado Berrios | EARL WARREN COLLEGE
Email: aberrios@ucsd.edu
Ivette Bautista| ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COLLEGE
Email: ibautista @ucsd.edu
Erin Nicole Vedar, M.A. | SIXTH COLLEGE

Hometown: San Diego, CA
College (BA, MA & MA): San Diego State University
Favorite Spot at UCSD: Anywhere I can see the ocean or a good sunset
Bucket list: Traveling safely with the people I love, and eating all the delicious food I can find
Advice to new students: Ask for what you need. There are so many people on this campus that want to see you succeed, but we won't know what you need until you speak up. Make yourself HEARD and KNOWN. We got you!

About me:
Erin Nicole (she/they) Vedar is the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants, and a recent graduate from the San Diego State University MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership, specialization in Student Affairs program. A brand new Academic Advisor to Sixth College, she utilizes both a student affairs and mental health lens in her work with underrepresented students, and first-generation students of color. Erin Nicole is passionate about supporting students through their educational journeys in a holistic way - whether it's physically, mentally, academically, personally, or professionally. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her loved ones, chasing sunsets and good food, and dancing the night away.

Email: envedar@ucsd.edu
Gage Gamboa | SIXTH COLLEGE

Hometown: Oceanside, CA
College (BA): UCSD, Muir College
Favorite Spot at UCSD: Art of Espresso
Bucket list: Owning a few motorcycles one day.
Advice to new students: Give yourself grace during this period of change and growth.

Email: g1gamboa@ucsd.edu
Vanesa de Boer | SEVENTH COLLEGE

Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
College (BA): UC Riverside
College (MA): University of Redlands
Favorite spot at UCSD: Walking along Ridgewalk
Bucket List: Traveling with my family to Spain & Indonesia
Advice to new students: Take this time to explore your interests! Seek opportunities to connect with the various communities at UC San Diego and reach out when you need support.

I am currently a Senior Academic Advisor at Seventh College. Before my current position, I was an Academic Advisor for the School of Biological Sciences for many years. I enjoy helping students navigate their path while at UCSD and providing the resources that will assist them to be successful in their journey.

Email: vdeboer@ucsd.edu
Michael "Mike" Markulin | EIGHTH COLLEGE

Hometown: San Jose, CA
College (BA): Political Science - Public Policy, UC San Diego
College (MA): Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: A walk around campus during the lunch hour
Bucket List: Retiring in Croatia! Idemo!
Advice to new students: Sometimes all you need to do is focus on doing your best today, and tomorrow will take care of itself.

Email: mgmarkulin@ucsd.edu

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Liaison

Kimberly Knight Ortiz

Hometown: San Jose, CA
College (BA): UC San Diego
College (MSW): San Diego State University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Forest behind RIMAC
Bucket List: Going to Thailand
Advice to new students: Find your people and community, they will make your UCSD experience so special!

Kimberly Knight Ortiz (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working at Counseling and Psychological Services since June 2021. Kimberly attended UCSD, studied psychology and identifies as a first generation Latina. She strives to provide a safe space for individuals of all sexualities and genders. She is also bilingual in Spanish and English. In her role as the liaison to CASP she provides consultation with professional staff, presentations/workshops to students and has set aside 3 intake slots a week for CASP students. If you want to schedule an appointment with Kimberly please contact CAPS directly at 858 534 3755 or request an appointment online through the caps.ucsd.edu website. You can find more information on Kimberly's therapeutic style through this link: https://caps.ucsd.edu/about/staff.html#Counseling-Staff

Student Office Coordinators

The Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program has occasional vacancies in positions for students to serve as office coordinators to support the Office Manager and assist with activities.

Sandy La, Class of 2025

Sandy is the the Student Supervisor for the CASP Office Coordinator Team.

Hometown: Oakland

High School: Oakland High School

Sixth College, Public Health (Biology and Psychology minors)

Favorite Spot on Campus: Biomedical Library

On my bucket list: To see the bioluminescent blue waves and to learn how to ice skate

Advice to new students: Don't be too hard on yourself. You are trying your best and thats all that matters ◡̈
Inhae Lee, Class of 2025

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

High School: Benjamin Franklin High School

Thurgood Marshall College, Business Psychology (Korean Studies minor)

Favorite Spot on Campus: CASP Office

On my bucket list: Traveling to various countries and to learn another language

Advice to new students: Go at your own pace and don't be afraid to experience new things!
Frida Acevedo, Class of 2027

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: The Preuss School

Sixth College, Human Developmental Sciences

Favorite Spot on Campus: Club Med

On my bucket list: See the northern lights in real life!

