Hi! My name is Donna Amaya, and I’m a fourth-year transfer student from Rio Hondo College pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with concentration in Chemistry. I’m a first-generation student—both of my parents are from Guatemala, and I was raised there. Navigating school and life has been challenging, which is why I’m passionate about supporting underrepresented communities and inspiring others to follow their dreams. At UCR, I’m involved in College Corps and CNAS Transfer Connections. I also work with Dr. Ann Cheney on her research focused on children with asthma in rural Latinx and Indigenous communities near the Salton Sea. In the future, I aim to work in a lab, continue research, and help communities in need. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, sleeping, and trying different foods.

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Greetings everyone! My name is Luis Martin, and I’m a fourth-year transfer student from College of the Sequoias. I currently serve as the president of the Astronomy Club at UCR and I am part of the CNAS Science Ambassadors program. Additionally, I work in Dr. Jonathan Richardson’s Lab, where I test equipment in an ultra-high vacuum system to ensure it meets LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) standards. I aspire to pursue a career as a university professor in physics. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, playing sports, and stargazing.

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Hi! My name is Cynthia De Leon. I am a fourth-year Biochem student with a concentration in Chemistry. I transferred from Riverside City College in the Fall of 2023. In addition to being a Peer Mentor, I am a Science Ambassador on campus and am also a part of University Honors. I am involved in research in the Redak/Walling/Atkinson Entomology Lab, where we focus on gene editing Homalodisca vitripennis, a vector of Xylella fastidiosa, to prevent the spread of diseases such as Pierce's disease and Citrus variegated chlorosis to crops like grapes, citrus, almonds, etc. I am also the president of the STEM Connections Club where we aspire to lessen the weight that many transfers feel when acclimating to UCR by creating a supportive community. When I am not on campus, you can often find me gaming, doing puzzles, or binging a show/movie.

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Hi everyone! I’m Amanda, I am a Biochemistry major with a chemistry emphasis. I transferred to UCR from Riverside City College and San Bernardino Valley College. After UCR I plan to go to graduate school. My involvements on campus include CNAS Science Ambassadors where I am the project lead for Delta SIFY, microbiology research in Dr. Huinan Hannah Liu’s Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Lab, and STEM Connections club Vice President. When I have time for hobbies I enjoy specialty coffee, Arduino/Raspberry Pi, and concerts.

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Hi there! My name is Semah and I am a 4th year Biochemistry major with a medical emphasis going into the health field. Before transferring to UCR, I went to Norco Community College. I spent about 3 years there completing pretty much every course I could while working as an aide for both the financial aid and student employment offices as well as tutoring organic chemistry. My goal looking forward is to go on to pursue a doctorate in Pharmacy after completing my B.S. here. Outside of academics and work, I like reading, drawing, and playing d&d with my friends. 

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Greetings! My name is Josue Ballesteros, and I am a 4th Year Biology Major.  I Transferred from Mt. San Jacinto College where I did two years of breadth courses.  My goal is to obtain my Bachelor of Science at UCR and continue to medical school afterwards. I am currently part of the CNAS Science Ambassadors, Mini Medical School, and Inland Empire Street Medicine (IESM) Free Clinic as a Research Officer, as well as a volunteer student at Gray Lab. During my free time, I like to play and watch sports and spend time with my family visiting all parts of California.

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Hello everyone! My name is Andrea and I’m a 4th year transfer student from College of the Sequoias, pursuing a B.S in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. Before transferring from community college I graduated with 2 associate degrees one Biology for transfer and the second for Math and Science. While at CC I was involved in the Math Engineering Science Achievement organization  (MESA), as well as working for the Writing Center and as an independent tutor for Math. Also, I was part of numerous clubs such as Friday Night Lab, Giants Astronomy Student club, and even being president of Pre-health Student Association club. In addition, I completed a medical internship for the Health Scholar Program offered in partnership with COPE Health Scholars. Since transferring I have been involved in the Six Legs research program which has led me to continue doing research for the CIBER lab in the Entomology department at UCR. A little about myself is I love binge watching shows, spending time with my friends and family, and going to the gym.

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Hi! My name is Nicolas Preciado, but I go by Nico! I’m a 3rd year neuroscience major on a path toward pursuing a biomedical PhD. I've always been fascinated by learning how people think, whether through movies, philosophy, or biology. I’m passionate about finding ways to bridge the gap between science and the humanities– I believe interdisciplinary thinking sets our generation's greatest minds apart. I currently work in Dr. Riccomagno’s developmental neuroscience lab, where my research is focused on optimizing viral vectors to deliver genetic cargo to the brain. Growing up in the Inland Empire as a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve always been passionate about addressing the needs of underserved populations. I like playing guitar, playing tennis, surfing, writing, and watching movies in my free time.

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Hello everyone, my name is Alden Reategui and I am a fourth-year Biochemistry major with a concentration in chemistry. I transferred to UCR from El Camino College in the Fall of 2023. Initially, I was a biology major going on the pre-med track and after transferring to UCR I was heavily influenced by all the great faculty at UCR and decided to switch majors from Biology to Biochemistry I have decided to pursue a PhD after my undergrad and hopefully work in industry. On campus, I am involved with Science Ambassadors and engaged in The Grey Watershed Hydrology and Geomorphology lab. The Grey lab focuses on documenting microplastic contamination in California spillways to determine the concentration of microplastic contamination in our water. When I am not on campus, I work at Home Depot, hit the gym, learn and read about textile production, hike, and study. O Coming Soon

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Hello everyone! My name is Dasha Tafrova and I am a 4th year pre-med majoring in Biology. As a first-generation Ukrainian-American, I want to inspire and encourage individuals to follow their passions and celebrate all their achievements. Before attending UCR, I attended Fairfax Senior High School in Los Angeles, CA. At UCR, I am involved in various clubs and organizations, including being president of the First Generation Student Association, Operation Lead of UCR Health CAP, Mini Medical School, and many more. I am also a part of Dr.Rosenbaum’s research lab for Cognition and Action. In the future, I hope to work as a cardiologist and educate individuals on preventative care and treating patients with various cardiac conditions. Outside of being a student, I enjoy crocheting, reading, hanging out with my friends, going to the gym, and staying active. If you have any questions about additional opportunities or want to chat and say hello, let’s connect!

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