Announcements
CAMP Book and Technology Loan Program
If you have checked out CAMP books and / or technology, the item(s) must be returned to the CAMP office no later than June 14, 2024, before 5:00PM.
CAMP Updates
Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience (DECADE) Panel
Dr. Harris, Dr. Adams, Dr. Dunn-Rankin, and Dr. Pelayo participated on a panel focused on imposter syndrome. The discussion was hosted by DECADE on May 23, 2024. Panelist shared their lived experiences while also providing practical strategies on navigating graduate school. We are grateful for Christina M. Magana-Ramirez and Dr. Volodymyr Minin for their leadership to organize the event.
Facing Transition: Knowing Your Worth/Advocating for Your Value
The SWE Professional Development Conference was hosted at UCI on May 19, 2024. CAMP Program Specialist, Leonora Peña, facilitated a conversation with panelists about knowing your worth and advocating for it throughout your education and career journey.
Faculty Spotlight
Meet Fabian Firoozi!
Fabian Firoozi is the Scholarships Associate Director at the Financial Aid & Scholarships office. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Southampton, England. He feels fortunate to be among the first people in the United States to deploy digital wireless technology. He transitioned from technology into the financial industry where he worked at Merrill Lynch before joining UCI. Fabian is passionate about the work he does for students at UCI, and he is just as passionate engaging in his hobby where he identifies, and coaches, talented singers from all over the world. His lived experience is no less than amazing.
In what capacity do you work for UC Irvine?
I am the Associate Director of Scholarships in Financial Aid & Scholarships. My team is responsible for the centralized scholarship platform as well as managing departmental stipends, fellowships, and undergraduate research programs through that portal. We work closely with most of the units and divisions at UCI.
How did you become involved with the CAMP program?
I became involved with the CAMP program through our efforts to expand undergraduate research projects at UCI. We aimed to connect scholarships to meaningful learning experiences, and opportunities, for students at UCI. One key aspect of this was encouraging research involvement through scholarships. Our goal is to make every scholarship at UCI related to research activities and projects, community service, or leadership experience on or off campus. Although this vision will take a few years to fully implement, we laid the foundation to ensure that any new scholarship will require students to participate in these enriching activities. CAMP was already doing this and had established great programs tied to stipends. We have been involved with their funding process. I thought it would be awesome if we could emulate these initiatives in other areas at UCI. This connection is how I became familiar with CAMP.
What is your educational philosophy?
My educational philosophy centers on the belief that the most powerful weapon against ignorance is education. Through education, we can transform people’s mindsets and teach them how to coexist with each other. This principle applies universally, regardless of the country or continent. Whenever populations are educated, they become informed citizens, enabling them to make better decisions about their lives. It also fosters understanding of different cultures, languages, and other ways of living. Therefore, making education affordable and accessible to the masses can have a profoundly positive impact on societies worldwide. I believe providing affordable and meaningful education is the best thing I can do in creating a positive impact. We need to coexist peacefully. We need to help each other to grow, and one of the ways to do this is through education.
Why do you believe that undergraduate research is an important component of the student experience?
I believe undergraduate research is an important component of the student experience because one of the most important aspects of growth is the ability to think critically. While we try to incorporate critical thinking into our K-12 system, it continues to develop through higher education. To me, research is a huge foundation for critical thinking because the methodology is the same across fields, whether in humanities or science. In research, you collect and analyze data, identify trends, and determine outcomes. If you can do this at a complex level, your critical thinking abilities will be greatly enhanced. Learning about research and engaging in it boosts critical thinking skills to a higher level. Furthermore, it prepares students to become advanced STEM graduates who can continue with graduate or PhD programs. Even if students choose not to pursue a PhD, their research experience makes them valuable resources for companies around the globe. So, understanding research and its methodology is extremely important.
What advice would you give students that may be afraid to communicate with faculty?
