*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
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
Brianna Ochoa
Title: Student Coordinator
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
Spring 2026 Hours: Mon 12pm-3pm, Tues 12pm-1pm, Wed 12pm-3pm, Thurs 12pm-1pm, Fri 11am-3pm
Michelle Thomas
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio: I'm a third-year political science major with a concentration in law and policy. I'm also studying for a minor in sociology! For fun, I love to play instruments (i.e., ukulele, guitar, piano, singing), getting back into biking and drawing, and spending time with my dog, Faith. I look forward to connection with you!
Contact: michellethomas@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Spring 2026 Hours: Mon 12pm-5pm, Tues Off, Wed 11am-2pm & 3pm-6pm, Thurs Off, Fri Off
Aaron Castillon
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio: I'm a second year majoring in 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
Spring 2026 Hours: Mon 1pm-6pm, Tues 4:30pm-6pm, Wed 9am-2pm, Thurs 9:30am-11:30am, Fri 2pm-6pm
Emi Villavicencio
Title: Student Coordinator
Bio: I am 4th 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 am a film enthusiast and love matcha.
Contact: evillavicencio2@ucmerced.edu
Schedule: Here
Spring 2026 Hours: Mon Off, Tues Off, Wed 9am-2:30pm, Thurs 1:45pm-2:45, Fri 11am-6pm
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: Mon 2pm-6pm, Tues 10am-1pm, Wed 2pm-6pm, Thurs 10am-1pm, Fri 2pm-6pm.
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: Mon Off, Tues 1pm-3pm, Wed Off, Thurs 1:15pm-2:45pm, Fri 3:30pm-6pm
