Get to know some of our scholars!
The students below are current UC San Diego Scholars Society members - they are also recipients of prestigious UC San Diego scholarships. Get to know their stories, achievements, and involvements!
Reach out to these students by email to ask them questions about what it's like to be a student at UC San Diego! They are excited to talk with you.
Register for SWS to connect with current scholars: SWS Registration
Vertical Divider
Kalisa KangHello! My name is Kalisa Kang and I am a third year studying Molecular and Cell Biology in Warren College, with minors in Chemistry and Chinese Studies. I am a Regents Scholar and the Scholars Welcome Series (SWS) Co-Chair this year.
Through the Regents Scholars Research Initiative (RSRI), I conduct research at the Mayfield Lab, where I am developing genetic tools in microalgae to build a sustainable platform for biofuel and recombinant protein production. One of my current projects has been to develop a microalgae strain capable of secreting a recombinant plastic degrading enzyme. I am also a Features Writer for Saltman Quarterly, an undergraduate-run biology research journal at the university. I am currently working on a piece that dives into the multifaceted roles of a novel chaperone protein that holds great promise for therapeutic innovation. Outside of academia, I enjoy running on beach trails, exploring national parks, reading books, and sipping on matcha lattes. If you have any questions about the SWS program, research, academics, student organizations, or life at UC San Diego, please feel free to reach out to me at k4kang@ucsd.edu. Congratulations on your acceptance with a prestigious scholarship, and I hope to see you at SWS! |
Vertical Divider
Alyson OtañezHi! My name is Alyson Otañez and I am the Scholars Welcome Series (SWS) Co-Chair for 2024! I am a 3rd year majoring in Political Science: Data Analytics with a minor in Computational Social Science at Seventh College. I am a Regents Scholar and a first-generation college student.
I am currently employed at Data for Social Good as a Research Assistant where I conduct large scale data analysis and visualization to empower underserved communities across California. I work to increase voter turnout among underrepresented groups in an effort to ensure that the needs of our diverse electorate are being met. I am also working on a project with Provost Marisa Abrajano, utilizing linear probability models to understand the effect of intersectionality and climate change opinions throughout the country. This past summer I participated in the Triton Research & Experimental Learning Scholars (TRELS) program where I conducted my own research that sought to understand the role that local governments play in facilitating the growth of warehouse and industrial spaces in the Inland Empire, CA (my hometown). To determine what programs, projects, and proposals these local governments prioritize, I analyzed the textual data of the city council agendas utilizing a Structural Topic Model. I have presented this research at the Summer Research Conference at UC San Diego, and the Rising Scholars Conference at the University of Maryland. I am also the Judicial Board Chair for the Seventh College Student Council and serve on the Executive Board. I have also participated in RSRI. Outside of school I enjoy cooking, going to the gym, and listening to Taylor Swift! I would love to share any advice and resources regarding academics, research, and student life so do not hesitate to reach out at aotanez@ucsd.edu. Congratulations on your acceptance to UC San Diego and I hope you can make it to SWS 2024! |
Meet our SWS Committee!
Vertical Divider
Website Chair
|
Participants & Activities Chair
|
Justin is a first year Jacobs Scholar majoring in Electrical Engineering at Sixth College. Outside of class, Justin works in the UCSD Cellular Biophotonics Lab on data analysis and image processing. he loves fishing and sometimes spend hours just to catch nothing.
|
Academic Chair
Emily Pan & Jared Helms
Emily is a first-year Regents Scholar majoring in bioengineering: biotechnology in Sixth College. She is the Freshman Representative for Biomedical Engineering Society and is a Research Assistant in Dr. Prashant Mali’s lab where she conducts gene-editing research to study cancer metabolisms. She enjoys swimming and going on hikes. Feel free to reach out via email at e2pan@ucsd.edu.
|
Jared is
|
Design Chair
|
Booking & Donations Chair
|
Meet our Current Students!
Vertical Divider