uc merced 2016 commencement

S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 1 4SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS

S U N D A Y , M A Y 1 5SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES

UC MERCED ALMA MATER“MY MERCED”

In the soil a dream was planted

In the rich earth, just a seed

The ground was tilled so tenderly

To cultivate – the best in me

And the seed grew to a garden

As far as I can see

She welcomed me with open arms

That gave life to my dreams

Her lantern’s light

Shines so bright

For the world to see

My Merced, UC Merced

My Merced…

From a seed

Dear UC Merced Graduate:

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on your well-earned place in the biggest celebration this or any other university observes — its annual commencement. This year’s graduation is UC Merced’s eleventh commencement ceremony.

This day is the university’s tribute to you, our way of recognizing that you have joined the community of scholars who for more than a century have earned their degrees from the University of California.

Some of you came to UC Merced as first-year students; others arrived as transfer students or graduate students. By way of this commencement ceremony, you now are ready to embark on the next milestone into your professional and personal life.

By individual paths you have achieved a major goal. You are, now and for all the years to come, one of ours — a graduate of UC Merced.

Congratulations on your achievements, on work well done.

Fiat Lux,

Dorothy LelandChancellor

CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE

PROGRAM | Saturday, May 14

School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts

PROCESSIONAL MUSIC “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar

ACADEMIC PROCESSION Candidates, Faculty, Senior Administration and Honored Guests

NATIONAL ANTHEM “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key Performed by RHONDALEE QUITO RANDLE, Class of 2016

WELCOME REMARKS THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

CHANCELLOR’S ADDRESS DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor

KEYNOTE ADDRESS MICHAEL P. HUERTA, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

STUDENT REMARKS DOMONIQUE DEMETRIA jONES, Class of 2016

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

AND CONFERRAL OF DEGREES DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor

Graduate Division MARjORIE S. ZATZ, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate Division

School of Social Sciences, jILL ROBBINS, DeanHumanities and Arts

ALUMNI REMARKS KEITH ELLIS, Class of 2012

ALMA MATER “My Merced” by jimmy Dunne Performed by jONIE MARIE SUZUKI, Class of 2014

CLOSING REMARKS THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

RECESSIONAL MUSIC “Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams

MICHAEL P. HUERTA,Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

Michael P. Huerta is the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. He was sworn-in to office on January 7, 2013 for a five year term.

Huerta is responsible for the safety and efficiency of the largest aerospace system in the world. He oversees a nearly $16 billion dollar budget, more than 47,000 employees and is focused on ensuring the agency and its employees are the best prepared and trained professionals to meet the growing demands and requirements of the industry. Huerta also oversees

the FAA’s multi-billion dollar NextGen air traffic control modernization program as the United States shifts from ground-based radar to state-of-the-art satellite technology.

Huerta was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the FAA’s Deputy Administrator on June 23, 2010. On January 1, 2013 the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Huerta for a five-year term as FAA Administrator.

Huerta is an experienced transportation official who has held key positions across the country. His reputation for managing complex transportation challenges led him to the international stage when Huerta was tapped as a managing director of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Olympics drew 2,400 athletes from 78 countries to Salt Lake City. Huerta was critical in the planning and construction of a variety of Olympic transportation facilities, as well as the development of a highly successful travel demand management system that insured the transportation system operated safely and efficiently.

Before joining the FAA, Huerta held senior positions at Affiliated Computer Services from 2002 to 2009 rising to the position of president of the Transportation Solutions Group.

Huerta was commissioner of New York City’s Department of Ports, International Trade and Commerce from 1986 to 89. He then served as the executive director of the Port of San Francisco from 1989 to 1993. From 1993 to 98, he held senior positions in the U.S. Transportation Department in Washington, D.C., serving under Secretary Federico Pena and Secretary Rodney E. Slater.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside, and a master’s in public affairs with a concentration in international relations from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER | Saturday, May 14

CLASS OF 2016 | Saturday, May 14

CANDIDATES FOR DOCTORALDEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS

Drew Hamilton AbneyCognitive and Information SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

Nikko S. Da PazPsychological SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

Bryan Elvis KersterCognitive and Information SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

