Announcements
2024 Art of Healing Showcase
UCI Counseling Center invites all students to participate in the Art of Healing Showcase. This showcase exhibits artwork created by UCI Students. It is designed to help students empower themselves as well as others through artistic and creative expression. It will be held on May 22, 2024 during the Counseling Center Open House from 4:30PM – 6:00PM in the Counseling Center Annex Locations. Click here for more information. Artwork submissions are due May 3, 2024.
CAMP Updates
Latino Excellence and Achievement Dinner (LEAD)
Dr. Harris, CAMP Scholars, and CAMP Alumni attended the 7th Annual Latino Excellence and Achievement Dinner (LEAD) on Thursday, April 4, 2024. The Latino Excellence and Achievement Awards Dinner (LEAD) honors key leaders, graduate students, staff and faculty who support and champion student success and research excellence in the Hispanic/Latinx community at UCI and in Orange County. The Latino Excellence and Achievement Awards was the inspiration of PhD in Education graduate Verónica Ahumada Newhart, who believed the time had arrived to celebrate the accomplishments of UCI’s Latinx community.
Celebrate UCI
On April 20, 2024, CAMP presented to prospective students during the Celebrate UCI event and hosted an information booth throughout the day! Dr. Harris conducted three information sessions where attendees were able to learn more about the CAMP Summer Science Academy, numerous CAMP resources, and the CAMP STEM House! Attendees also heard from current students about their experiences in CAMP specifically and on the campus in general. We are so very grateful for the partnership with Dr. Sharon Stead, CAMP Alumni, and current scholars, all of which participated in every session and welcomed newly admitted underrepresented students in STEM to UCI! A special THANK YOU to Leonora Peña for all of her hard work on such an important day! ✨✨
Leadership Spotlight
Meet Niobe Duke!
Niobe Duke is the Program Coordinator for the Center for Black Cultures, Resources, and Research. She is an alumna of the University of California, Irvine and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Niobe is a dancer, enjoys listening to music, musical themed movies, traveling, and spending time with family.
In what capacity do you work for UC Irvine?
Currently, I am the program coordinator for the Center for Black Cultures, Resources, & Research. I am the Black Faculty and Staff Association Vice President as well as the advisor for the Black Graduation Celebration, B.L.A.C. Gala Scholarships and Awards and the Xi Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.
How did you become involved with the CAMP program?
It happened organically. I met Dr. Harris when she attended events and programs held by the X Black Women Daily, which was an organization on campus. We always talked and connected at those events. Given my work at the center, Dr. Harris was interested in areas of synergy – so that students can make connections across the campus. We explored how the CBCRR and CAMP can support each other and our students. In the past, CAMP has helped to facilitate some of our programs for students in STEM. We always list CAMP as a campus partner and invite the program to come table at our events.
What is your educational philosophy?
How I approach school, and everything in life, has been ingrained in me because both my mother and grandmother were teachers. Education is important to me, but I feel like you do not have to go to college to necessarily become educated. Being educated is more than just a degree, it also involves life experiences and the skills you obtain along the way. I always wanted to go to college, but I didn’t have a dream school. I did well because I learned how to lead while studying for my degree.
Why do you believe that undergraduate research is an important component of the student experience?
I think it is important because it helps students to clarify their trajectory in their majors and careers. Through research they can find out what they are passionate about. It is important for undergraduates because of the skills they gain in research, such as communication and critical thinking, are skills that can be used both inside and outside of college.
What advice would you give students that may be afraid to communicate with faculty?
Never be afraid of anyone that holds a higher position or has obtained advanced degrees. Those accomplishments do not mean that they are better than you. They might have their degree but at the end of the day, you should still be able to approach them and talk to them. I always ask a lot of questions. Never be afraid to ask questions because they were you at one point – and you can become them if you are willing to work hard.
What do you do for fun?
I have danced my whole life. I also like traveling whether to San Diego or Vegas and taking small or larger trips. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and friends to either get brunch or spend the holidays together. I also try to catch up on TV shows that I watch because I look forward to my shows. Another thing I do for fun is going to the movies. I have the Regal Unlimited Pass, so I go whenever new stuff comes out.
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is Cats the Broadway Musical 1998 film edition. I love musicals since I am a theater kid. I love anything that involves dancing and singing. I could watch that movie every day.
What is your favorite song and why?
Right now, my favorite song is On My Mama by Victoria Monét. When it comes to music, I enjoy planning a whole dance routine around the beat. I like that song because it reminds me of the dirty south which is a vibe I liked growing up. It reminds me that I am the way that I am because of my mama. I love the song and the music video. It has been my theme song.
What advice would you give students with respect to successfully navigating their STEM degree program?
