FALL 2024 FIRST YEARS
See the Friday, August 23 message on your UC Merced email with information about your 2024-25 BAC academic advisor.
BOBCAT ADVISING CENTER TEAM
Michelle Roppeau, Ph.D.
Director of First Year and Undeclared Advising
(209) 382-4407
Evelyn Solano, B.A.
Interim Administrative Assistant
(209) 291-9739
ACADEMIC ADVISORS
Milton Carcamo, M.A., Academic Advisor
miltoncarcamo@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0288
- More info on advising caseload available in early December 2024
Milton's story:
I was born and raised in Salinas, California, and am a proud first generation college student. I am bilingual in Spanish and earned a B.A. at California State University, Monterey Bay in collaborative health and human services with a concentration in social work. I then completed an M.A. in counseling and guidance at San Jose State University. As an undergraduate, I interned at the Learning for Life Charter School where I facilitated a support group for children ages 10-18 and advised high school seniors on meeting the requirements to enroll at UC and CSU schools, community colleges, trade schools, or the military. I spent three years as an academic advisor in the Recruitment in Science Education (RISE) program in Seaside, California, that was designed to inspire first generation high school students to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields. Most recently, I served for three years as the assessment technician and Career Center specialist at a high school in Corvallis, Oregon. I have been active as a volunteer with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Monterey County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, and Dorothy's Place, a nonprofit in Salinas that provides essential services and transitional support to people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty. I am open-minded and love to motivate and help students discover their own path; in my free time, I enjoy hiking and going to the beach. My advice to first year Bobcats: begin to use all of the on-campus free services, including the Writing Center or English Language Institute (ELI) to refine your academic writing skills as well as Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to focus on nutrition for healthy academic performance. Take advantage of the many on-campus events and recognize the importance of self-care during your college years!
Maria Ceja, M.S., Senior Academic Advisor and Coordinator of Peer Advising
mcejalopez@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0120
- Advises 2024-25 first years with last name E, G, J, Y
- Advises non-transfer second and third year undeclared with last name A-Z
Maria's story:
I was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and grew up in Orange Cove, a small citrus farming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Fresno. A proud first-generation college graduate, I completed a B.A. with an international development studies major and double minor in education and Chicana/o studies at UCLA and earned my master's degree in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs and college counseling at Fresno State. I have worked as a community college advisor and assistant director with the American Indian Recruitment, a student-initiated and student-run project with the UCLA Community Programs Office. I served with AmeriCorps City Year Los Angeles and as the lead career and family navigator in Reading and Beyond, Fresno Bridge Academy. I was also an employment readiness specialist in Regenerate California Innovation where I provided educational and career counseling to clients planning for career training and career positions. I enjoy running, yoga, and cooking various cuisines and hope to hike through a variety of national parks in the next few years. My advice to first year Bobcats: embrace and learn from both your small and big accomplishments at UC Merced! As former UCLA Coach John Wooden said, "Don't let making a living prevent you from making a life."
BAC Academic Advisor Intro: Maria Ceja (video)
Erendira "Dida" Estrada, M.S.P.H., Senior Academic Advisor and
Coordinator of Undeclared Transfer Student Support (preferred name: DIda)
eestrada2@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0119
- Advises 2024-25 first years with last name A, D, K, N, O, X
- Advises undeclared lower division transfers with last name A-Z
- Advises Fall 2024 Prime Plus with last name A-Z
Dida's story:
A Merced local, I am a proud first-generation college graduate as well as a Bobcat alum. I earned a B.A. in psychological sciences (former name for the current psychology major) and M.S. in public health at UC Merced. My graduate research assistantship focused on multiple projects designed to improve health communication interventions in Merced County. I also worked as a research lab manager in the Communication, Culture, & Health (CCH) Research Lab at UC Merced where I trained undergraduate research assistants in qualitative data collection. Before joining the Bobcat Advising Center, I spent three years as a pre-health advisor at University of the Pacific where I developed and implemented a pre-health advising Canvas site. In my free time, I love to play video games (primarily horror genre) and travel; I recently had the chance to explore Yellowstone National Park. My advice to first year Bobcats: meet with your BAC academic advisor, attend office hours with your professor and teaching assistant (TA) in each class, and be courageous and go to the first meeting of that campus club or organization that sparks your interest! The first year at UC Merced goes by fast, so use the many free resources available, actively engage in your classes and campus activities, and establish a solid foundation for your personal, academic, and career success.
