*To schedule a meeting for services outside of your student coordinator meetings and/or do not require a specific staff member, please refer to the Calendly links below, found underneath each supporting staff titled "Schedule: Here".
Professional Staff
Leydy Sandoval
Title: Program Coordinator
Bio: Coming Soon
Contact: lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here *For a needs-basis / personal check-ins
Hours: Mon/Thurs 9am - 5pm remote, Tues/Wed/Fri 9:30am - 5:30pm (Please note that the Commuter Lounge opens at 10am)
Student Staff
Brianna Ochoa
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio:I am a third year currently studying psychology. I am aspiring to work in a criminal law related field. I am excited to see all the scholars in the Guardian Scholars Program this Spring semester!
Contact: bochoa12@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Spring 2026 Hours: TBA
Michelle Thomas
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio: I am in my second year studying political science. As an aspiring criminal justice lawyer, I intend to go above and beyond my role in GSP to help populations that may need more support in higher education. I am most ecstatic to see new and continuing students!
Contact: michellethomas@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Spring 2026 Hours: TBA
Aaron Castillon
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio: I am a first-year majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UC Merced. As a Student Coordinator for the Guardian Scholars Program, I support scholars by organizing workshops, events, and resources that promote personal and academic growth. I am excited to build on the connections I made and be inviting for those many more to come. Some of my interests include playing my guitar, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and learning about personal finance.
Contact: acastillonsanchez@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Spring 2026 Hours: TBA
Emi Villavicencio
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio: I am a third-year student at UC Merced pursuing a B.A. in English and B.A. in Writing Studies with a minor in Community Research and Service. I have recently been selected for the role of Student Coordinator and am excited to contribute to the Guardian Scholars program.
Contact: evillavicencio2@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Spring 2026 Hours: TBA
Coming soon...
Francisco Cortez
Title: Student Assistant
Bio: I'm from SoCal. I like photography, going to the gym, and really art-related!
Contact: fcortez5@ucmerced.edu
Spring 2026 Hours: TBA
David Miguel
Title: Social Media Coordinator
Bio: I'm a first-year mechanical engineering student graduating in 2028. My role with the Guardian Scholars this semester will be as a student intern focusing on our social media exposure.
Contact: davidmiguel@ucmerced.edu
Spring 2026 Hours: TBA