Honestly, I have met many faculty and staff who are open and willing to mentor students. However, they won’t come to you; you need to reach out to them. These individuals are valuable resources to learn from their life experiences and avoid the same mistakes they made. They can also help you stand out when you graduate and enter the job market. Faculty and staff can teach you how to write your resume, conduct interviews, and perform basic research so you are well-prepared to stand out among other candidates. These resources exist, but you need to ask for them. Being shy will not help you in a college environment. You must be proactive to seek out these opportunities while in college. Once you express your goals, you’ll find others willing to collaborate and assist you in achieving them.
What do you do for fun?
I want hobbies unrelated to my professional work that would help me grow individually and personally. I like music and I am studying about the different styles within music. I have a strong interest in pop and soul. One of my key activities is researching talented singers worldwide, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region, but also in Europe and the Americas. Once I identify these talented individuals, I schedule auditions with them and review their performances. I mentor them and connect them with companies that can book and sign them for their career development. I also stay in touch with them as a lifelong coach to help them navigate their careers. These are often under-resourced, unknown talented individuals who haven’t been discovered yet. Finding these individuals and helping them grow is incredibly rewarding. They are often amazed that someone from the other side of the planet is willing to help them purely for the enjoyment of it. My goal is to help as many aspiring musicians as possible to start their music careers.
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” starring Kate Blanchett and Brad Pitt. I really liked the movie because it portrays the passage of the time and how it affects relationships with others. Additionally, it highlights the concept of unconditional love, which helps you understand people more deeply and emphasizes the importance of selflessness. The movie shows how you can put yourself out there for the sake of someone else, and it left a significant impact on me in terms of how life should be.
What is your favorite song and why?
My favorite song is definitely “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. I love it because it emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. We often talk about the past, the future, and the present, but the present is called a “gift” for a reason. We should live in the moment and appreciate it. This song reminds me that while we make mistakes and learn from them, the present is all we truly have. The past is gone, and the future is unknown, so we must cherish the now. “What a Wonderful World” speaks about bringing people together through simple, basic joys, like watching a sunrise or sunset. It inspires me to truly live in the moment, be present, and not take life for granted.
What advice would you give students with respect to successfully navigating their STEM degree program?
When it comes to successfully navigating a STEM degree program, my advice centers on embracing curiosity and resilience. Technology forms the foundation of our society, advancing rapidly beyond our full comprehension, both our mental and spiritual development. Therefore, it is crucial to not only engage with the technical aspects of technology but also to consider its ethical implications.
Curiosity is key in a STEM education. Asking questions, conducting experiments, and learning from mistakes are all essential components of the learning process. Failure should be seen as a steppingstone toward success, not a roadblock. You should not be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. There is no such thing as a dumb question, nor should you be embarrassed for making mistakes. It is through questioning, experimenting, and collaborating with others that true understanding and innovation emerge. College provides an ideal environment for this type of learning. It is a place where we can make mistakes, ask countless questions, and learn from both successes and failures. By embracing challenges and continuously seeking knowledge, students can develop the skills necessary to thrive in their STEM field. Ultimately, the ability to innovate and problem-solve comes from a foundation of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
Student Spotlight
Meet Mikiztli Ortiz!
Mikiztli Ortiz is a fourth-year Earth System Science major and has a research interest in modeling field observations with programming languages. By going outdoors and collecting samples or writing observations, they try to replicate what they have gathered onto the computer using a programming language and software. They are an active CAMP Scholar and a Mentor & Tutor. Mikiztli loves the outdoors and art. They are excited to have received funding for a Master’s program in Environmental Science!
How long have you been involved with CAMP and what are some of the services you have utilized?
I first got involved with CAMP during my freshman year with the EXCEL course and then participated in the GRE Prep Course. I was a Resident Advisor for CSSA and am currently a CAMP Mentor & Tutor.
Are you part of any clubs? If so, which ones? Why is it important for you to get involved?
I am the Student Engagement Chair for SACNAS and a general member for QT STEM. I think it is important for me to be involved because both orgs push me academically and professionally while being surrounded by a diverse community.
What do you do for fun?
For fun I pretty much like everything outdoors – trail running, nature photography, and I also like making digital art. I use Procreate on my iPad when creating digital art, and I have a website where I upload everything for my nature photography. My favorite place to trail run is the marsh by UCI.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi! My favorite is a rainbow roll. I like salmon, it is probably my favorite.