Even if you’re not naturally gifted at something that you are passionate about; work hard and you can achieve it no matter what. Keep up with it even if it is difficult. Try mastering it. Practice makes perfect, and honestly never give up. Never give up on your dreams. Follow what makes you happy and what brings you joy and peace.
Student Spotlight
Meet Viviann Vargas!
Viviann Vargas is a third-year biological sciences major and is interested in clinical research. She has been involved with campus organizations and with the CAMP program since her freshman year. Viviann wants to become a physician assistant. She plans to build on her clinical experience after graduating from UCI before going on to graduate school for her masters. She loves playing soccer, being with family, and Costco Pizza!
How long have you been involved with CAMP? What are some of the services you have utilized?
I have been involved in CAMP before I entered college. I participated in the CAMP Summer Science Academy. It was online, but through that I got to meet a club that I’m currently a president for – MAES: Latinos in Science and Engineering Club, and without CSSA, I do not think I would have been able to be as involved as I am on campus. Some services I used throughout the years are the free printing and the study room. The study space is very nice and well taken care of.
I also applied and received a scholarship (Wendy Robello CAMP Scholarship) during my time as a second year. I appreciate CAMP a lot. I am a mentor and tutoring and through the Mentor & Tutor Program, I am able to meet people and help them similarly to how I was helped when I was a freshman. I take gratitude for that. Also, meeting Dr. Harris and Leo, and creating a great relationship with them. Lastly, I participated in the CAMP Alumni roundtables.
Are you part of any clubs? If so, which ones? Why do you think it is important to be involved?
Starting my freshman year, I was involved primarily in Global Medical Training and MAES. With Global Medical Training, I was able to go to the Dominican Republic to do a clinic trip over there. I was able to shadow a few doctors. The clinic trip was a week-long during spring break, and it was worth it. It was the first clinic trip since after Covid, and now they do those trips twice a year. I was happy that I was involved in the group that restarted it. It was very special to me. Also, that year with MAES, I became the treasurer. This was the first time I ever experienced leading something and being part of a leadership group. I became outreach coordinator My second year, and then now as a third year, I am the president-elect as of spring quarter. Leadership is something that I knew I had to work on coming into college, but I never really thought I would be able to lead a whole club on campus. It is very different from high school, and it takes on even more responsibilities. Taking on the role to become president is something that I have been working on throughout my third year because I saw that it was going to be very beneficial to growing my skills. I think it is important to participate in clubs because the time that we have here in college goes by so fast and those clubs can help you to become a better person, to grow. I believe that people should get involved in campus orgs because they will be able to learn about even more resources that have helped the community and the organization. I know I’ve pointed a lot of people in MAES towards CAMP because it is something that has helped me throughout my time in college.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy playing soccer since I was little and with MAES. We have an intramural team, and we join the intramural league every year. I love to play soccer on my free time, and this is a great way to push me to enjoy my hobbies and to get me to do something that is away from school. It keeps me active. I also just like to watch movies and enjoy time with family. When you are away from your family for so long, it is important to just have time to be with them, watch movies with them, and play soccer with them.
What is your favorite food?
Costco pizza! I could have that every day. I love it.
What is your favorite movie?
I always re-watch movies. The one movie that is my comfort movie is Clueless. It is a movie that I can turn on and feel happy and calm. I always watch it whenever I’m stressed. I think I have watched it more than thirty times.
What is your favorite song?
My favorite song would have to be When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars. It is that type of song that has you staring out the window and thinking. I had listened to the lyrics, and it meant something to me. Not that I had broken up with anyone, but I really like the song.
What advice would you give your fellow CAMP scholars about successfully navigating higher education?
Everybody goes through college at their own pace. I realized early on that my pace is not going to compare with anyone else’s because it is my pace that I can put in 100% and do things that I love doing. It is okay to take 12-units a quarter. Be involved on campus. Learn from people that you look up to. Take the whole college experience in as it is given to you. I think it is important for incoming and current students to understand that your path is not going to be linear. It is not going to be the same as everyone. Your path is your path. When you are in college, you decide what you want to put your energy in. I know there are people telling you to do research, be president for three clubs because it will look good on your resume. Yes, it might look good on your resume, but are you going to be able to speak about it genuinely to your interviewers? Are you going to be able to genuinely talk about how you grew and what you learned? I think I can, and I can appreciate my time in college because of this. Enjoy the journey.
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
Data Science in Oceanography, Summer Program for Undergraduate Students
The School of Oceanography at the University of Washington, with support from the eScience Institute, is excited to announce an undergraduate summer program, “Data Science in Oceanography.” The goal of the program is to provide undergraduate students with opportunities in contemporary data-driven research in oceanography and attract them to exciting possibilities of career paths in oceanography. Participants will be provided on-campus housing, meals, and partial travel reimbursement. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadlines: June 1, 2024
Arizona State University L’SPACE
The L’SPACE Program offers two unique, hands-on learning experiences for students: The Mission Concept Academy (MCA) and the NASA Proposal Writing & Evaluation Experience Academy (NPWEE). Students may choose one Academy to apply for each semester. Click here to learn more about the programs.
