Scholar Mentors 2020-21
Scholar Mentors
Scholar Mentors are current students in the Cal Poly Scholars program who mentor new Year 1 Scholars and Transfer Scholars. Scholar Mentors are ambassadors to the Cal Poly Scholars program, and they are a crucial part of the Scholar support network. Use the drop-downs below to learn more about 2020-21 Scholar Mentors by college!
In the coming months, we will post the 2021-22 Scholars Mentor profiles - stay tuned!
College of Architecture & Environmental Design
Amy Uthenpong (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: City and Regional Planning with a minor in Sustainable Environments
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Diversity & Inclusion
HOMETOWN
Los Angeles, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a scholar, to me, means I am able to find a community with similar backgrounds as me while still embracing different identities.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Research, TVSA, work study
Robert Sawyer (he/him/his)
Year: 2nd
Major: Architecture
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
San Jacinto, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
I really enjoy helping people and providing a valuable resource to first year students. I know my first year was often a stressful and confusing time, and I want to be there to help others through that experience.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
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College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences
Alan Martinez (he/him/his)
Year: 2nd
Major: Experience Industry Management
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Community Connections
HOMETOWN
Chowchilla, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Cal Poly Scholars has given me a community of people who support me and understand what it’s like being a first generation college student. I’m so grateful for all the resources and opportunities they provide because I probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them!
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Latinos in Agriculture, Latinx Cultural Association, PolyCultural Weekend
Amado Nunez (he/him/his)
Year: 3rd year
Major: Wine and Viticulture
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Residential Learning Communities
HOMETOWN
McFarland, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It means being a part of an inclusive community where people can succeed together.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
EOP, Vines to Wines, Intramural Sports
Grace Mackey (she/her/hers)
Year: 3rd
Major: Environmental Management and Protection
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Cohort Engagement
HOMETOWN
Santa Rosa, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
To me, being a Scholar means belonging to a diverse community of like-minded, hardworking individuals.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Environmental Science Club, University Honors Program, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Cal Poly Wind Ensemble
Hector Reyes (he/him/his)
Year: 2nd
Major: Agriculture Systems Management
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Calexico, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It’s an honor to be part of this team.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Research volunteer with Dr. Alejandra Yep
Jennifer Lee (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Environmental Management and Protection
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Residential Learning Communities
HOMETOWN
Monterey Park,CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar means that we get to be part of an inclusive and loving community where everyone helps each other succeed. It means that we care about our academic success and emotional wellbeing as well as those around us.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
ASI Student Government (Executive Cabinet), Country Line Dancing Club, Korean American Students Association (KASA), Herbarium Technician, Student Justice & Equity Council
Valeria Diego (she/her/hers)
Year: 3rd
Major: Nutrition with an Applied Concentration
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Health and Wellbeing
HOMETOWN
Sacramento, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar means having a community at Cal Poly that provides the necessary support to excel in my studies and personal well-being.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
PULSE, Student Health Advisory Committee, FSN Student Advisory Council, Cal Polys Center for Health Student Research Assistant, Cross Culture Experience WOW leader.
Victor Gomez (he/him/his)
Year: 3rd
Major: Agribusiness with a minor in Agricultural Education
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Academic Success
HOMETOWN
McFarland, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It means being a part of a great community that supports one another.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
EOP, Ag Ambassadors
College of Engineering
Arturo Flores (he/him/his)
Year: 3rd
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
San Diego, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a scholar means that I am capable of my possibilities. I may have worked hard in high school, but I have to work harder now. The scholar community helps me to acknowledge that I have the support to be even better than when I started college.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Gamma Zeta Alpha, Cal Poly Rugby, LCA, EOP
Ashley Kim (she/her/hers)
Year: 4th
Major: Mechanical Engineering with General Concentration
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Recruitment and Training
HOMETOWN
Torrance, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholars means having a supportive and trustworthy group by my side!
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Cal Poly ASHRAE, EPIC
Bora Joo (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Residential Learning Communities
HOMETOWN
La Crescenta, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar means having a network of people who can support me!
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Conducting research in ME department on thermal comfort
Chanh Lam (he/him/his)
Year: 3rd
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Elk Grove, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It's about being a part of a community with aspirations for themselves and their family, succeeding and supporting each other. We all have our own journey and difficulties, but this community is a reminder that we're not alone and that others are there right besides us.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
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Christian Gramajo (he/him/his)
Year: 4th
Major: Civil Engineering
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Los Angeles, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
For me, being a Scholar means I get to be part of a community of intelligent and inclusive people
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, Lambda Theta Phi, CalGeo
Jenisa Nguyen (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Computer Science
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Oxnard, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
A home away from home!