Favorite movie? Why?
My favorite movie is Shrek. The best one is the first one because it is a great story about self-acceptance, but it is also funny and a satire of traditional fairy tale tropes and traditional gender roles.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song right now is Cycles of Existential Rhyme by Chicano Batman. It is a very mellow song. I really like the guitar and the jazz organ in it. It is about reflecting on your past and the lives of people before you. It makes me feel like everything is going to turn out okay.
What advice would you give your fellow CAMP scholars about successfully navigating higher education?
This is going to sound boring but reading emails. Not only for the important things you cannot miss, but also to learn about the free events and workshops. By reading my emails and taking the time to read them, I was able to learn a programming language through a workshop, and I was also able to go to a mariachi performance on campus. There are so many different opportunities that you could get out of reading your email.
Mentor Way
Bailee Valenzuela
“The mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.” – Plutarch
Tony Martinez
“There is no failure, just a lesson learned.” – Brad Turnbull
Viviann Vargas
It doesn’t matter how long it takes to learn a subject or reach your goal. What matters the most is that you enjoy the educational journey and believe that you will get there with hard work and determination.
Graduate Fellowships/Assistantships/Scholarships
Research Opportunities
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Science and Technology Program Research
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Science, Technology and Policy (STP) Program serves as a next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. The EERE STP Program provides an opportunity for highly talented scientists and engineers to participate in policy-related projects at the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Washington, D.C. and Golden, CO site office. For more information and to apply, click here.
Application Deadline: Thursday, June 15, 2024
ORISE DOE Scholars Program-2nd Call
The DOE Scholars Program is a Department-wide program designed to create a pipeline of highly qualified talent in disciplinary fields that support mission critical areas of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE Scholars Program provides opportunities designed to introduce DOE missions, functions, and operations to talented undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates. These opportunities will help prepare Scholars for the full range of entry and mid-level research, technical, and professional positions within DOE and other organizations that support the DOE mission. For more information and to apply click here!
Application Deadline: Thursday, August 8, 2024
UCI Research Assistant – Kim Lab
The UCI Kim lab is recruiting bilingual student researchers (Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and/or Japanese) for multiple community-engaged research projects that are looking to further examine the experiences of Asian Americans with advanced metastatic cancer and psychosocial interventions that promote well-being. To apply click here.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
REU Finder
REUFinder.com is a quick and easy way for students to find research opportunities. The site is divided into pages that list REU opportunities by year (freshmen, sophomore, junior and seniors as well as specific populations such as community college, international students, and undocumented students). REU Finder seeks to minimize extensive google searches to make it easy for students to identify programs that might be a good fit for.
NSF-Funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. The search page is meant to help scholars search for an REU site throughout the country.
Click here to learn more.
Pathways to Science Summer Research Tool
Deadlines are fast approaching for paid summer research programs! PathwaysToScience.org has a searchable database of 700+ summer research programs in all STEM disciplines. These are all FULLY FUNDED opportunities including programs sponsored by NSF, NASA, NIH, etc. We also have a selection of resources to help you strengthen your applications. Please contact The Institute for Broadening Participation Senior Advisor, Liv Detrick, at ldetrick@ibparticipation.org for assistance in finding a program that is a good fit for you.
Click here to find research programs and learn more.
Scholarships
Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship
The WIA Foundation is pleased to provide scholarships to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math, or science. Five merit-based awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 will be given to rising juniors and seniors in college, to be applied to the 2024-2025 academic year. To be eligible for the WIA Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must be interested in pursuing a career in the aerospace field and be a rising junior or senior working towards a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, or science. Click here for more information!
Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
PixelPlex
This scholarship offers a $2,000 prize each year to the applicant who presents the most persuasive ideas on how blockchain, metaverses, the internet, or augmented reality can be utilized to tackle obstacles in their specific field of interest. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application deadline: June 5th 2024
The Lariat STEM Scholar Program
The Lariat STEM Scholarship Program was created for students between ages 18 to 24, who are from low-income families in rural areas, to pursue their passion in math and science. Our job at the Lariat Future Innovators Foundation is to ensure you get the education needed to earn a college degree today, setting you up as an innovator of tomorrow! Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline June 15th 2024
MyBioSource Inc. Scholarship for S.T.E.M. Majors
MyBioSource is proud to announce its annual “MyBioSource Scholarship Program” for S.T.E.M. ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ) majors. With our scholarship program, students will be able to use the award towards tuition, books, supplies, or other costs that come along with obtaining a higher education. MyBioSource knows the world of “STEM” is constantly changing and new discoveries are found every day, and just maybe one of the applicants selected will hold the key to the next big break! Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2024
Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
Each year, the scholarship awards $10,000 to five applicants who submit the most thoughtful 500+ word essays on how they plan to “promote positive shifts toward sustainability” in their particular STEM field. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
GeneTex Scholarship Program
GeneTex believes in accelerating scientific advancement and the notion that the genesis of future discoveries begins with the support of young scientists now. The GeneTex Scholarship Program will award a $2000 (USD) scholarship to students pursuing a STEM undergraduate or graduate degree. The scholarship will be awarded to one student twice a year. Click here to learn more.
Application Deadline: July 12, 2024
The Father James B. Macelwane Annual Award in Meteorology
This award aims to stimulate interest in meteorology among college students by submitting original student papers concerned with some phases of the atmospheric sciences. The student must be enrolled as an undergraduate when the paper is written, and up to two students from any institution may enter papers in any contest. The Society encourages applications from women, minorities, and disabled students, traditionally underrepresented in the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. Click here for more!
Application Deadline: June 14, 2024
Brown Girls Do College Scholarship
The annual Brown Girls Do®Inc College Scholarship is a $2,000.00 scholarship awarded to full-time college undergraduate students across any field of study*. Priority will be given to a first-generation student in college who demonstrates financial need however, we invite all who qualify to apply. This scholarship is open to U.S. residents only. Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
Internship Opportunities
Public Health Laboratory Internship
APHL and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partner to offer paid laboratory internships to train and prepare college students for careers in public health laboratories. Funded through the American Rescue Plan, interns join public health laboratory teams to make an impact on protecting the health of our communities. Interns assist laboratory professionals working on meaningful projects, like detecting genetic disorders in newborn babies, monitoring drinking water, tracking viruses carried by insects, and testing soil for environmental toxins. Click here for more information and apply!
Application Deadline: Year-round
Honda Electrical Engineering Co-op/Intern- Fall 2024
Co-ops/Interns are tasked with hands-on, project-based work relevant to their department of placements’ current needs. Projects may be as large as developing a new test, designing systems, traveling to suppliers, or serving as a project manager! In addition to the full-time associate work that our Co-ops/Interns are given access to work on, Honda Co-ops/Interns are invited to participate in a variety of paid work events and experiences offered by the Honda Co-op and Internship program team. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: June 31st, 2024
FALL 2024 SpaceX Engineering Co-op/Intern
SpaceX is seeking exceptional students to join engineering teams for Fall 2024. As an intern, you will work closely with your mentor and other employees to apply your knowledge and grow your skills on impactful projects. You’ll also get to enjoy networking opportunities through optional social and professional events. Demonstrating a commitment to academic success and motivation to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom makes you an ideal candidate! Click here for more information and apply.
FALL 2024 Software Engineering Internship/Co-op
SpaceX seeks extraordinary students to join us for software engineering roles in Fall 2024. As a software intern, you will work closely with your mentor and other employees who will help you apply your knowledge and grow your skills on projects that have a significant impact. You’ll also get to have some fun and network with other interns and employees through optional social and professional events. If you’ve demonstrated a commitment to academic success and motivation to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom, you are a great candidate! Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on a super-inspiring mission. Click here for more information and apply.