Application Deadlines: May 5th, 2024
Medical Device Development Bootcamp
The Medical Device Development Bootcamp (MDD) at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, is an experiential learning opportunity for students interested in learning the process of designing, prototyping, and manufacturing medical devices. It is offered in two formats: 1) a two-week online program leading to a certificate in medical device design, and 2) a five-week in-person program leading to a certificate in medical device prototype development. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
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.
Scholarship Opportunities
Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. With a full scholarship, students pursuing STEM degrees will be able to focus on complex research to further the DoD’s mission and create a lasting impact. SMART offers full tuition to undergraduate and graduate students, annual stipends, summer internships, mentorship, and guaranteed employment with the DoD upon graduation. Visit www.smartscholarship.org for more information on eligibility and how to apply. The SMART application is open annually from August 1 to December 1.
There’s Space for Everyone Scholarship
Write an essay between 500 and 800 words on how you have exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, or social justice and how your education will help you continue this commitment during college and beyond. Open to incoming and current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university during the Fall 2024 semester. Amount: $3,000. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship
In 500 words or less, SBB Research Group Foundation wants to read your response to the following: What have been your most significant experiences in STEM and how will you use STEM principles to improve the world? Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students at a United States college, pursuing a degree in a STEM field, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
Empowering women in STEM is at the heart of Hyundai’s mission to pioneer sustainable mobility and innovation. By supporting the brilliant minds of today, Hyundai is steering towards a more promising, inclusive tomorrow. The scholarship awards $10,000 to five applicants who submit the most thoughtful 500+ word essays on how EV tech can help create a more sustainable future. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
Internship Opportunities
Center for Environmental Biology (CEB) Internship Program
Applications for the 2024-2025 CEB internship program are currently being accepted. CEB interns participate in ecological research projects related to conservation and restoration in Orange County. Interns work directly with local land managers and UCI scientists. Projects are conducted in a combination of field, lab, and greenhouse settings. Develop research skills such as plant identification, vegetation sampling methods, and operation of specialized equipment.To learn more and apply click here.
Application Deadline: May 19, 2024
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program is now open for applications for the Fall 2024 term. Each year, students from around the country participate in SULI at one of the 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities. SULI is a paid internship opportunity sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with DOE laboratories/facilities. Students can participate in SULI either in a 10-week summer internship (May–August) or in a semester-long experience (August–December or January–May). Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: May 22, 2024
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Internship Opportunities. SG – Summer 2024
NASA JPL invites students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to apply for internship opportunities to collaborate side-by-side with scientists and engineers in a creative and diverse research community. JPL’s technical competencies revolve around end-to-end implementation of unprecedented robotic space missions that study Earth, the solar system, and the universe beyond. Individual research projects may fall within the following and other general areas: Earth Science, Astrophysics and Space Sciences, Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, etc.), Planetary Sciences, Spacecraft and Robotic Technologies, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Communications and Computing Software and Instrument Technologies. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required. Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: May 31st, 2024
Dominion Energy Virginia Immersive Career Experience (DEVICE)
During D.E.V.I.C.E. (Dominion Energy Virginia Immersive Career Experience), undergraduate and graduate students with a projected graduation date of no later than May 31, 2025 will spend three days shadowing engineers in Electric Transmission in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to in-office shadowing, students will participate in a field visit to one of our substations and will be interviewed for one of our full-time engineer positions.
In order to be considered for this program, students must pay special attention to the requirements for each posting and apply to the appropriate one. Please note, applying to one of the requisitions below also serves as an application for a full-time engineer position at Dominion Energy in Electric Transmission. The application deadline is Friday, May 31st, 2024.
- DEV Immersive Career Experience – Electric Transmission Engineer I (dominionenergy.com)
- DEV Immersive Career Experience – Electric Transmission Engineer II and III (dominionenergy.com)
JPL Maximizing Student Potential in STEM
Maximizing Student Potential in STEM, or MSP, offers part-time and full-time internship opportunities at JPL to underrepresented students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM. JPL is now offering both on-site and remote internships as projects allow. As part of their internships, students are partnered with JPL scientists or engineers, who serve as the students’ mentors. Students complete designated projects outlined by their mentors, gaining educational experience in their fields of study while also contributing to NASA and JPL missions and science.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Twitch Engineering Internship
If you would like to work in a challenging engineering environment where every new project is a learning opportunity, you’ve come to the right place. As an intern, you’ll dive headfirst into the deep end of the pool. You’ll own a project from start to finish and your dedicated Mentor, Manager, and Advisor will be beside you every step of the way. You’ll also participate in leadership and interpersonal development curriculum and gain industry knowledge from top Twitch executives in fireside chats. For more info and to apply, click here.