BAC Academic Advisor Intro: Dida Estrada (video)
Nora Garcia, M.S., Academic Advisor
ngarcia68@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0292
- Advises 2024-25 first years with last name H, I, S, V
Nora's story:
I grew up in Modesto and began my higher education journey as a first generation college student at Modesto Junior College. After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish minor at CSU Stanislaus with honors, I completed a master's degree in counseling with an emphasis in marriage, family, and child counseling summa cum laude at Fresno State. During graduate school, I supervised six counseling graduate students, served as a counselor trainee at the Fresno Family Counseling Center, led counseling groups, met with individual clients, and became a diversity, equity, and inclusion trained counselor. Before joining the Bobcat Advising Center, I worked as a career navigator where I advised first generation continuation high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds on college selection, choice of college major, and enrollment in college courses during high school. That position confirmed my passion for academic advising in higher education! A few fun facts about me: I enjoy karaoke, video games, attending conventions, trying new food and restaurants, and finding fun local events. I also have a great fascination with animation and enjoy collecting art books from some of my favorite animated films. My advice to first year Bobcats: be curious and explore! Build confidence in yourself by exploring the resources available on campus as well as throughout the city of Merced so you can make the most out of your academic and social life during your time at UC Merced.
BAC Academic Advisor Intro: Nora Garcia (video)
L. Maichi Lor, M.S., Academic Advisor (preferred name: Maichi)
l.maichi@ucmerced.edu, (209) 500-6303
- Advises 2024-25 first years with last name M, R, W, Z
Maichi's story:
I am a native of Merced who started my higher education journey at Merced College. I then transferred to Fresno State where I earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs and college counseling. During my graduate program, I completed 1200 hours of internships as part of my degree! I have competed in the Miss Hmong Central Valley, Miss Hmong California, and Miss Hmong International pageants where my platform focused on the significance of higher education for Hmong youth, the value of counseling and mentoring, and the importance of pursuing your dreams.
BAC Academic Advisor Intro: Maichi Lor (video)
Maria Meza, M.S., Academic Advisor
mariamezagaytan@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0286
- More info on advising caseload available in early December 2024
Maria's story:
I was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and grew up in Fresno, California. As a proud first generation college student, I earned a B.A. in liberal studies followed by an M.S. in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs and college counseling at Fresno State. As a bilingual Spanish speaker, I was fortunate to serve as a program assistant in both the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Fresno State and Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) at Fresno City College. I have been a tutor in college statistics courses as well as with the California Teaching Fellows Foundation and served as a peer mentor in the Wayfinders program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most recently, I served as an academic advisor in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Center for Advising and Student Services at Fresno State where I advised undergraduate liberal studies majors as they prepared to complete their bachelor's degree and enter teaching credential programs. Some fun facts about me: I like to watch movies, go to movie theaters, and travel to my hometown in Mexico. I may also be the only BAC academic advisor experienced in the art of puppetry! (As a program assistant at the Huggins Early Education Center at Fresno State, I used puppets to tell stories, present lessons, and mentor preschool children during science experiments.) My advice to first year Bobcats: get to know the available free resources on campus that will support you in earning your bachelor's degree. (Hint: this includes your BAC academic advisor!) Explore the potential career paths in your major, visit the Student Career Center regularly, and apply for internships to help you decide what you want to do after UC Merced. Join clubs or organizations that might interest you and use your time as a Bobcat wisely to make meaningful connections with staff, faculty, and other students.
Mark Stewart, M.A., M.S., Academic Advisor and
University Honors Program Advising Coordinator
mstewart13@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0311
- Advises 2024-25 first years with last name L, P, Q, U
- Advises 2024-25 first years in the University Honors Program with last name A-Z
Mark's story:
I am a native of Ohio, and I have also lived in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. I completed a bachelor's degree in English literature with a minor in history and a master's degree in English literature at John Carroll University in Ohio, then earned a second master's degree in scientific and technical communication at the University of Minnesota. In graduate school, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, a life-changing experience that I wish I had done while I was an undergraduate. I have more than 12 years of academic advising and teaching experience at Minneapolis Business College where I helped first generation, low income, and underrepresented students succeed in their chosen academic and career path. I have taught college courses in written communication, speech, business, and professional career development, and I was honored as the Minnesota Career College Association Outstanding Instructor of the Year. My BAC academic advising caseload includes first years in every major as well as the 60 first years admitted into the new University Honors Program in Fall 2024. My advice to first year Bobcats: looking back, I wish that I had a better understanding of the amount of time it takes to be a successful college student. At UC Merced, expect to spend at least 35-40 hours a week outside class on your studies. Take advantage of the many resources available, including your BAC academic advisor!
