Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Sutjipto and I am super passionate about the CNAS Student Success Program! This is my third teaching the NASC091 Freshman Seminar, and my second year as a CNAS Lead Peer Mentor. Through this program, I have had the wonderful opportunity to connect and mentor my amazing students, meet my best friends, and work with the most amazing team. As I enter my fourth year at UC Riverside, I have discovered my passion for mentoring and am so grateful for the ability to help my students unlock their potential. My goal is to become a general surgeon and continue teaching at medical schools. If you ever have any inquiries about my experiences, I would love to connect and help out! In my free time, I love watching anime, collecting blind boxes and squishies, and getting yummy food with my boyfriend and friends.

Activities: 

- Behavior Frontiers Behavioral Technician
- Star Wars Club Event Coordinator 
- Highlander EMS Education Officer 
- UCR Hearts President 
- CALLA Lab Research Assistant 
- JIN Lab Research Assistant 
- CNAS Lead Peer Mentor 

Hey! My name is Adrian Martinez, a 2nd year CMDB major and I'm so excited to be a peer mentor! I'm currently applying to internships and medical assistant positions for the following summer to gain more experience in the medical field. I plan on getting my masters in public health to then go to med school to become a neonatal physician! I love listening to music and camping out for concerts for way to long. I hope that I can be someone that you can trust and confide in.

CNAS First Year Program

Hello everyone! My name is Eugenia Lee, and I am a 4th year CMDB major. I am currently on the pre-optometry track. This will be my third year serving as a CNAS Peer Mentor and I look forward to meeting both familiar and new faces. I'm also the Co-President of the UCR Pre-Optometry Precision for Vision Club, Co-President of the 3E Club at UCR, and a Research Assistant in a Cardiometabolic Health Lab! During my free time, I love to hangout with family and friends, listen to music, make pottery, explore outdoors, and journal. Can't wait to see you around campus! Reach out if you have any questions!

Activities:
- UCR PFV Club Co-President
- UCR 3E Club Co-President
- Cardiometabolic Health Research
- Optometric Technician
- Medical Assistant
- California Lions FS Volunteer

Hello, Everyone! My name is Derrick Rodrigo. I’m a 4th year B.S. Biology major here at UCR. I’ve lived here in the Inland Empire, by Morongo Casino for the past 10 years, but I am originally from the Philippines. Outside of school I really enjoy trying new drinks spots, expanding my Alo collection, and going out to concerts and music festivals. 

Activities:

- CNAS First-Year Peer Mentor
- Clinic Intern in Downtown Riverside 
- UCR SOM Office of DEI Intern
- UCR Health Marketing Intern
- UCR Health Brand Ambassador/Volunteer Program Director 
- Research Assistant: Dimsdale-Zucker Memory and Context Lab
- Emergency Medical Technician: IFT + IESM Volunteer EMT
- Medical Assistant at family practice
 

Hi everyone! My name is Mary Ogbogu and I am a 4th year Neuroscience major! I'm from Moreno Valley, CA and this year is my 3rd year as a CNAS Peer Mentor! In regards to my career path, I want to become a forensics neuropsychologist. Some fun facts about me are that I used to play tennis, watch free movies on Tubi or YouTube, and I was an Orientation Leader over the summer. Some of the organizations, clubs, and opportunities I've been involved in are listed below! 

Activities:

- Navigators at UCR
- Citrus Free Care
- CNAS Intake Peer Advisor
- UCR Social Neuroscience Lab
- Well Active Minds Volunteer 
- (During Summer 2026) Highlander Orientation 
 

Hi everyone, my name is Manya Srivastav and I am a fourth-year neuroscience student. I'm incredibly honored to return as a PM this year! I'm passionate about advancing women’s health, currently building my skills at the intersection of healthcare, technology, business, and advocacy. Aside from mentoring, you can find me in a stationery store trying to narrow down my options, rewatching a sitcom, or eating chocolate-covered strawberries. I'm also an avid hip-hop dancer and compete with 909 Dance Troupe!

Activities: 

- Women in Neuroendocrinology

- NeuroTech Society

Hi everyone! I’m Merri-Ann Pham. I’m a fourth-year biology major and Medical Health and Humanities minor. This will be my second year as a peer mentor, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve picked up over the last few years. I’m an officer for the Physician Associates of Tomorrow club, and president of Beta Psi Omega, a biology fraternity here at UCR. I’m also a pre-health ambassador for the Pre-Professional Advising Center, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any school or career questions! In my free time, I love reading, competing in pageants, having movie nights with my housemates (we’re watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days right now), and I’m from San Diego so I also love to surf. I’m looking forward to a great year with you guys!

