Meet the Team
Professional Staff
Leydy Sandoval
Title: Program Coordinator
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
Student Staff Lead
Michelle Thomas
Title: Scholar Engagement & Operations Lead
Bio: I'm a fourth-year Political Science major with a concentration in Law and Policy, while also studying for a minor in Sociology! For fun, I love to play instruments, spend time with loved ones, and arts and crafts. I'm most looking forward to seeing new and continuing faces here at GSP. I look forward to connecting with you!
Contact: michellethomas@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Aaron Castillon
Title: Scholar Engagement & Operations Lead
Bio: I'm a second year majoring in Mechanical Engineering. A couple of things I enjoy doing in my free time is playing my guitar and piano. I also enjoy studying and hanging out with my friends. I'm excited to able to meet with you all and hopefully see you at some of our events!
Contact: acastillonsanchez@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Francisco Cortez
Title: Digital Engagement & Communications
Bio: I'm from SoCal. I like photography, going to the gym, and really art-related!
Contact: fcortez5@ucmerced.edu
Jiatong Li
Title: Data & Assessment Student Assistant
Bio: My name is Jiatong Li, but you are more than welcome to call me Jay! I am a fourth year double majoring in Management and Business Economics, and Cognitive Science. My hobbies includes tennis, martial arts, fishing and much more. I really enjoy connecting with people, and are very excited to meet the scholars for this school year!
Contact: jiatongli@ucmerced.edu
Student Navigators
Christian Pimentel
Title: Academic Success Navigator
Bio: I'm a fourth year Political Science & Economics major with a minor in Philosophy. I wish to go to law school after I graduate from UC Merced. I am a former Student Manager for Dining Services and was recently hired for GSP. I like to draw, play video games, and chat about philosophy & history. I love meeting new people and building connections! We're in this journey together!
Contact: cpimentel9@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Kathryn Bauder
Title: Academic Success Navigator
Bio: I am a fourth year majoring in psychology and minoring in anthropology. During my free time I love to read, play with my dogs, and play tabletop games with friends. Feel free to reach out to me. I can't wait to meet you all.
Contact: kbauder@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Marcel Lane Jr.
Title: Academic Success Navigator
Bio: Hello! I'm a third-year Cognitive Science major with a minor in Psychology. I enjoy going to the gym, gaming, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people. Feel free to stop by or reach out if you have any questions-I'm always happy to help.
Schedule: Here
Brianna Ochoa
Title: Academic Success Navigator
Bio: My name is Brianna Ochoa and I am a fourth year Psychology student. During my free time I prefer to be home, listen to music, clean my space, and exercise in any way that I can. I am so excited to see all the scholars this Spring semester! If any assistance is needed please always feel free to email or team’s me.
Contact: bochoa12@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Emilio Jimenez-Martinez
Title: Student Support Navigator
Bio: Yoo, what’s up, I’m Emilio, a third-year Sociology major. I like all things sports, I like doing random things, and I love going on random trips. I’d consider myself a spontaneous person. I’m available whenever, even outside my hours and I'll get back to you when I can. Can't wait to meet y'all, in the bobcat den we all fam!
Contact: ejimenez-martinez@ucmerced.edu
Chris Navarette
Title: Student Support Navigator
Bio: I am an Electrical Engineering major with an Emphasis in Computing. In my free time, I like to build Legos, work out, and play sports. I also like hanging out with friends and going on trips. I'm excited to meet new scholars and connect with students. Feel free to reach out!
Contact: chrisnavarette@ucmerced.edu