Sydney Michelle LoewenPsychological SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

Alexandra Erin PaxtonCognitive and Information SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

William Benjamin St. ClairCognitive and Information SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

Bodo WinterCognitive and Information SciencesDoctor of Philosophy

CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’SDEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF SOCIAL SCIENCES,HUMANITIES AND ARTS

Nicholas BourgeoisIGP World CulturesMaster of Arts

Kathryn Patricia DanielsSociologyMaster of Arts

josue Alejandro FrancoPolitical ScienceMaster of Arts

Ashley Noel MetzgerSociologyMaster of Arts

Maria De jesus MoraSociologyMaster of Arts

Catherine Portillo-SilvaIGP World CulturesMaster of Arts

Erin Elizabeth RayIGP World CulturesMaster of Arts

Kaitlyn Tessa Provins SmithPolitical ScienceMaster of Arts

CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FROM THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS

Layla Hammuda Abidia

Neekole Ashley Acorda

Marco Antonio Acosta

Ebisindei Nicole Adegbe

Denisse Valeria Aguilar

joselynn Aguilar

jesus Aguilar-Hernandez

Martin Aguilera

Wendy Citlali Alcala-Quinonez

Aloura C. Alcantar ***

Melitsa Alcaraz- Guzman

Bryan Yeltsin Alfaro

Mariana Concepcion Alvarenga

William Shaw Amsbary III

Anne Bernice Andaya

joshua jamel Anderson

Mason Lee Anderson *

Diana Angulo

Nazarena Arguello

Adan Arroyo *

jocelyn Arteaga

Vanessa Alondra Artiaga

Saitt A. Arvizo

Bianca Vanesa Avila

Marilyn Paola Aviles

Blanca Imelda Ayala

Maria De La Luz Ayala Rodriguez

Daisy jannet Ayon Vallarta

Gabriela Baca

Selene G. Banuelos

Angelica jimenez Barragan

Ramon Barragan

Chanel Bastou

Martha P. Blanco

Crystal Breanna Board

Natasha Bojorquez

Aurea Sofia Bolanos Perea

Aurora Brambila-Hernandez

jaron Ervin Brandon

Savanna Grace Briggs *

jasmine Brooks

john Robert Brunolli

Fatima C. Calmet

Diana Lizbet Calvillo

Diego Giovanni Capistran

jessica Crystal Cardoza

Sierra Lucile Carl

Alejandro Carrillo jr.

Emmanuel Carrillo

Tatiana Castaneda

Victor Ivan Castro

Saira Melissa Cazares

Maria Ceja

Val Elijah Cervantes

Lily Chan

Tierra Moshaye Chatman

Fabiola Chavez

Lorely Aimee Chavez

Martin Chavez

justin Chen

jin Young Choi

Anna L. Christopherson ***

Eric Guo Chu ***

jordan Marie Conneely

Kenja Katherine Corbisiero

Jeffrey Ryan Cornelius

Ambar Olga Corona

jessica Coronel

jessica julia Cortes

Maria Eduviges Cruz

Nicholas Angelo Cruz

Gloria Stephany Cruz Avalos


Rafael Alejandro Cuadra

Camille Cummings

Christopher Robert Dahill *

Brian Scott Gerald Dallas-Orr

Katrina Dalmaceda

Sasha Tiffany Datta

Lizette De La Rosa

Nathaly jackeline De Leon

Sejal Nilesh Desai

Sarina Natalie Desousa

Heriberto Diaz

joseph Anthony Diaz

Samantha Rose D’Morias

Amy Abhay Doshi

john Richard Dovales Flores jr.

