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Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program CASP
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  3. Meet the Staff

Director

  • Shanelle Watkins, Ed.D.

    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 

Coordinators for Academic Support and Student Success

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

    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.

Student Retention Specialist

  • Maria Soto

    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

    Nicole Howard

    Hometown: Rocklin, CA
    College (BA): Chapman University
    Favorite spot at UCSD: Pinpoint Cafe @ SIO Campus and Sun God Lawn
    Bucket list: Travel to South America
    Advice to new students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We are here to help you succeed.

    Email: nhowardopp@ucsd.edu

College Academic Advisor Liaisons

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    Roberto Mata| REVELLE COLLEGE

    Email: r2mata@ucsd.edu
  • Karla Kastner | JOHN MUIR COLLEGE

    Karla Kastner | JOHN MUIR COLLEGE

    Email: kkastner@ucsd.edu
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    Sierra Rios | THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE

    Email: s9rios@ucsd.edu
  • Amado Berrios | EARL WARREN COLLEGE

    Amado Berrios | EARL WARREN COLLEGE

    Email: aberrios@ucsd.edu  
  • Lydia Ramirez | ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COLLEGE

    Lydia Ramirez | ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COLLEGE

    Email: lpramirez@ucsd.edu 
  • Juan Figueroa, M.S. | SIXTH COLLEGE

    Juan Figueroa, M.S. | SIXTH COLLEGE

    Hometown: Norwalk, California
    College (BA, MA): Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physiology and Masters in Organizational Leadership
    Favorite Spot at UCSD: Sun God Lawn
    Bucket list: Taking a cruise to explore different countries and cultures.  
    Advice to new students:  1. Don't be afraid to reach out or ask for help and 2. Don't forget to incorporate social and self care time. Your time at the University will fly by so make the most of your time at UCSD. 

    Email: jffigueroa@ucsd.edu
  • Gage Gamboa | SIXTH COLLEGE

    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

    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

    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

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    Coming Soon...

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.

  • Frida Acevedo, Class of 2027

    Frida Acevedo, Class of 2027

    Frida is the the Student Supervisor for the CASP Office Coordinator Team.
    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: Be curious and embrace the opportunities that college may offer :) You got this
  • America Barreto, Class of 2026

    America Barreto, Class of 2026

    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    High School: Lincoln High School 
    Revelle College, Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience with a Minor in General Biology
    Favorite Spot on Campus: Hammocks on Library Walk
    On my bucket list: Befriend a sea otter :)
    Advice to new students: Having a support system and not being afraid to venture out of your comfort zone (even if that means doing it by yourself) is essential!
  • Sunny Nguyen, Class of 2028

    Sunny Nguyen, Class of 2028

    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    High School: Canyon Hills High School
    Marshall College, Public Health with a concentration in Medicine Science
    Favorite Spot on Campus: Franklin Antonio Hall
    On my bucket list: Going to Japan during their Spring Cherry Blossom season!
    Advice to new students: Try to get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities :)
  • Kevin Tran, Class of 2026

    Kevin Tran, Class of 2026

    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    High School: Grover Cleveland Charter High School
    Seventh College, Business Psychology (Marketing minor) 
    Favorite Spot on Campus: Blue Bowl
    On my bucket list: To live out my dreams in a big city and to New York one day!
    Advice to new students: Get involved as much as you can and always be the real you
  • Jerry Zhang, Class of 2028

    Jerry Zhang, Class of 2028

    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    High School: La Jolla Country Day School
    Eleanor Roosevelt College, Mathematics-Computer Science
    Favorite Spot on Campus: Starbucks!
    On my bucket list: Go on a glider at gliderport or any other place!
    Advice to new students: Please move in as early as you can--this way you can make friends when everyone is trying to find their community.

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.

  • Daisy Castaneda Garcia, Class of 2026

    Daisy Castaneda Garcia, Class of 2026

    Daisy is among this year's CPL Leads
    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!
  • Maria Cortes-Morton, Class of 2026

    Maria Cortes-Morton, Class of 2026

    Maria is among this year's CPL Leads
    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.
  • Belinda Bustos Ayala, Class of 2027

    Belinda Bustos Ayala, Class of 2027

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Eighth College, Business Economics (Finance and Entrepreneurship minor)
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Phoo Nay Chi, Class of 2026

    Phoo Nay Chi, Class of 2026

    Hometown:
    Community College: Pasadena City College
    Revelle College, Molecular and Cell Biology (Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor)
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Nicholas Choi, Class of 2027

    Nicholas Choi, Class of 2027

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Eighth College, General Biology (Music minor) 
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Marijose Escobar-Roca, Class of 2027

    Marijose Escobar-Roca, Class of 2027

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Muir College, Clinical Psychology
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Jose Garcia Leon, Class of 2028

    Jose Garcia Leon, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    Community College: Imperial Valley College
    Earl Warren College, Electrical Engineering
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Dyana Hernandez, Class of 2026

    Dyana Hernandez, Class of 2026

    Hometown:
    Community College: Southwestern College
    Eleanor Roosevelt College, Sociology
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Hazel Kant-Sida, Class of 2028

    Hazel Kant-Sida, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Marshall College, Human Biology
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Hieu Le, Class of 2027

    Hieu Le, Class of 2027

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Muir College, Mathematics-Computer Science
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Jackie Le, Class of 2028

    Jackie Le, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Muir College, Pharmacological Chemistry
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Jenifer Madrigal, Class of 2027

    Jenifer Madrigal, Class of 2027

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Marshall College, Clinical Psychology
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Lauren McBride, Class of 2026

    Lauren McBride, Class of 2026

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Warren College, Global Health (General Biology minor)
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Karen Nguyen, Class of 2028

    Karen Nguyen, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Seventh College, Educational Science
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Jose Nunez, Class of 2028

    Jose Nunez, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Revelle College, Structural Engineering
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Macy Tran, Class of 2026

    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!!!!
  • Nicole Tran, Class of 2026

    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

    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!
  • Lilah Ueda, Class of 2028

    Lilah Ueda, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    High School/Community College: 
    Eighth College, Business Economics (Finance minor) 
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Jhony Vasquez Rojas, Class of 2028

    Jhony Vasquez Rojas, Class of 2028

    Hometown:
    High School: Hoover High School
    Muir College, Environmental Systems - Earth Sciences 
    Favorite Spot on Campus: 
    On my bucket list: 
    Advice to new students:
  • Xena Zamora, Class of 2026

    Xena Zamora, Class of 2026

    Hometown: San Fernando Valley
    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.
  • Leila Kepler, Class of 2026

    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.
  • Victoria Nhean, Class of 2027

    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.
  • Nadia Salah, Class of 2026

    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.

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    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.