Eliana Bower

Marine Biology

My career goal is to help in the fight against climate change and protect targeted ecosystems. I started my academic career thinking that women couldn’t do STEM because of the stereotypes ingrained in society. Since then I met some amazing mentors, became the president of a robotics club, graduated in the STEM Scholar program, and learned how to find my voice. I have experience with speaking up in a male dominated field and becoming a mentor to younger students.

Areas of expertise: Leadership, mentoring, teaching, organizing events, engineering design process, and research

Connect with me: Instagram: @eliana.bower or Email: ehbower@ucsc.edu

Brayan Vaca

Eelectrical Engineering

Hi! I am a current undergraduate at UC Santa Cruz. I come from a low-income family and I am a first generation college student. My own self doubt as well as how unprepared I felt for some of the coursework often caused me to think as if I didn’t belong at a university and even less so in the STEM field. However, by reaching out to counselors and by trying to make the most of opportunities and resources, I have slowly but surely been reassured and have proved that I do belong.

Areas of expertise: mentoring, event organization, family/school balance

Connect with me: Email: brvaca@ucsc.edu

Salma Valladares

Marine Biology

Throughout high school, I struggled to figure out what career I wanted to pursue in STEM because I did not see many people with the same background as me that I could look up to or relate to. However, after being part of an environmental organization with other youth with a similar background as me gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward not only for myself, but for other youth that are on the same boat as I am.

Areas of expertise: Event organizing/ planning, non-profit volunteering, social media outreach, leadership.

Connect with me: Instagram: @salmaavvv or Email: savallad@ucsc.edu

Zee K

Biology

I am a third year Biology student at UC Santa Cruz. I find myself regularly battling for my education because of cultural norms and values. I have been through many different challenges and struggles but each of those came with their own unique lesson. I have learned to look past personal pride and seek help when needed. I have learned how important maturity and insightfully reacting to a crisis is. While in class I focused on natural science courses but while out of class, I joined occupational programs to master different lab techniques and gain experience in the lab environment.

Areas of expertise: public speaking, training in Biomedical Science, educator, climate change action, mentoring, tutoring

Connect with me: Instagram @zulaaaiha or Email: zkhokhar@ucsc.edu

Mohamad Saleh

Computer Science

I was repeatedly told to change course, STEM isn't for everyone, that it was too hard, or would take too long. None of that was true. The truth is you make your own success, and walking that path, despite the doubt, is key.

Areas of expertise: Proficiency in several programming languages, front/backend development (like this website), project management, unit testing, mentoring, tutoring, public speaking, leadership skills

Connect with me: Email: mohsaleh@ucsc.edu or Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/mohsley

Anjana Manjunath

Mathematics

Hi! I’m a fourth year Mathematics major and Earth Science minor at UC Santa Cruz. Having entered the STEM field a few years ago, I’ve often felt that the field was eagerly promoting women to join while not really addressing or changing what made several STEM spaces uncomfortable to us. Navigating through situations that arise from this issue, while sometimes difficult, has taught me to take charge, to never define my self worth through academics or work experiences, and how helpful a supportive community can be.

Areas of expertise: leadership, strategic planning, research, programming, data visualization, technical/non-technical public speaking

Connect with me: Instagram: @anjana.manjunath or Email: amanjuna@ucsc.edu

Byron Belcher

Biology

Hi everyone! I am a fourth year Biology major at UC Santa Cruz. Before transferring to UC Santa Cruz as a third year student I started my college education at Santa Monica College. While at SMC I spent a lot of time learning about myself. For the longest time I struggled with impostor syndrome and I felt uncertain about whether I should pursue a career in STEM. Many of my STEM classes were competitive in nature and I didn’t see a lot of students of color who I could relate to. However, while at SMC I involved myself in student leadership through the Black Collegians Program on campus and I was able to solidify my academic goals and network with a community that was not only beneficial to me but to other students on campus. Now that I am a proud Banana Slug at UC Santa Cruz, I’m excited to use my leadership skills and experience to help students feel more confident and proficient in their academic and personal goals.

Areas of expertise: leadership, event planning/organization, non-profit volunteering, budget management, community outreach

Connect with me: Instagram: @byron_717 or Email: bbelcher@ucsc.edu

Isa Guevara

Human Biology

I am a second year Human Biology major at UC Santa Cruz. I often struggled to feel as though I belonged in STEM because it didn’t “come naturally” to me, and science classes I took required a lot of guidance and effort. Despite my passion for the subject, I was unable to find mentors at my high school due to high turnover rates and my own self-limiting thoughts. However, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and applying to both UCSC and this internship yielded great results. I have learned the value of creating community wherever you can, perseverance, and asking for help in spite of limiting thoughts.

Areas of expertise: leadership, tutoring, social media outreach, experience with Human Biology pathways

Connect with me: ilguevar@ucsc.edu