Advice to new students: To me, college is more than just academics- it's a chance to explore new experiences and discover more about who YOU are. Be curious and embrace the opportunities that college may offer- whether it be clubs, events, academic support, and much more! You got this :)
Leo Cruz Paz, Class of 2025

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: Gompers Preparatory Academy

Thurgood Marshall College, Mathematics - Computer Science

Favorite Spot on Campus: Formerly Sunshine Market

On my bucket list: Petting a penguin

Advice to new students: Don't ever doubt your presence in this school, be proud of your achievements no matter how small.

CASP Peer Leaders (CPLs)

The CPLs work with a caseload of 8-10 CASP students providing peer mentorship, support, and counseling related to academic, personal, and sociocultural issues affecting their college transition. The role of the CPLs is to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community among entering students and to encourage student development and identity awareness through one-on-one meetings and quarterly group events. Any questions about our CPLs, or if you’re interested in applying to be a CPL in the future, please contact us at casp@ucsd.edu.

Xena Zamora, Class of 2025

Hometown: San Fernando Valley

Highschool/Community College: Los Angeles Pierce College

Seventh College, International Business

Favorite Spot on Campus: Design & Innovation Building

On my bucket list: Travel to Japan/ Hawaii/ Greece/ El Salvador, go ziplining, creating/owning a business

Advice to new students: If you want something, don't wait. Seize the day and do what you need to accomplish your goals. Don't let your potential go to waste because you don't feel ready enough.
Isaac Castillo, Class of 2025

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Highschool: Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School

John Muir College, Biochemistry (Psychology Minor)

Favorite Spot on Campus: Club Med or Biomed

On my bucket list: Learn how to surf

Advice to new students: Make sure to give some time for yourself even when school becomes overwhelming
Daiana Sandoval, Class of 2025

Hometown: Chula Vista, CA

High School: Castle Park High School

Eleanor Roosevelt College, Clinical Psychology

Favorite Spot on Campus: 5th floor terrace Arts and Humanities in Sixth college

On my bucket list: Visit all Disneylands, Backpack through Mexico, Bungee Jump

Advice to new students: Enjoy the small things, often times we dwell so much and forget the little victories. Enjoying the little things will avoid you burning out to fast
Jonathan Ty, Class of 2027

Hometown: National City, CA

High School: Sweetwater High School

Seventh College, Computer Science

Favorite Spot on Campus: Design and Innovation Building, Wong Avery Library, and Geisel 8th Floor

On my bucket list: Go on a hiking trip through a National Park!

Advice to new students: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of self-care and time management. College can be really overwhelming, especially when balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Find strategies that work for you, whether setting aside time for relaxation, exercising, or having a study routine.
Janry Custodio, Class of 2025

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: Morse High School

Earl Warren College, Clinical Psychology

Favorite Spot on Campus: Outdoor seating by the Warren Bear

On my bucket list: Travel solo

Advice to new students: Take advantage of all the resources available to you and don't be afraid to ask questions when you feel lost or overwhelmed.
Jannah Binno, Class of 2025

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: San Diego City Community College

Thurgood Marshall College, English in Literatures

Favorite Spot on Campus: Wong Avery Library

On my bucket list: Traveling

Advice to new students: Set the tone everywhere you go. Smile first and people will smile back. Greet everyone you meet. Be the first to say hi and initiate friendships. College is what you make it. You got this :)
Macy Tran, Class of 2026

Hometown: San Diego (City Heights), CA

High School: Crawford High School

Sixth College, Communication

Favorite Spot on Campus: FAH, 5th floor in RWAC, & SIO department!!

On my bucket list: Skydive, & travel to different parts of Europe :P

Advice to new students: NEVER compare yourself to others!!!!!!!!! DX!!!!
Lauren Schiele, Class of 2025

Hometown: Chicago, IL

High School: Rolling Meadows High School

John Muir College, Global Health (Biology minor)

Favorite Spot on Campus: Mom's Cafe

On my bucket list: Glide at Gliderport

Advice to new students: Try new things and get involved in clubs you are interested in to find people who are passionate about the same things you are!
Karina Oquendo, Class 2025

Hometown: La Mirada, CA

High School: Saint Joseph High School

Seventh College, Literatures in English

Favorite Spot on Campus: The Cross Cultural Community Center!

On my bucket list: Go to Iguazú Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil :)

Advice to new students: Put yourself out there as much as you can, even if it’s scary. The “UC Socially Dead” stereotype is only true if you don’t make the most of your time here. People are cool—talk to them!
Daisy Castaneda Garcia, Class of 2026

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: San Diego High School

Thurgood Marshall College, Human Biology

Favorite Spot on Campus: CASP Office

On my bucket list: Visit New York in the winter and experience snow for the first time!

Advice to new students: Say YES to everything and most importantly do NOT compare yourself to others. We all have different paths and that's what creates our authenticity, so do what makes YOU happy!
Leila Kepler, Class of 2026

Hometown: Riverside, CA

High School: John W. North High School

Sixth College, Cognitive Science

Favorite Spot on Campus: Eighth College Study Lounges!

