Student Staff
Amy Peetaneelapalin
Digital Marketing Representative
Hello! My name is Amy and I am a 2nd year majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I am involved in AIAA, where we are currently working on building UC Merced’s first nanosatellite! Besides engineering, I enjoy working out, watching movies, and creating art. Come say hi if you ever see me around!
Anabel Cardenas
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Anabel Cardenas, I was born and raised in Planada, CA. I am a second year, majoring in Communication and Media. On campus, I am a member of The Campus Activities Board (CAB). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit the Students First Center!
Angee Esquivel
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Angee Esquivel, I was born and raised here in Merced. I am a first-year majoring in Management and Business Economics as well as Psychology. UC Merced has allowed me to meet new people and make new friends by joining organizations like Delta Sigma Pi. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends, play video games, play soccer, and go shopping. Feel free to stop by the SFC to ask any questions or to say hi to me or anyone of our amazing staff members!
Armaan Singh
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Armaan Singh; I was born in Punjab India and moved here when I was 3. I am a first-year Mechanical Engineering major, and I chose UC Merced because I enjoy the welcoming environment it brings to anyone who wants to attend or is attending. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing sports. If you see me around, come say hi!
Belen Aravena
Student Relations Representative
Hello!! My name is Belen Aravena. I am currently majoring in Anthropology and with plans with of double majoring with History. I am involved in the Ballet Folklorico club here on campus. If you have any question, please feel free to reach out to the Students First Center.
Brandon Vasquez
Digital Marketing Representative
Hello there! My name is Brandon Vasquez and I am honored to be part of the Digital Marketing Team for the Students First Center (SFC) at UC Merced! Coming from Hanford, California, I am no stranger to the Central Valley and its heat, and I am so grateful to be attending UC Merced as a Pre-med Neuroscience B.S. major. I am excited to use my skills and views to help relay important information regarding SFC deadlines and life on campus. Look out for posts from the Students First Center and come ask your questions!
Celeste Cortez
Digital Marketing Representative
Hello! I am Celeste Cortez, I am from San Jose, CA , I'm currently a 4th year with a major of management, business and economics, and a minor in spanish. On Campus, I am a member of Delta Sigma Pi, of the Professional fraternity council, and a volunteer. On my free time I enjoy hiking and exploring places like yosemite. Over the summer, I was an Enrollment Coach. Now I am part of the Digital Marketing team. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Cesar Esquivel
Student Relations Representative
Hey everyone! My name is Cesar Esquivel, and I was born and raised in Delhi, CA. I am currently a second year student Majoring in Economics. I enjoy spending my free time with friends. In that free time, I enjoy video games, movies, and learning new things. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Students First Center (SFC). We are here for you!
Citlali Espejel
UC Online Student Support Team
Hey Everyone! My name is Citlali Espejel, but you can call me Lali and I am a transfer student. I'm a Business Economics major and I'm very excited to be a Bobcat. In my free time I love to cook, spend time outdoors, and travel. If you ever see me around campus, don't be shy to say hi, I love meeting new people.
Hans Fox
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Hans Fox, and I am a third-year student studying Literatures in English. I was born in Mt. Shasta, California, and raised in a tiny town in its shadow, McCloud. I love to read books, plays and poetry both for my classes and in my free time. When I’m not doing that, I’m writing short stories and songs and playing with my band Tsunami Warning. I’m always here to help
Isaac Munoz
Digital Marketing Team Lead
Hello! My name is Isaac Muñoz, and I’m from San Diego, California, where I was born and raised. I’m currently an undergraduate student at UC Merced, studying Political Science and Sociology. I chose UC Merced because of the amazing opportunities it offers, as well as its close proximity to a national park.
Ivan Aguilar Gonzalez
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Ivan Aguilar Gonzalez, I am a first-year majoring in Literatures in English with a minor in the School of Natural Sciences Education Program. I was born in Watsonville, California, and raised in its surrounding area, but I have spent a large chunk of my life here in the Central Valley, so I’m used to the heat. I am very excited about what's to come on my journey here at UC Merced, and I hope to help others like me have as strong a transition to campus life as I’ve had. Whenever I can find the time, I enjoy reading books and writing short stories, but I am also no stranger to the odd movie, show, or horror podcast. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the Students First Center, we’re always here to help!
