Announcements
Administrative Assistants for 2024 – 2025
Join our team! We are excited to invite sophomores, juniors, and seniors with federal work study to apply to become an Administrative Assistant during the 2024 – 2025 academic year! Becoming a CAMP Administrative Assistant allows you to gain work experience in a fun, fast-paced, welcoming environment. Administrative Assistants also enjoy a flexible work schedule. To apply for this opportunity, you must be CAMP eligible. Please contact CAMP at lsamp@uci.edu if you have any questions.
2024 – 2025 CAMP Administrative Assistant Application
Deadline to apply is Friday, September 13, 2024
CAMP Exclusive Scholarships
CAMP is excited to announce that the Wendy Robello, Nava Family, and Cynthia Brown STEM CAMP Scholarship opportunities (exclusively for CAMP Scholars) will be available for application this fall. Please monitor your e-mail for additional updates.
Book / Technology Loan Program
The Book / Technology Loan Program will launch Monday, September 23, 2024. Books and technology are available for check-out on a first-come, first-served basis. You may learn about available materials by clicking on the following link:
https://www.libib.com/u/campbooktech
CAMP Updates
CAMP Summer Science Academy
Please join us in welcoming our newest CAMP Summer Science Academy (CSSA) cohort! CSSA Scholars completed a fun, academically rigorous, and informative program over the span of three weeks. Thank you to our CAMP partners! We are delighted to welcome the new CSSA Cohort to CAMP at UCI!
Faculty Spotlight
Meet Santana Ruiz!
Santana Ruiz is the Interim Executive Director at the Center for Educational Partnerships (CFEP). He is a proud UCI Alumni having received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Education in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University. He matriculated to UCI as a mathematics major. After his first political science course, he switched majors after having discovered that area of study was in more alignment with his true interest. Santana has worked at CFEP since its inception and has held various roles at EAOP, Transfer Prep, COSMOS, and CAMP.
In what capacity do you work for UC Irvine?
Currently, I am the Interim Executive Director of the Center for Educational Partnerships. In my role, I interact with a lot of campus units. I also co-teach a course here, at the School of Social Sciences, called Educational Policy Field Studies, with Dr. Ashley Cheri.
How did you become involved with the CAMP program?
I am one of the founding members of the Center for Educational Partnerships. I have been part of every program including CAMP. I was a CAMP Coordinator for two years. It was my first job after graduate school and directed the CAMP Summer Science Academy (CSSA) for two summers. As my primary role, I coordinated the McNair Program which was housed under CAMP. McNair is a graduate school preparation program.
What is your educational philosophy?
Honestly, I think you base it on what worked for you during your educational journey. I am a first-generation college student, and my parents were farm workers in the Coachella Valley. My work ethic was never an issue; it was more so a matter of applying it to academics. I follow the traditional immigrant experience where we started working at a young age to help support the family. The simple philosophy for me was that you get out of it what you put into it. Nothing is impossible. The only adjustment to my philosophy is that we must meet the students where they are. There could be some issues that are beyond your control that will not allow you to give it your best, and that is why our programs exist. Once you seek help to get that extra support, then it is strictly what you put into it is what you will get out of it. We must ensure that everybody gets a fair opportunity. We should have more enthusiastic positive teachers, counselors, and support systems, especially for low-income, first-generation, students.
Why do you believe that undergraduate research is an important component of the student experience?
This brings me to my second most important summer program I attended: Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP). SAEP was a summer research program, at the School of Social Sciences, where students enrolled in statistics and did a research project. That was the most important program for me because it prepared me for graduate school. I think undergraduate research is important because it allows you to become more knowledgeable about a field of study and reach the next level that you are striving for. Conducting research gives you options to get the next degree or have an experience that you will be able to apply somewhere else.
What advice would you give students that may be afraid to communicate with faculty?
It is hard to believe now, but I was very shy. I can only speak about the UC, but faculty can be intimidating. It was more challenging back then compared to now because there was no e-mail, no texting, and faculty did not have websites. Now there are more means to communicate. Students should absolutely take advantage of the different pathways to communicate with them. Go to office hours even if you do not need help because there is always a question you can ask or go to congratulate them on their work or book. It is critical to communicate with faculty.
What do you do for fun?