Fellowship Opportunities
Gulf Research Program Early-Career Research Fellowships
To support scientists, engineers, and health professionals working on oil system safety, environmental protection, and human health issues relevant to the Gulf region, the Gulf Research Program will administer Early-Career Research Fellowships. The fellowship will recognize early-career researchers for past performance and their future potential for substantial contributions to enhancing the protection of environmental and/or human health and/or the pursuit of safer offshore oil and gas operations. The fellowship will provide support for scientists, engineers, and health professionals at the critical pre-tenure phase of their careers. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: May 22, 2024, 5:00 pm ET
2024 DOE Scholars Program-2nd Call
The DOE Scholars Program is designed to attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates to opportunities designed to prepare and motivate participants toward the full range of entry and mid-level research, technical, and professional positions within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As a participant in the DOE Scholars Program, you will have the opportunity to explore a federal career with DOE and gain a competitive edge as you apply your education, talent, and skills in a variety of settings within the DOE complex. To learn more and apply click here.
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 Biological Sciences – Saurabh Chatterjee, Environmental and Occupational Health
Thursday, May 2, 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.
Dynamic Treatment Effects: High-dimensional Inference Under Model Misspecification
Thursday, May 2, 2024
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
6011, Donald Bren Hall
Professor Jelena Bradic, from UC San Diego, will delve into the complexities of estimating dynamic treatment effects, crucial for understanding the time-dependent causal impacts of interventions. Click here for more information.
Capitalizing on Differences: What to Know about Healthcare Careers
May 7, 2024
4:00PM – 5:30PM
UCI Student Center: Newport Beach B
The Womxn’s Center for Success is hosting a panel discussion with womxn from diverse backgrounds and careers in healthcare. Guest speakers have backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, public health, and health business. This is a great opportunity to learn about their journey to their careers. Click here to RSVP.
Targeting Cellular Plasticity in Metastatic Breast Cancer
May 13, 2024
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Sue Gross Auditorium
The UCI School of Pharmaceutical Sciences will host an upcoming seminar featuring Associate Professor Michael Wendt, from the Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa, on Targeting Cellular Plasticity in Metastatic Breast Cancer. Click here for more information.
UCI School of Public Health – IISBR Spit Camp 2024
May 14 – 15, 2024
Upcoming from the UCI School of Public Health is IISBR Spit Camp 2024, which offers an immersive experience in salivary bioscience over two intensive days. This session equips participants with in-depth knowledge of oral fluid as a biological specimen, covering sample collection, study design, and the fundamentals of salivary immunoassays. Click here for more information and to register.
Reinforcement Learning for Respondent-Driven Sampling
Thursday, May 9, 2024
4:00PM – 5:00PM
6011, Donald Bren Hall
The UCI School of Information and Computer Sciences will host an upcoming seminar on May 9th, 2024, featuring Eric Laber, a Professor at Duke University, who is pioneering a groundbreaking approach in social research through his work on Reinforcement Learning for Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). Click here for more information.
Evaluating the Robustness and Efficiency of Estimators for Informative Covariate Censoring
Thursday, May 16, 2024
4:00PM – 5:00PM
6011, Donald Bren Hall
Tanya Garcia, an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, will be leading an information session focused on handling censored covariates in time-to-event outcomes research. The session will delve into methods for addressing both informative and noninformative covariate censoring, presenting techniques such as complete case analysis, inverse probability weighting, maximum likelihood estimation, and augmented weighting estimators. Click here for more information.
Who’s Afraid of AI? Myths and Realities of Generative AI
Thursday, May 16, 2024
5:00PM – 7:00PM
Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences & Engineering
100 Academy
The UCI School of Information and Computer Sciences will host an upcoming seminar featuring Professor Kate Crawford, Research Professor, USC Annenberg School, Senior Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research, Honorary Professor, University of Sydney who examines the dichotomy between existential fears surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the tangible impacts of present AI technologies. Click here for more information.
New Platforms For Quantum Sensing and Quantum Computing
Thursday, May 16, 2024
2:00PM – 3:20PM
McDonnell Douglas Engineering Auditorium
The UCI Henry Samueli School of Engineering will host an MSE 298 Seminar, featuring Dr. Nathalie de Leon from Princeton University. Dr. de Leon will discuss groundbreaking research on quantum sensing and computing, including stabilizing highly coherent NV centers in diamond surfaces for nanoscale spectroscopy and efforts to enhance superconducting qubits’ lifetimes and coherence times. Click here for more information.