Evan Richard Doyel

Brenton Kelly Dunshee

Esmeralda Echevarria Flores

Markus Ellis

Denise Ashley Escarcega

Luis Enrique Espinoza

jasmine Renee Eubanks

Rudiel justo Fabian-Sanchez

Sidy Lamine Fall

Kimberly Ann Ferguson

Alejandra Isabel Ferreyra

joseph Alden Field

Naya Melissa Figueroa

Paul Daniel Flannery

Berenice Sarai Flores

Rocio Flores

Sandra Flores-Mota

joanna-Rose Rosete Fontecha

Domonique C. Franco **

Karina Michelle Frayre

Emmanuel Garai-Esquivel

Brenda Celina Garcia *

Cecilia Garcia **

Chelsey Tiana Garcia

Gerardo Matthew Garcia

jessica Viviana Garcia

juliana Angelica Garcia

Leslie Garcia

Sandra Magaly Garcia

Sarai Garcia

Xavier Gabriel Garcia

joseph Fuseng Garvin

Marlen Gaytan

Kyla Lanecia Gilmore

Marissa Ann Giovannoni

Kimberly Odalis Giron

Matthew Allen Goldberg

Carlos David Gomez

Maria Guadalupe Gomez *

Monica Gomez

jose Guadalupe Gonzalez **

Nayeli Veronica Gonzalez

Yazmin Granados

Mihali Lawangika Gunasekara

Cassandra Gutierrez

Eliana Paola Gutierre

Natallie Alexandria Gutierrez

Yazmin Guadalupe Gutierrez

Daevee Cecilia Hall *

Avita Hang

Kristina Beverly Haran

Alexander john Harden

Alexander Ian Harrington

Mary Elizabeth Haviar

Damini Hirendra Heera

janet Her

Kou Her

Linda Her

Sergei Kiem Herbert

Diana Hernandez

Natalie Arellano Hernandez

Yvette Hernandez

Daniel Hernandez Loyola

Elia Sarahi Hernandez-Mendoza

Kimberly Guadalupe Herrador

Omar Herrera Velazquez

Sean Michael Hodgdon

Kennedy Amira Holmes

Kelsey Raeann Hoover

Demetria Dur’Rae Howard

Vivian Heather Huynh

Nicole Kirsten Hvid

Serene Shih-Yun Hwang

Citklali Isamar Ibarra

Cynthia Adriana Ibarra

Alyscia N. Icardo **

Ozair Ilyas

Danielle jeniece Irving

Brittany Briana jackson

Sergio Ray jacquez

Sukhdip K. jagrop Singh **

Adriana jara

Alondra jimenez

jessica jimenez

Valeria jimenez

Cherelle Nicole johnson

Alexandria Elizabeth johnston

David Lydell jones jr.

Domonique Demetria jones

Tristan Christopher jones

Dong Sun Kang

Linden Olivia Kemper

Hannah jinki Kim

Suraj Savji Kumbhani

Sonya Pravinchandra Lal

Edwin Lao

Brenda Magaly Lara

Irais Guadalupe Leal Dorame

Chanlua Kouei Lee

Jefferson Lee

june Lee

Nick W. Lee *

Yakop Lee

Zimeng Liao

Yinja Lin

jonathan Litxayaleuth

Pin H. Liu

Scott Andrew Livesay *

Erik Lopez

Fanny Itzel Lopez

Sonya Yvonne Lopez *

Yanely Lopez

Maricela Lopez-Santiago

justin K. Lor

Stephanie Goua La Lor

Raymond Louie

joshua Luke Lourence **

Alexxis Louro ***

Anna Evelyn Lovelace

Ashley Nicole Lucas

Samai Lugo

Tania jazmin Lugo-Lopez

Karla Adriana Luna

Rosa Isabel Macias **

Courtney Kimiko Maeda

jessica Ashlynne Marino *

Ann Marie Marks

Emma Laren Maron

Charles Anthony Martin

Earlecia Annette Martin

Ana Patricia Martinez

Brianna Rayleen Martinez

Cecilia Martinez

Daniela Martinez

Evedicia Martinez

Kimberly Martinez

Maritza Martinez *

Mayra Evelyn Martinez

joshua james Mason *

Amanda Lee Kiana Masterson

Elizabeth Matamoros *

Imani Alexandria Mauzon

Stephen Lee Maxey

Desiree Nicole Mc Clain *

Stephen Roy Mccarthy Sr.