I am an avid sports fan. I am a die-hard Raider fan, Laker fan, and Chivas fan. I love sports. It is my therapy, and I work out a lot. Health is very important to me, so many of my fun activities are health related. I also follow politics. I am in heaven right now because of the convention.
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is Forrest Gump. That one got me to sniffle. I love history and consider myself a history buff and Forrest Gump goes through different historical eras. Close second is the movie The Warriors.
What is your favorite song and why?
I love music and all areas, but if I ever hear this song, no matter where I am, I listen to the song until it ends. If it is on the radio, we leave it on. If I am at a store and it is playing, I am not leaving. I am a Bee Gees fan. My favorite song of the Bee Gees is Too Much Heaven. That is the song.
What advice would you give students with respect to successfully navigating their STEM degree program?
STEM is obviously difficult. It is unique, and once again, I always go back to my journey and what worked for me because it is the safest advice I can give. Seek help when you need it; but group collaboration and teamwork is important because that is real life. There are very few jobs that will have you working by yourself. You must work in teams with your colleagues. Start getting into that mentality especially in college and in STEM. Teamwork and collaboration helps to develop networks. I remember students that had A’s and B’s were getting tutoring instead of students that needed it most. So, you are never too smart to not get help.
Student Spotlight
Meet Makayla Luevano!
Makayla Luevano is a rising senior and chemistry major. She is currently conducting research in the Evans Lab studying the coordination chemistry of highly reactive low-valent rare-earth (Y, Sc, Lanthanides) metal complexes. She recently attended the American Chemical Society (ACS) Conference which has helped to guide her future goals concerning graduate school. Her dedication and passion in the lab are paying off with her first publication in the Inorganic Chemistry Journal.
How long have you been involved with CAMP and what are some of the services you have utilized?
I learned about CAMP my freshman year; I participated in the virtual CAMP Summer Science Academy (CSSA). This past summer. I was involved in the Summer Research Scholars Program as a research scholar. I got to learn a lot about how to conduct research and present myself as a researcher. CAMP has amazing resources that are helpful to your higher education journey.
Are you part of any clubs? If so, which ones? Why is it important for you to get involved?
I participate in a few. I am currently the treasurer and outreach coordinator for the American Nuclear Society. We started the club up again last year. It is a lot of fun. We talk about nuclear topics and do outreach activities that bring nuclear concepts to people who might be less informed about what nuclear is – and the advantages it has for society. I am also a part of the Chemistry Club and SACNAS.
What do you do for fun?
It is a mixed bag. I am learning to play musical instruments and started with the electric guitar. I am now playing the harmonica, which is a lot easier. I go to the gym every morning and love going outside, camping, going to the beach, and hanging out with my family.
What is your favorite food?
Honestly, I like anything that has chicken in it, but I really like Yogurtland. I will eat Yogurtland for dinner. That is probably my favorite food. I really like their coconut flavor, but they rarely have it. It is super good!
Favorite movie? Why?
My favorite movie is Interstellar. Space was the whole reason why I was interested in science. I was fascinated with the stars and that movie brings me back to my first entry to science. It is really good.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song right now is She’s Alright by Zach Bryan. It is a country song. It is poppy and it is magical. I really like this song.
What advice would you give your fellow CAMP scholars about successfully navigating higher education?
Do not sell yourself short and do not be afraid to take risks or ask for help if you think you need it. I feel like a lot of the time you are afraid that you might not know enough or not good enough to participate in things like research, but it is very important that you overcome the initial fear so it can open doors for you. Get involved. Do not be afraid.
Mentor Way
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
Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at UC Davis
PREP@UC Davis prepares postbaccalaureate students from disadvantaged backgrounds and historically marginalized groups (including individuals who have a disability that limits major life activities) to succeed in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. PREP@UCD creates a community of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and PREP Scholars. They work together to provide scholars with cutting-edge research tools and experience in conducting hypothesis-driven biomedical research, skills in professional communication, and an environment in which the scholar can grow and self-identify as a scientist. Applications for 2025-2026 will open in December 2024. Click here to learn more and apply.
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
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
Creative Biolabs Scholarships Program
As a leading custom service provider specializing in the field of antibody production and engineering, Creative Biolabs is always happy to support young and ambitious talents in our field.
