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Director

  • Shanelle Watkins, M.A.

    Shanelle Watkins, M.A.

    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 (ABD)  
    Favorite spot at UCSD: Does Target count?  
    Bucket list: To vacation in the south of France after I complete my doctoral program 
    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

    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

    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 listI want to hold and feed a small baby penguin, specifically an Emperor Penguin.
    Advice to new studentsTake 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

    Maria Soto

    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    High School: Gompers Preparatory Academy
    College (BA) University of California, San Diego
    Favorite spot at UCSDMuir & Price Center!
    Bucket listCreate an organization that supports first-generation students applying to college!
    Advice to new studentsPlease 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

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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  
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    Ivette Bautista| ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COLLEGE

    Email: ibautista@ucsd.edu 
  • Erin Nicole Vedar, M.A. | SIXTH COLLEGE

    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

    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

  • Kimberly Knight Ortiz

    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 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

    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

    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

    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

    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.
  • Daiana Sandoval, Class of 2025

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.
  • Isaac Castillo, Class of 2025

    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
  • 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!
  • Tamara Lomeli, Class of 2025

    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

    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

    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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