On my bucket list: To Start Traveling!

Advice to new students: Stay on top of your work and utilize a calendar.
Maria Cortes-Morton, Class of 2026

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: San Diego High School

Earl Warren College, Communication (Spanish Lit&Theater minor)

Favorite Spot on Campus: Carolines Cafe

On my bucket list: See the northern lights

Advice to new students: Stay on track and take some time for self-care every once in a while.
Amirah Onanuga, Class of 2025

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

High School: Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School

Revelle College, Human Biology

Favorite Spot on Campus: Glider Port

On my bucket list: going to Ireland

Advice to new students: Prioritize what is best for you
Victoria Nhean, Class of 2027

Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Highschool: Long Beach Polytechnic High School

Revelle College, human Development Science

Favorite Spot on Campus: Blue Bowl

On my bucket list: to go on a trip to Korea, Japan, and Singapore

Advice to new students: Find a balance between classes and time for yourself.
Milena Zeru, Class of 2025

Hometown: Eastvale

Highschool: Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Revelle College, Chemical Engineering

Favorite Spot on Campus: Franklin Antonio Hall

On my bucket list: Going to Europe

Advice to new students: Try to be as organized as possible
Michelle Sorto, Class of 2025

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Highschool: New Designs Charter School

Earl Warren College, Pharmacological Chemistry (Visual Arts and Japanese Studies minor)

Favorite Spot on Campus: Target :)

On my bucket list: Traveling the world with my friends

Advice to new students: My advice for new students is to attend classes, manage your time well, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from professors, advisors, or campus resources. Get involved in clubs or activities to meet people and build your community. Take care of your physical and mental health, and use services like counseling or wellness programs if needed.
Fariha Anwar, Class of 2025

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Highschool: Bravo Medical Magnet High School

Eleanor Roosevelt College, Cognitive Science w/ a specialization in design & International Studies International Business

Favorite Spot on Campus: Biomed (Avery Wong) Library

On my bucket list: Take a Trip to London

Advice to new students: It seems hard now, but the friendships you make, the subjects you learn and the way you mature all play into how you experience these next 4 years.
Nicole Tran, Class of 2026

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Highschool: The Preuss School UCSD

Sixth College, Pharmacological Chemistry

Favorite Spot on Campus: Vela 1st floor study lounge

On my bucket list: Visit Hong Kong, Japan (again), South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand in one go

Advice to new students: Stay organized! Have something to hold yourself accountable, like a planner, google calendar, a physical calendar, or something to write down important due dates and events!
Steven Tran, Class of 2027

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Highschool: Mira Mesa High School

Revelle College, Molecular and Cell Biology

Favorite Spot on Campus: CASP Office & Wong Avery

On my bucket list: Travel the world

Advice to new students: Try your best and let the curve do the rest!
Tamara Lomeli, Class of 2025

Hometown: Tijuana

Highschool/Community College: Southwestern College

Eleanor Roosevelt College, General Sociology

Favorite Spot on Campus: The hammocks by library walk and the Wang Library

On my bucket list: Go to Romania!

Advice to new students: Seemingly unmanageable tasks become manageable when you break them down into smaller ones. Give yourself grace! Adaptation to a new environment is rough and it takes time for people to adjust.
Paola Baylon, Class of 2025

Hometown: Chula Vista, CA

Highschool: E3 Civic High

Thurgood Marshall College, Clinical Psychology (Socio-Cultural Anthropology minor)

Favorite Spot on Campus: UMI or The Women's Center

On my bucket list: Go to England or Japan

Advice to new students: College is about finding who you are, so make sure to make the most out of every opportunity. As a student here at UCSD Time flies, and because of that it can be easy to overlook a lot of different things, but don’t let that stop you never from making memories.

While Career and Academics have play a huge part in our daily lives, make sure to also enjoy yourself, explore new places around campus, study with friends, or go to an on campus event. Don’t let the stress overcome you, because remember college is just a small chapter of understanding yourself, but memories are forever.
Nadia Salah, Class of 2026

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Highschool: Mt. Carmel High School

Seventh College, Human Biology

Favorite Spot on Campus: MOMs

On my bucket list: To see the northern lights

Advice to new students: Embrace every opportunity to get involved and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. UCSD has so much to offer both academically and socially!

OLC Co-Facilitators

Once-A-Week Learning Communities (OLCs) co-facilitators assist in planning and leading 50-minute learning community seminars that give students an opportunity to engage with peers on topics ranging from transitioning into college to utilizing on-campus resources and more. OLCs provide a consistent, small-group environment that provides a network of support. Any questions about our OLC co-facilitators, or if you’re interested in applying to be a facilitator in the future, please contact us at casp@ucsd.edu.

Coming Soon...

All programs and initiatives coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.

More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.

More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.