SpaceX Fall 2024 Graduate Engineer
Are you passionate about space exploration and eager to work on cutting-edge aerospace technologies? SpaceX, founded on the vision of enabling human life on Mars, is offering an incredible opportunity for graduate students to join their team as Graduate Engineers for Fall 2024. As a Graduate Engineer at SpaceX, you’ll tackle real aerospace challenges and contribute significantly to the team. You’ll work alongside full-time engineers, bringing your academic knowledge and technical skills to life in a dynamic and collaborative environment. This role offers you the chance to make a tangible impact on the future of space travel. Click here for more information and apply.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Internship Opportunities. SG – Fall 2024
The JPL Year-Round Internship Program offers part-time and full-time internship opportunities at JPL during the academic year as well as summers to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. As part of their internships, students are partnered with JPL scientists or engineers, who serve as the students’ mentors. Click here to learn more information and click here for other JPL programs.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2024
Fellowships
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Science, Technology and Policy Program
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Science, Technology, and Policy (STP) Program serves as the next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. The EERE STP Program provides an opportunity for highly talented scientists and engineers to participate in policy-related projects at DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Washington, D.C., and the Golden, CO site office. Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: June 15, 2024
Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program
APHL and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partner to offer a variety of laboratory fellowship programs to train and prepare scientists for careers in public health laboratories and to support public health initiatives. The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program offers a competency-based core curriculumwhile allowing fellows to gain a depth of understanding about a particular focus area. Fellowship terms are one year, with a possible extension for a second year, depending on the fellowship and funding availability. APHL offers flexible start dates, to meet your and your mentor’s needs. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: No deadline, Rolling basis
TRIUMPH Postdoctoral Fellowship
TRIUMPH (Translational Research in Multi-Disciplinary Program) Postdoctoral Fellowship provides training in clinical and translational research. The immediate goal of this program is to recruit talented and productive Ph.D. students from top graduate programs to provide continued training in clinical and/or translational cancer research through didactic coursework, clinical rotations, and unique, interdisciplinary mentorships. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2024
STEM Student Org. Corner
American Medical Women’s Association Undergraduate Division (AMWAUCI)
Biomedical Engineering Society
MAES Latinos in Science and Engineering
Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Pre-Veterinary and Animal Wellness Association (PAWA)
Public Health Association (PHA)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Women in Information and Computer Sciences (WICS)
Did You Know…
Did you know that the UCI Department of Chemistry offers FREE peer tutoring via Zoom to students taking General Chemistry courses such as Chem 1A or Chem 1B. The department also has another set of peer tutors that can assist with Organic Chemistry (Chem 51B). It is important to utilize these resources as they are meant to help you be successful in the course! The Department of Physics also has free tutoring for Physics 2, 7 series, and 3 series. The tutors are the teaching assistants (TAs) for the courses. Additionally, the Department of Mathematics also has TAs and graduate students offering free virtual tutoring for Math 1A/1B and Math 2A/2B.
Upcoming Events
UCI School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences- Activity-Based DNA-Encoded Library Screening for Inhibitors of Eukaryotic Translation
June 4, 2024
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Natural Sciences II, 1201
Unlock the potential of small molecule probes in inhibiting eukaryotic translation at our upcoming event. Join us as we delve into the innovative world of activity-based DNA-encoded library screening and its implications for pharmaceutical research. Click here for more information.
UCI Henry Samueli School of Engineering- EE Senior Design Symposium
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
UCI Student Center
The UCI Henry Samueli School of Engineering is happy to announce the EE Senior Design Symposium. Join Civil and Environmental Engineering Seniors at the Senior Design Symposium as they present their capstone design projects! RSVP using the QR code or the link. Click here for more information.
UCI School of Biological Sciences – Adam Martiny, Earth System Science
Thursday, June 6, 2024
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Natural Sciences I, room 1114
The UCI School of Biological Sciences is happy to announce the return of Monthly Microbiome Meetings with a series highlighting UCI faculty. The seminars are open to the UCI community and beyond and take place on the first Thursday of each month. Click here for more information.
UCI School Information and Computer Sciences – Exploring the Influence of Machine Learning on the Architecting of Intelligent Systems
Friday, June 7, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
6011, Donald Bren Hall
The UCI School of Information and Computer Sciences proudly presents: “The Impact of Machine Learning on Architecting Intelligent Systems” Embark on exploring the dynamic intersection of machine learning and intelligent systems architecture at our upcoming event. Delve into cutting-edge research and innovative applications shaping the future of technology. Click here for more information.