In an effort to further support their research and higher education in the medical and science-related fields, Creative Biolabs is proud to announce the 2024 Scholarship Program, which will award $1,000 to an outstanding college student. To learn more and apply, click here.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Smart, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) DoD Scholarship Program
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing a STEM degree. All scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. Applications are open annually from August 1 to the first Friday in December. Click here for more information and to apply.
Application Deadline: First Friday of December
Internship Opportunities
NRC Research Associateship Programs
The NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) are prestigious postdoctoral and senior research awards designed to provide promising scientists and engineers with high-quality research opportunities at federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. These programs offer a comprehensive experience, including mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to influence government policy, all geared toward enhancing the research career development of the Research Associates. Click here to learn more and apply.
Applications Open: September 1, 2024
JPL Year-Round Internship Program
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. 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 for more information and apply.
Application Deadline: No deadline, Rolling basis
Fellowship Opportunities
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
Maximizing Student Potential in STEM
Maximizing Student Potential in STEM, or MSP, aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of underrepresented and underserved students in STEM disciplines as well as students with a record of supporting diversity and inclusion by providing part-time and full-time fellowship opportunities at JPL. The program is extended to, but not limited to, underserved students, women, first generation college students, geographically underrepresented students, educationally or financially disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. Click here for more information and apply.
Application Deadline: No deadline, Rolling basis
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
ICEC 2024: Hydrogen – Fueling the Sustainable Future
September 17, 2024 – September 18, 2024
8:00AM – 5:00PM
UCI Samueli School of Engineering
ICEC is a premier global forum in which clean energy leaders from around the world share and discuss their perspectives. This in-person event will address the spectrum of hydrogen generation, distribution, storage and utilization to capture an integrated perspective of clean energy systems and the move to electrification. A diverse range of academic and industry presenters will provide objective content and insights on the latest, cutting-edge information regarding hydrogen, microgrids, smart grids, electrification, and clean mobility. For additional information and to register for the event, click here.
Virtual Graduate School Fair: This is Public Health
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
6:00AM – 2:00PM
All ASPPH Member Public Health Schools & Programs Candidates worldwide who are interested in graduate degrees in Public Health is invited to attend. UCI Advisors are available in the Wen Public Health Booth from 9 AM to 2 PM. For more information and to register, click here.
Deformation and Oxidation Behavior in High Temperature Structure Alloys
September 20, 2024
11:00AM – 12:00PM
Engineering Tower, Conference Room 652
Associate Professor and Technical Director Michael S. Titus
School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University
Computational tools for materials discovery and design have in the past decade been extensively developed to study a wide range of properties. This talk will focus on two examples of such use cases. The first example will show recent results on the integration between thermodynamic calculations, first-principles modeling, machine learning, and experimental validation of mechanical properties and oxidation resistance in refractory complex, concentrated alloys (RCCAs). A new machine learning for accelerated materials discovery (ML-AMD) framework that utilizes multi-fidelity and multi-cost experiments with physics-based modeling will be presented. To learn more about this event, click here.
Chemical Approaches to Regenerative Organ Repair
September 30, 2024
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Sue Gross Auditorium, COHS
Associate Professor Michael Bollong
Chemistry, Scripps Research
Despite perceived organismal complexity, mammals possess relatively poor regenerative potential compared to certain lesser species of Animalia (e.g., amphibians). Indeed, there are many human disease states where an insufficient regenerative response limits organ repair and is determining of disease etiology (e.g., heart failure, T1D, IPF). To overcome these limitations, there are ongoing programs aimed at identifying novel small molecules, drug targets, and repurposed drugs which control the context-specific cell growth and differentiation pathways limiting regenerative potential in a given tissue or cell type. This talk will overview academic drug development programs aimed at regenerating several mammalian organ systems, including the heart and lungs. Click here for more information.
California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
October 19, 2024
UC Riverside
The Forum is an all-day program designed to acquaint students from underrepresented groups with the academic and career opportunities associated with advanced study in a wide range of disciplines at the doctoral level. Students have the opportunity to meet representatives of the nation’s leading graduate schools offering Master’s and Ph.D. degrees and to attend workshops and panel sessions. UCI Graduate Division will be coordinating transportation via charter bus. More information and how to register is forthcoming.