Why UC Merced?
I chose UC Merced because I wanted to stay in the Central Valley, a region that represents my identity and values. Pursuing my undergraduate education here allowed me to remain connected to my Hispanic roots while giving back to the community that has always supported me.
Why Your Major?
Unsure whether I wanted to pursue a career in medicine or engineering due to my passion for both, I saw Bioengineering as a program that would prepare me for either path. The major not only offered a strong foundation for the pre-medical route, but also included engineering courses relevant to areas like medical devices and biopharmaceutics. This versatility allowed me to explore my different interests while gaining knowledge and skills that could be applied across various industries.
Inspiration and Mentors:
I was inspired to pursue Bioengineering due to the medical challenges faced by minority groups in the Central Valley. Barriers such as limited access to healthcare and language differences create significant disparities. I wanted to address these issues, whether as a physician or an engineer, by working to make medical devices or drugs more affordable and accessible for underserved communities. This drive motivates me to excel in my career and make a meaningful impact.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors who shaped my growth. My graduate research mentor, Dr. Wenyan Guan, challenged me with complex projects that not only enhanced my skills but also had real-world significance. This support allowed me to participate on multiple projects and be able to publish our research findings on multiple occasions. Similarly, my principal investigator, Dr. Patti LiWang, supported my professional development by accepting me into her lab while also encouraging me to pursue different opportunities. Her support allowed me to expand my skillset through additional research experiences at Columbia University and UCSF, community service through College Corps at UC Merced, and shadowing physicians at UCSF Medical School to explore my diverse interests. The support and experiences I gained in the LiWang Lab have been significant in shaping my career goals and aspirations.
Memorable Academic Experience:
One of my most memorable academic experiences at UC Merced was joining the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Chapter. Being part of this community provided me with a strong sense of support and belonging. Through SHPE, I gained numerous opportunities, including the chance to attend the 2023 and 2024 SHPE National Conventions. At these events, I competed in a research competition earning 2nd place, and I had the opportunity to interview with industry-leading companies, securing internship and full-time offers with Medtronic and other companies I had once thought were beyond my reach.
At Medtronic, I was able to intern as a Software Quality Engineer in the Summer of 2024, where I was able to obtain a return internship for the Fall of 2024 as a R&D Engineer and a full time offer for January 2025 post-graduation. These achievements were made possible by the UC Merced SHPE Chapter, whose commitment to empowering Hispanic students in engineering helped me break barriers and gain visibility in industries where our representation is often limited.
Joining SHPE has been an important moment in my academic journey, and I am deeply grateful for the support they provided. Moving forward, I am determined to give back to the chapter and ensure that future generations of hispanic engineers at UC Merced have access to the same, if not better, opportunities that I was fortunate enough to experience.
What's Next?
After graduation, I will be joining Medtronic as a Systems Engineer I in their Diabetes Operating Unit! During my time at Medtronic, I aim to gain exposure to various engineering disciplines while pursuing a Master's degree to specialize in my area of interest. Additionally, this experience will help me determine whether engineering is the path I want to continue or if I should return to the medical field and pursue a career as a physician.
Anything else?
To all undergraduate engineering students, never let your background limit your potential. Everything you aspire to achieve is within reach! The key to unlocking these opportunities lies in finding the right mentors, resources, and opportunities that will guide you toward your goals. At UC Merced, take full advantage of opportunities like undergraduate research, engineering clubs, and competitions, and once you obtain experience, don't hesitate to seek out external opportunities, such as industry internships or positions. Get involved, explore your passions, and—most importantly—build strong connections with fellow students, alumni, professors, and professionals.
