About Vanessa Tapia

Hi! My name is Vanessa, and I’m an Electrical Engineering student at UC San Diego and a transfer student from San Diego Mesa College. Before transferring to UCSD, I completed associate degrees in Mathematics, Pre-Engineering, Physics and Computer Science. As a transfer student myself, I understand how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) it can feel to start at a new university, especially when you’re navigating a new campus, academic system, and community.

At UCSD, I’m involved in research and student support. I work with the Existential Robotics Lab at the Contextual Robotics Institute, where I work on robotics and autonomous systems, including localization, mapping, planning, and control. I’ve also worked on machine learning research involving RF fingerprinting and have had the opportunity to help lead hands-on robotics workshops for UCSD students. Outside of research, I’m excited to support other engineering transfer students through the Transfer Hub.

I know firsthand that being an engineering student isn’t always easy, and sometimes you just need someone who understands what you’re going through. Whether you have questions about getting involved in research, finding resources, navigating engineering courses, adjusting to UCSD, or simply want someone to talk to, I’m here to help!

Outside of school, I enjoy building and creating things in my free time. I also love attending dance classes, including hip hop, contemporary, ballet, tap, and jazz. When I’m not dancing, I enjoy inline skating or spending time learning how to play the piano. I’m so excited to meet you, get to know you, and be part of your UCSD journey! 

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