Activities:
- Highlander EMS - EMT
- UCR Beta Psi Omega President
- UCR Physician Associates of Tomorrow club Treasurer
- UCR PPAC Ambassador
- Events Intern for San Diego District 9 Councilman's Office
- UCI VSA Rose Pageant mentor 
 

Hi! My name is Aliza Alibhai, and I am a fourth-year Neuroscience major at UCR. During my time here, I participated in a 10-week paid research program and later returned as a peer mentor for the program. I also intern with the UCR School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, work as a health coach in the pediatric unit at Riverside University Health System, and serve as a volunteer in the Inland Empire Street Care Free Clinic in the Women’s and Reproductive Health committee. Please say hi - I love to cook, bake, and LOVE coffee! 

Activities: 

- UCR Health Clinician and Administrative Program (HCAP) Associate Director

- Intern at School of Medicine Office of DEI

- Inland Empire Street Clinic (IESC)

- Health Coach Program  

What's good everyone, my name is Joseph and I am a 4th year bio major! Besides being your peer mentor, studying too much, and commuting 45+ minutes from OC everyday, I do a lot of activities on campus, such as being one of the SIBLINGs Project Lead for the CNAS Science Ambassadors, volunteering as an EMT at Highlander EMS, and participating in MEEP events. Additionally, I am very involved in the Dynamic Genome Program, as I am an Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) for the lab class as well as the Director of Training for the Outreach Group. I also participate in research in Dr. Dillman's lab, where we work with small parasites called nematodes to develop a more natural pesticide. I even volunteer with Basic Needs on campus to help students in need!

Outside of UCR, I work as an EMT for Cal-Med Ambulance in LA county and volunteer as a catechist at my local Catholic Church. I love watching anime, reading mangas and manhwas, gaming, hiking, and working out. Most of all, I am a huge foodie, so if you need some food recommendations around UCR, I gotchu!

Activities:   
- Science Ambassador: SIBLINGs Project Lead
- Dynamic Genome Outreach Group: Director of Training
- Dynamic Genome: Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA)
- Dillman Lab Research Assistant
- Highlander Emergency Medical Services (HEMS): General Member
- Basic Needs Volunteer
- Cal-Med Ambulance: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- St. Joseph Catholic Church Faith Formation Catechist
 

Hi, my name is Valentina Yonemoto and I am a fourth-year student here at UCR. I am majoring in Biology and am on the pre-med track. I am so excited to be a CNAS Peer Mentor this year! I serve as a Delta SIFY Science Olympiad Coach, ARC Peer Mentor, and involved in research. Aside from school activities, I enjoy dancing and pottery. I also enjoy traveling and my favorite place I have been to is Japan. I can’t wait to meet everyone and support you this year!

Activities:

- Undergraduate Research Assistant-The MAC Lab with Dr. Gene Brewer
- Undergraduate Research Assistant- Nematology Lab with Dr. Bao-Lam Huynh
- Delta SIFY Science Olympiad Coach
- Dance Teacher 
- CVFC Volunteer
- Kaiser Permanente Emergency Room Volunteer 

Hello everyone! My name is Khushi Patel and I am a fourth year Biology major at UCR. As a
first-generation college student pursuing a career in medicine, I know that finding your way
through college can sometimes be challenging. I am excited to use the knowledge and
experience I have gained to support students as a CNAS Peer Mentor!

During my time at UCR, I have taken on roles both on and off campus, including serving as
Co-Events Director for UCR Gujarati Student Association, working as a Research Assistant in
the UCR Social Neuroscience Lab, and volunteering as a Care Ambassador at Kaiser
Permanente Riverside. If you want to try a new hobby I have a lot of them to recommend. Some
are drawing, embroidery, creative writing, singing, and watching movies and TV shows. I hope
to help make your journey at UCR a positive and memorable one. Feel free to reach out, I look
forward to meeting you!

Activities:
- CNAS Peer Mentor
- Research Assistant at UCR Social Neuroscience Lab (2025-present)
- Care Ambassador, Kaiser Permanente Riverside (2024-present)
-CDPH Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1)
-Co-Events Director, Gujarati Student Association (2024-present)
-Lead Ambassador at The Women’s Network UCR (2024 - June 2026)

Hey everyone! I’m Joyce Armanus, a fourth-year Biology major on the pre-med track. I’m excited to be a CNAS Peer Mentor this year and can’t wait to meet you all! A little bit about me is that I’m from Irvine and am obsessed with coffee, so feel free to ask me for coffee shop recommendations! Outside of school, I love hiking, going to the beach, cooking, and trying new matcha spots. Feel free to reach out if you ever need advice, have questions about UCR, or just want to chat!