BAC Academic Advisor Intro: Mark Stewart (video)
Xiong Vang, M.S., Academic Advisor and Multimedia Coordinator
xvang8@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-0158
- Advises 2024-25 first years with last name B, C, F, T
Xiong's story:
A Fresno native, I earned a B.A. in social work with a psychology minor and M.S. in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs and college counseling at Fresno State. I also completed a therapy practicum with training in crisis assessment. Before joining UC Merced, I held positions as a counseling intern, academic coach, Admissions ambassador, and Upward Bound tutor at Fresno State. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, drawing, and taking photos in nature; my life goal is to travel and photograph the seven Wonders of the World. As a proud first-generation college graduate, my advice to first year Bobcats: meet with your BAC academic advisor to discuss your goals as well as identify the opportunities and campus resources that will set you on a path to success!
BAC Academic Advisor Intro: Xiong Vang (video)
2024-25 BAC PEER ADVISORS
Lizbeth Arellano
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Lizbeth's story:
I am currently a fourth year psychology major and sociology minor who will graduate in Spring 2025; I am also fluent in Spanish. I am excited to be a peer advisor for the Bobcat Advising Center and hope to share my insight, experiences, and advice to help students navigate their college journey. As the first of the five children in my family to have the opportunity to attend college, I faced a number of barriers that first generation college students typically encounter. This included adjusting to what it really meant to be in college, how many hours I needed to study to succeed at a UC research university, and how to ask for help. I was able to quickly assimilate with support from my peers, my academic advisor, and the many free resources offered on campus. During my time at UC Merced, I have made the Dean's List in multiple semesters, participated in the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, worked in the Pavilion Dining Center, and was selected for both College Corps and the Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP). Being involved in these programs that were unique new opportunities gave me a sense of belonging on campus. For example, through YLP I learned the importance of cultivating a healthy environment; in College Corps, I improved my mentoring skills while serving for a year as a tutor with 4th grade students at the elementary school in El Nido. During Summer 2024, I worked as a behavioral technician in Inglewood, California, and hope to eventually go to graduate school and pursue a career in applied behavioral health. A fun fact about me: I ran two Los Angeles marathons while I was in high school. My advice to our new Bobcats: do not be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone! As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Believe you can, and you are halfway there."
BAC Peer Advisor Intro: Lizbeth Arellano (video)
Ella Drobenyuk
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Ella's story:
I am a current third year Fiat Lux Scholar and first generation college student. I entered UC Merced as undeclared and then transitioned into the computer science and engineering (CSE) major early in my second year. I am also pursuing the management analytics and decision-making (MAD) minor. My parents immigrated from Ukraine and did not have the chance to earn a college degree but enthusiastically expected all eight of their children to go to college. As the youngest child, I chose UC Merced because one of my older sisters is a Bobcat alum. I completed most of my General Education (GE) requirements before arriving at UC Merced by taking classes at a community college during high school and have continued to take summer classes at other community colleges to get ahead. As a student, I orient myself closely with programs that complement my major. I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and participate in engineering career events and presentations both on- and off-campus. As a ¿field curious? program participant, I had the opportunity to study what almost became the UC Merced mascot: the fairy shrimp! In Fall 2024, I also joined the Google Developer Group. Whether it be cleaning up nearby Yosemite Lake or partaking in mutual efforts to assist war-stricken countries, I do my best to volunteer frequently both for my sake and to assist others. As a BAC peer advisor, I hope to help students connect with resources that are personally meaningful that facilitate their academic growth. Some fun facts about me: my hobby is weight training and I love learning new languages! I am fluent in Ukrainian and Russian; I have also studied French, Mandarin (Chinese), and Italian. After I graduate, I would like to work at a tech company both on front end (visual) and back end (coding) operations. My advice for first year Bobcats: work to earn the highest possible GPA during your first year! This will set the foundation since a strong college GPA will open doors to opportunities that you may never have imagined (internships, research programs, academic scholarships, paid positions, etc.). Your classes will only get more demanding as you progress so use all available resources including tutoring, BAC peer advisors, and your BAC academic advisor. We are here to help you succeed--and you can do it!
BAC Peer Advisor Intro: Ella Drobenyuk (video)