Leila Almaraz
Student Relations Representative
Hi! My name is Leila Almaraz, and I’m from Dublin, a city in California’s Bay Area. I’m entering my second year at UC Merced and I’m majoring in Management and Business Economics. I enjoy UC Merced for its diverse community and beautiful campus, which always makes me excited to return. One of my passions is traveling—I love exploring new countries and experiencing different cultures. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Students First Center (SFC). We’re here to help!
Leticia Jaral Alvarez
UC Online Support Intern
Hey! My name is Leticia Jaral Alvarez and I was born and raised in San Jose, California but moved to Manteca, California a few years ago. I am currently a third-year student at UC Merced majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. My goal for the future is to become a software engineer or video game developer. In my free time I typically go to the gym, hang out with friends, listen to music, watch shows/movies, or play Sims. If you are interested in taking online courses offered by other UC campuses, feel free to reach out to UC Online.
Luis Salvador Valdivia
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Luis Salvador Valdivia, and I am a third-year Biomedical Engineering major here at UC Merced. As a first-generation college student, I understand that starting college can feel overwhelming, which is why I enjoy helping students navigate the enrollment process and connect with the resources they need to succeed. UC Merced has given me the opportunity to grow through research, build meaningful friendships, and become more involved on campus. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing soccer, hiking, and spending time with my friends and family. Feel free to stop by the Students First Center if you have any questions or just want to say hi to me or any of the members!
Melissa Duarte
Digital Marketing Representative
Hi! My name is Melissa Duarte, I'm from from Oakdale, California. I am a second year pursuing a Human Biology major and a minor in Psychology. UC Merced has allowed me to grow as a person and create new connections by joining organizations like Delta Gamma. Outside of campus, I enjoy spending time with my friends & family, as well going to the gym or reading new books! Being part of the Digital Marketing Team here at the Student First Center gives me the ability to grow my creativity to a new level, as well as help my peers find the resources to succeed . Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Moises Lopez
Student Relations Representative
Hi! My name is Moises Lopez, and I was born and raised in Merced, CA. I am a second year student majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. After Graduating from College, I plan on pursuing a career in nanotechnology or designing hardware. Also, I like to research about plants and their origins because I find their culture fascinating. In my free time I like to play games, soccer, and annoying my cat. If you have any questions feel free to ask, we are here for you!
Nick Alfaro
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Nicholas Alfaro, but you could call me Nick for short, and I’m from Livingston, California. I’m entering my second year here at UC Merced and I am a Psychology major and plan to purse a career in School Counseling in the future. Helping my fellow peers is very important to me to make sure we all have the appropriate tools and resources to succeed! In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, go to concerts every now and then, and also try new coffee spots around Merced. If you ever have any questions, feel free to stop by the Students First Center (SFC), we are always here to support you!
Roberto Castellanos
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Roberto Castellanos , I am from Patterson CA . I am a second year, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. On campus, I am a member of The Campus Activities Board (CAB). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my doing sport playing soccer going to the gym and playing video games .I f you have any questions, please feel free to visit the Students First Center!
Tatiana McCloud Mejino
Students Relations Representative
Hello! My name is Tatianna, and I have been in Merced, California for the last six years. I am a first-year Global Arts major here at UC Merced. On campus, I am involved in the Pilipinx American Alliance and Bobcats on Broadway. Outside of school, I enjoy fishing, playing guitar, and anything bug/horror related! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, we're here to help!
Trinity Butler
Students Relations Representative
Hi! My name is Trinity Butler, and I’m a first-year Biology major. As a Merced local, I chose this campus for its friendly, close-knit community. After graduating, I plan to pursue a career in the dental field. Outside of class, I’m always at the gym or listening to music. If you ever have questions or need a hand, feel free to reach out to the Students First Center, we’re always here to help!