Activities:

- CNAS Peer Mentor
- CNAS Ambassador
- ARC Tutor
- Co-Director of Banquets & Conferences, Healthy Hearts
- Outreach Coordinator, Bridging Voices in Healthcare
- Undergraduate Researcher, Dr. Russ Hille’s Biochemistry Research Lab
- Undergraduate Researcher, Dr. Kate Ostevik’s EEOB Research Lab
- Health Coach Program
- Volunteer, Riverside Free Clinic
- Volunteer, Loma Linda University Hospital

Hi everyone! I'm Ryan Dang, a junior CMDB major on the pre-med track. This will be my second year as a CNAS scholar peer mentor, and I'm ecstatic to meet you all! As for a little bit about me, I'm from San Diego and am a natural beach lover. I enjoy playing volleyball (both indoor and beach), drawing, cooking, and am a HUGE Pokémon fan. If you ever see me around campus, feel free to say hi! I always enjoy meeting new people. 

Activities:

- Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity Public Relations Chair
- LabLink President 
- RISE 2025 scholar
- CNAS Scholars Peer Mentor
- Dr. DiPatrizio's Endocannabinoid research lab
- Dr. Maduro's developmental biology & genetics lab
- RCH volunteer

Hello! I am a third year student pursuing a B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. I am passionate about providing mentorship to incoming students and sharing my experience with others. I am a pre-healthcare industry student focused on research in translational medicine and pharmaceuticals. I am currently a research assistant in the Dr. Pellecchia Lab with the UCR School of Medicine. I am also a 2x intern with Johnson & Johnson MedTech Electrophysiology. Some of my campus involvements include Project Sunshine, LabLink, and Intramural Sports. I look forward to connecting with you and guiding you through your collegiate journey!

Activities: 

- Project Sunshine

- LabLink

- CNAS Science Ambassadors

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Alkhatatbeh and I am a third-year Biology major from Riverside, California on the pre-dental track. I am so excited to serve as a CNAS Peer Mentor this year! I currently serve as the ASUCR Academic Affairs Director in the Office of Internal Affairs, where I am focused on ensuring academic equity for all students to thrive and succeed at UCR. I also founded the Somethin’ Sweet baking organization last fall and will continue serving as the President this year. Furthermore, I work as a research assistant in Dr. Huinan Liu’s lab in BCOE, centered around Biomaterials and Nanomedicine. During my free time, I love to bake, listen to music, read, and get matcha with my friends! 

Activities:

- CNAS Peer Mentor
- ASUCR Academic Affairs Director
- Somethin’ Sweet President
- Liu Lab Research Assistant
- Hands on Health Care Secretary
- Pre-Dental Society
- University Honors
- First Tee Inland Empire Golf Coach

Hello! My name is Briana Nakano, and I’m a third-year biology major on the pre-med track. This is my first year serving as a CNAS Peer Mentor and I can’t wait to connect with my students! Outside of peer mentoring, I play D1 golf, pursue research at CHLA, and serve as a CNAS Science Ambassador. I’m also heavily involved in UCR’s Dynamic Genome Outreach Group (DGOG). In my free time, I enjoy hitting the Heytea and malatang combo, playing piano, singing, and dancing. I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to say hi if you see me around!

Activities: 

- D1 athlete, UCR Women’s Golf
- Director of Tours and Recruitment, CNAS Science Ambassadors
- Vice President, Dynamic Genome Outreach Group (DGOG)
- Clinical Research Scholar, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
- Volunteer Coach & Mentor, SCGA Junior Golf Foundation
- 2026 RISE Peer Mentor
- 2025 Dynamic Genome Summer Scholar, RISE

Hello! My name is Pareesa Masood, and I am a fourth-year student pursuing a B.S. in Biology. On campus, I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Jia Lab and actively involved in student organizations. I currently serve as Co-President of Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and previously served as President of the Pakistani Student Association for two years. Off campus, I volunteer as a Child Life Volunteer at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, running outdoors, playing the violin, cardmaking, and thrifting. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime!  I am looking forward to getting to know you and supporting you throughout your journey as a CNAS student.

Activities:

- Jia Lab RA
- Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières Co-President
- Child Life Volunteer

Hello! My name is Sandra Cho. I am a first-generation college student in my 3rd year as a Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology major. I am interested in pursuing a career in Pediatrics. I grew up in Hayward and Pleasanton, where I was a dancer for the One Myanmar Community (OMC).  In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, taking care of my plants, playing Roblox, and going to cafes and bakeries! I am so excited to get to know you all and support you through your journey at UCR!