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Engineers without Borders, Women involved in Software and Hardware (WISH), Chinese Student Association (CSA), Research
Jenny Liu (she/her/hers)
Year: 3rd
Major: Environmental Engineering with minor in City/Regional Planning
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Monterey Park, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Helping students find their place at Cal Poly and demystifying college life. As a first-generation student, I know it's not easy. It makes me happy that I can provide the Scholars the peer support and advice I wish I had entering college.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
EOP, Society of Woman Engineers
Matthew Garcia (he/him/his)
Year: 4th
Major: Electrical Engineering
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Sun Valley, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Just being a good student and taking care of your things:)
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Cal Poly Wrestling club, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Michael Yiu (he/him/his)
Year: 4th
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Residential Learning Community
HOMETOWN
San Gabriel, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being apart of an inclusive community
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Theta Tau, ASME, KASA, NGCP
Mirza Baig (he/him/his)
Year: 2nd year Transfer
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Career Readiness
HOMETOWN
Fairfield, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It means helping others out and building a community. It means being a good listener and trying to support my fellow Scholars to the best of my ability.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Cal Poly Space Systems
Samantha Soto Alejos (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Computer Science
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Los Angeles, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
A community dedicated to help first-gen, low-income students make connections, lasting bonds, and thrive in college.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
WISH, White Hat
Selina Jaimes Davila (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd year Transfer
Major: Liberal Arts in Engineering Studies
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Cohort Engagement
HOMETOWN
Cypress, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
To be a resilient, passionate, determined, and humble student that overcomes any obstacles that come their way!
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Dream Center, Transfer Center, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and Society of Woman Engineers (SWE)
Shaine Palabrica (she/her/hers)
Year: 3rd
Major: Liberal Arts and Engineering
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Cohort Engagement
HOMETOWN
Oxnard, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
For me, being a Cal Poly Scholar meant being part of an inclusive and supportive community that constantly empower you to succeed
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Women in Software & Hardware (WISH), UX Fest SLO, Pilipino Cultural Exchange (PCE), Multicultural Engineering Program, Liberal Arts & Engineering Studies Club
College of Liberal Arts
America Romero (she/her/hers)
Year: 4th
Major: Psychology with a minor in Statistics & Child Development
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Recruitment and Training
HOMETOWN
Wilmington, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being surrounded by a community of like minded and motivated students!
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Sleep, Learning, Affect and Memory (SLAM) Research Lab & QCARES Research Lab
Daisy Solis-Herrera (she/her/ella)
Year: 2nd
Major: Anthropology and Geography with a minor in Spanish
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Murphys, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar to mean signifies someone who is pursuing any type of education. They're individuals who like to learn and want to educate others too.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
LCA, Sigma Omega Nu Latina Interest Sorority Inc, CCE WOW Leader
Sara Steichen (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Political Science
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Long Beach, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It means I am a part of a larger community of loving people who support each other and conduct themselves in the best way possible.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Active Minds Club, Campus Dining
Yvette Lopez Ortiz (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Sociology with a minor in Spanish
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Oxnard, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It means that I strongly value my education and constantly strive to do my best academically, despite how challenging things can get.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Lambda Sigma Gamma Sorority, Inc.
College of Science & Mathematics
Rieanin Zamora (she/her/hers)
Year: 3rd
Major: Biochemistry with a minor in Media Arts, Society & Technology
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Marketing & Communication
HOMETOWN
Long Beach, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar means having a community that is always down to lend a helping hand, even if they don't know what is going on in your life
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, EOP, LSAMP
Orfalea College of Business
Jackie De Leon (she/her/hers)
Year: 2nd
Major: Business Administration (Event Planning and Experience Management)
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Los Angeles, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar means being part of a community of fun and supportive individuals. It means we all help each other out whenever we can and uplift each other.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Sigma Omega Nu Latina Interest Sorority, Inc.
Kristina Xiong (she/her/hers)
Year: 3rd
Major: Business Administration (Human Resources)
Role: Lead Scholar Mentor, Community Connections
HOMETOWN
Sheboygan, WI
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
It means I belong at Cal Poly and have a community that wants me here. I am not alone and there are others who understand the struggles of being a first-gen, low-income student of color at Cal Poly.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Orfalea College of Business Student Ambassadors
Martha Godinez (she/her/ella)
Year: 2nd
Major: Business Administration
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
Reedley, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Scholar means being part of a community that is always there to support me in anything I need.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Latinx Business Student Association, Latinx Cultural Association
William Chung (he/him/his)
Year: 2nd
Major: Business Administration
Role: Scholar Mentor
HOMETOWN
San Francisco, CA
WHAT DOES BEING A SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?
Being a Cal Poly scholar means being dedicated to your studies, but also being an empathetic individual who is determined to build an inclusive environment here.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Consulting club, Entrepreneurs club, Fintech club
