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Faculty and Staff Spotlights

So many faculty and staff at UC San Diego were once transfer students! Click the linked text to view their transfer experience and advice for transfers! Accessible version of faculty and staff spotlights found here.

 

For faculty and staff who wish to submit a spotlight, click here.

 

Aia Hawari Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers Email: ajhawari@ucsd.edu Front Desk Coordinator at IFSO Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA Transferred from: Golden West College Transferred to: UC San Diego Time to Transfer: 2 years Research interests: student success, marginalized/minority student experiences (i.e. first generation students) Hobbies: writing, exploring San Diego, connection with folx Advice for Transfer Students: “When it comes to friendships, it’s not about the quantity, but rather the quality. Seek community; it’ll make things so much easier.”

Risa Farrell Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers Email: rmfarrell@ucsd.edu Program Coordinator, SIO Masters of Advanced Studies Hometown: Sacramento, CA Transferred From: American River College Transferred to: UC San Diego Time to Transfer: 2.5 years Research interests: Global health, maternal health, immigration, art Hobbies: surfing, camping, farmer’s markets, gardening Advice for Transfer Students: “Get involved on campus as soon as possible, especially if it’s a work study or paid position in an area you’re interested in. Getting involved helps you to quickly establish community, get your bearings in a new environment, and strategize on how to make the most of your (relatively) short time on campus. Also, get to know your advisors well! They have so many ‘life hack’ tips and often know where the free food is.”

Jessica Kongthong Preferred pronouns: she/her/hers Email: jkongthong@ucsd.edu Associate Director, Health Professions Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Transferred From: The Ohio State University Transferred to: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hobbies: Fitness, reading, mindfulness, traveling, music, volunteering with Guide Dogs or rescue dogs Advice for Transfer Students: “Get connected! Know your resources and get involved in some extra-curricular activities. Know that you’re not alone!”

Tina Brilli Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers Email:cbrilli@ucsd.edu Study Abroad Financial Aid Counselor Hometown: Seattle, WA Transferred From: Shoreline Community College Transferred to: University of Washington Time to Transfer: 3 years Research InterestsL Economics, Business, Finance and Corporate Governance Hobbies: I love all forms of art and am a huge Comic-Con fan! Advice for Transfer Students: “1) Take advantage of all the opportunities on campus you can find. 2) get to know your professors and ask about opportunities that may be available related to your interests. 3) Start taking advantage of any networking opportunities you can as soon as possible. Get on LinkedIn and add your classmates, professors, etc. 4) You bring value to this campus! Remember that your lived experience is valuable and an advantage on your journey! :)”

Tori Bussey-Neal Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers Email: vbusseyneal@ucsd.edu Student Success Coach Hometown: San Diego, CA Transferred from: CSU Long Beach Transferred to: San Diego State University Time to Transfer: 2 years Research interests: students of color and college retention, college students of color and sense of belonging Hobbies: Listening to R&B music, going to concerts, dancing, collecting vinyl records, trying new foods, attending arts related events Advice for Transfer Students: “Be intentional with your time here, not just academically and preparing for your career, but also socially and personally. Join clubs, go to events, explore and adventure! The social experience in college is just as valuable as the academics and professional development. You belong at this campus too and the opportunities are endless! Time may be short, but take advantage of all that this experience has to offer you!”

Natalie Ikker Preferred pronouns: she/her/hers Email: nbikker@ucsd.edu Undergraduate Student Affairs Advisor Hometown: Oceanside, CA Transferred from: Palomar College Transferred to: UC Irvine Time to Transfer: 2 years Hobbies: Ceramics, spending time with friends and loved ones, exploring new places, and enjoying beautiful San Diego Advice for Transfer Students: “Take time to explore your goals, academic strengths, passions, career interests, and the involvement opportunities you would like to take part in during your time at UICSD. Time goes by quickly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge yourself to make the most out of your time here!”

Kiki Araki-Kawaguchi Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his Email: harakika@ucsd.edu Program Coordinator for Transfer Year Experience at UCSD Hometown: Santa Maria, CA Transferred From: Allan Hancock College Transferred To: UC Berkeley & Santa Clara University Time to Transfer: 9 years between all degrees Research Interests: Literature, Creative Writing, Poetry, Fiction, Speculative Literature, Fantasy, Comedy Hobbies: Writing, Netflix, Badminton Advice for Transfer Students: “Find an on-campus job ASAP, preferably at a place like the Campus Community Centers, Basic Needs Hub, Academic Integrity Office, OASIS, Library (i.e. a team environment). On-campus work means you are pre-committed to working with staff (mentors) and student leaders (peers). Finding community is key. You’ll also be pre-committed to developing your professional, leadership and communication skills. The extra money is nice too.”

Roberta Camarena Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers/Ella Email: rcamarena@ucsd.edu Assistant Director, Admissions, Diversity Recruitment Hometown: San Diego, CA Transferred From: San Diego City College Transferred to: UC San Diego Time to Transfer: 1 year, this was prior to the 60 minimum transferable unit requirement Research Interests: Biology & Education Hobbies: Mentoring Advice for Transfer Students: “Get involved early at both the community college and university. The splice through your undergraduate education makes it challenging, but not impossible to get involved in research and socially.”

Grace Bagunu Email: gbagunu@ucsd.edu Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Revelle College Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri Transferred from: University of Kansas Transferred to: University of Missouri - Kansas City Time to Transfer: I actually dropped out of college in my second year and took a full year off before transferring to my second university Research Interests: Leadership, Career Decision-Making, Higher Education, Philippine-descent Hobbies: Walks to the sunset, Pokémon Go, Gardening, art Advice for Transfer Students: “Make the most out of the resources and opportunities available to you in college, including the programs and staff who can connect you to more experiences that will help you reach your goals!”