Hi I’m Shijia! I’m a third year biology student on the pre-PA track. I’m excited to guide students to learn more about UCR and their own journey in college. I love the collaborative environment on campus and am passionate to share more with you all. I like to be involved both inside and outside of school, working with different groups whether that be in research, clubs, or medicine related. Outside of school, I like exploring new places, trying new foods with friends, running, watching shows and making crafts. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and forming genuine connections! 

Activities:
- Ostevik Lab
- CNAS Peer Mentor
- Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Volunteer 
- Behavior Technician 
- UCR hearts - Co-President
- Running Club - Marketing director
 

Hi everyone, my name is John Ton and I am a 3rd year Biology major! I am currently interested in pursuing dentistry. It is an absolute pleasure to be serving as a CNAS peer mentor this year and I look forward to guiding the next generation of students here at UCR. In my free time, I enjoy learning about new cultures and languages, exploring new foodie spots with friends, binge watching shows, and picking heavy things up at the gym :D.
 
Activities: 
- Dr. Huinan Liu’s Biomaterials & Nanomedicine Lab 
- UCR Medical Scholars Program
- UCR Health Brand Ambassador
- UCR Student Life First-Year Peer Mentor
- UCR R’Course Instructor
- OMFS Surgical Assistant
- Smile Unto Him Dental Free Clinic Volunteer
- John Wayne Airport USO Volunteer
- OverFlow Farms Former Volunteer

Hiii! My name is Nabeeha, and I’m so excited to be serving as a Peer Mentor for the 26-27 year! I’m an incoming third-year CMDB major with a minor in Public Policy. I’m really passionate about healthcare and hope to become a physician one day. I’m especially interested in the intersection of healthcare and policy and how we can make quality patient care more accessible.
 

Outside of classes, I’m the Co-Chair of the Student Health Advisory Committee, where I get to advocate for students and provide input on UC SHIP policies. I also work as a Lead Medical Assistant at an urgent care, volunteer at Loma Linda University Hospital, and serve as a Supplemental Instruction Leader (so if you ever see me at an SI session, PLEASE come say hi!!). 

I know being a first-year student can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance classes, getting involved, and figuring out what you even want to do. If you ever feel like you don’t have everything figured out, just know that I definitely didn’t either (even now, I contemplate my life all the time!) Whether you have questions about classes, getting involved on campus, or just want someone to talk to, I’m here to help! I’m so excited to meet you all and hopefully make your first year memorable!

Activities:   

- UC LEADs Scholar
- Research Assistant for the Pegan Lab (located in the UCR School of Medicine Research Building)
- Kaiser Permanente Paid Intern
- Riverside Free Clinic Volunteer
- CNAS Senator
- Co-President of AMWA (American Medical Women’s Association)
- General Events Director for FFA (Fight for Autism)
- Paper Airplanes English Tutor (for refugees)

Hi everyone! My name is Yacoub Emwas, and I am a 3rd-year Biology major at UCR. Being a first-generation college student aiming to become a physician, I can understand how hard going through college can be. I am excited to be a CNAS Peer Mentor to help students feel more comfortable when everything feels so new and overwhelming. 

During my time here, I have been involved both on campus and off campus, including as an AIP Peer Mentor at the Academic Resource Center (ARC), a Co-Education officer for MEEP (Medical Emergency Education Project), a CPR instructor, a Medical Assistant at a local clinic, and a research lab assistant for Dr. Behringer at LLUH (Loma Linda University Health). I have also volunteered at Riverside Community Hospital and was part of the 2025 RISE DGSS summer cohort.

Outside of school, I love trying new types of coffee, playing soccer, hitting the slopes, snowboarding whenever I can, watching movies, and reading books. “May the odds be ever in your favor…” I am always down to chat, so feel free to reach out at any time!

Activities:

- CNAS Peer Mentor
- MEEP Co-Education Officer
- ARC Academic Intervention Peer Mentor
- Loma Linda University Health Research Lab Assistant
- CPR Instructor
- Riverside Community Hospital Volunteer
- 2025 RISE DGSS Program (Dynamic Genome Summer Scholars)
- Medical assistant at a local clinic
 

Hi everyone! My name is Owen Sumida, I’m a second year biology major, and this will be my first year being a CNAS scholars peer mentor. I have lived in Riverside my whole life and am big into  theatre, improv, videogames, martial arts, and animal biology. I’m also a competitor on UCR’s Highlander Mock Trial Team, and have been since I started here. I’m so excited to be a mentor and help new students navigate UCR and become the best that they can be!

Activities:
- CNAS Scholars Peer Mentor
- Highlander Mock Trial
- UCR Honors
- Elite Performance Martial Arts Assistant Instructor