John Steven Mclafferty

Elizabeth Medina

jennifer Azucena Mejia

Adyam Tesfai Mekonnen

Siomara Aida Melchor Martinez

Noemi Melgoza

Yaneli Mendoza

Sandra Mendoza - Ortiz

Brandon Andrew Middlecamp

Evette Dajio Montes

Hayley Elizabeth Montoya

Pierre Alejandro Mora

Sergio Alejandro Mora

Stephanie Kimberly Mora

Lluleydi Moreno

Natalie Kristin Moreno

Iman Mosleh ***

George Michael Mosqueda

jesus Eduardo Munoz

Karen Munoz

Raymond Kazuto Nagano

Alexandria Angel Navarro

Beverly Norma Naves

Bianca Michelle Lindsay Negrete

Ricky Ng

jacquelynn T. Nguyen

jennifer Nkechi Obidigbo

Dennison Ramirez Ocampo

Xiomara Guadalupe Orantes

Breanne Rose Orey **

Carolina Elizabeth Ortega

Anthony joseph Orti

Samantha S. Oshiro

Makayla Allausandra Owens

Navjit Kaur Pamma **

Amarpreet Singh Pannu

Komal Naresh Patel

Sweta Mayank Patel

Sologne Angelique Victoria Patterson

Daisy Pelayo Figueroa

Brendan Nathan Pelletier

Anselma Manibog Perey

Eduardo Perez

Tomas Sebastian Perez

Maykel Manuel Pernia

Huong Quynh Phan

jennifer Pineda

Kian Alexander Pirooz

Andrea Plata

Dennise Porfirio

jocelyn Dennise Portillo

Kenneth Daniel Puno

Natalia Angelica Quiniola

jessica Sonia Ramirez

Andrea Ramirez-Hinojosa

Rhondalee Quito Randle

jacob R. Ransdell *

Marc Christian Regis

Rocio Elizabeth Reveles

Vanessa Reyes

Kimberly Melissa Reyes-Leon

Maritza Robles

Monica Rocha Rodriguez

Brenda Rodarte

Hallef Franca Rodrigues

Gabrielle Sierra Rodriguez

jennifer Guadalupe Rodriguez *

Luis E. Rodriguez

Victor Adrean Rodriguez

Brenda Stephanie Rojas

Viviana janet Rojas

Felipe Rojas-Flores

Carolina Valeria Romero

Iliana Diane Rosales



Leticia Rosas Vera

Drew Kendrick Ruiz

Elisa Ruiz-Gutierrez

Isaias Rumayor III

Molly Briann Rye

jose Raul Saavedra jr.

Chia Orn Saechao

Liliana Salas

Brenda Leticia Salazar *

Silvia M. Salgado

Teresa L. Salters *

Sara Lynn Salzer

Simrendeep Kaur Samra

Monica Anitza Sanchez

Viviana Abigail Sanchez

Lucero Guadalupe Sanchez Mendez

Stephanie Sanchez-Anaya

Martha Santoyo

Manivone Kai Sayasone ***

Sarah Austin Schrole

Grant Alexander Sears

Matthew Bryan Sellers

Maxwell Carl Shapiro

Yesenia Elizabeth Sierra

Racquel Maria Silva

Seth Christopher Silva ***

Patrick Bill Simon

Ryan Randall Skidgel **

Daveon Lafayette Smith

Shelby Denise Smith

Roxanne Soto De La Toba

Anwar j. Stetson

Hopraya Shalon Stidom

Anyssa D’more Strauss

Katelyn jenifer Strickland

Stephanie Gabriel Tabatchnick

Marissa Gabriela Tafolla

Brianne April Tate

Camella Rose Taylor

Marcus Antonio Tay

Crystal P. Thao

Amelia Gaochoua Thaoxaochay

Zachary Steven Tiller

jamille Angela Tiu *

Gabriela Toscano

Tommy Vu Tran

john William Tresidder ***

jecenia Veronica Trinidad

Vi Thi Thuy Truong

jazmin A. Turner *

Samantha Valadez

jaslyn Arai Valencia

Bao Vang

Stacey Zoua Vang

Aymee Alexandra Varela

Sabina Ann Vargas

Micneisha A. Vaughn

Arianna Bonita Vazquez

Yesenia M. Vega

joanna Christina Venegas

Neibi Karina Villa *

Maribel Felicidad Villarreal **

juana Guadalupe Villicana

jahmeel Kejon Walker

Iris Lum Wen

Orion j. Will **

Mckenzie Leeann Willett

Erika Marie Wilson

Gabriel Austin Winford

Catherine Lanett Witcher

Leng Yang

Marium Yusufzie

Lucia C. Zamora

Esmeralda Guadalupe Zuniga

Melissa Alvarado

Aaron Ferreira Alves

Crystal Marie Amaral ***

Iris Ayuki Anastacio Olivo

Federico Soria Anaya

Princess Margar Aniceto

Shanika Mae Macaldo Arboleda *

Brian Arriola

David Andrew Ascencio

Malaysia Caralina Avery

Estefani Andrea Avila

Maria Teresa Ayala

jose Alberto Balsells jr.

Paolina Beltran

Bradley Marcus BertuccioSean

Brian Bourguignon

Muktesh Mitesh Bulsara

joshua Ezra Cabero

Kristina Bernadeth Cadiz

Montserrat Nahomi Camarena

Alexis Canas

Andrea Ocampo Cao *

Stephanie Michelle Cervantes

jennifer Chang

Robert St. john Chappelle

Robin Chen

Daniel jacob Chou

Frank Fong Yi Chou *

Alexander William Corkran

judith Rodil Cueno

Rafael Delgado

joanna Diaz juarez *

Marissa Ann Dorfler

Michelle Echeverria

Ryan jackson Edwards

Genesis Socorro Espinoza

Diamond Unique Fairley

Rachel j. Fang

jared Miller Felton

Manuel jesus Galvan

Santiago Garcia

Maria Teresa Gasca

Daniela Andrea Gavilan


jacob Maese Gonzales

juan Pedro Gonzalez

Osvaldo Gonzalez

Luis Fernando Gonzalez Haro **

Alexander Terison Gregory

jordan Andrew Griggs

Mireille Sophie Gutierrez

Ashanti Kahirah Hasan

Kiarash L. Haseli

Raymond K. Her

Britney Crystal Hernandez

Shelby Nicole Howard

Ivan Huerta

jonathan Thomas Huie

Helen K. Lam

Kenneth Lee

Jeffrey Leung

Luis Leonardo Leyva

Ziliang Li

Yuan-Fu Lo

Andrew Rafael Lopez *

Bianca Lopez

Hugo Alberto Lopez Chavolla *

Gabriela Rios Macedo

Imelda Marin

jessica Isabel Marin

Theodore Kenneth Marquez

Whitney Taylor Marshall

Emmeline Martinez

Maya Martinez

Salvador M. Martinez

Luis Eduardo Martinez-Stucchi

Ryan Piers McCallum

Zachary Ryan McGann

Dilesha Denerra McWashington

Arturo Mendez

Mercedes Mendoza

Preet Mohar

Terima Nagatani

Maria de Lourdes Ochoa

Alexander Yaerang Oh *

Vanessa Michelle Ordaz

Kimberly Darlene Ortiz

Shari Michelle Pandy

Pooja R. Patel

Michael Pierick

Adolfo Gonzalo Ramirez

jennifer De La Asuncion Ramirez

Carolina jacobo Reyes

Monica Anne Robertson

Dallas Shane Rutter

jose Israel Salgado Lara

Luz Stephanie Sandoval Manjarrez

Emily Michelle Schoenfeld

Rey Alberto Sequeira

Moises Silva Quintero

Emily june Sim

Nathan Charles Singh

Vechetra Emily Soch

Carmina jasmine Solorio *

Victoria Ann Stahlman

Aimee Sarah Stewart

Shelby Chulack Takenouchi

Derrick Tam

Charles Nhia Thao

Amanda Mieko Tomas

Duyen Phuong Tran

Walker jonathan Ular

jose Manuel Ulloa

Leticia Valdez

Ashley Ann Cangco Valencerina

Anyela Valle Mariscal *

Maria Valle Mariscal *

Nhoua Vang *

Paul Vang

jose Alfredo Vargas

Luke K. Wilson *

Kristen Elizabeth Wong

Karina Peralta Yap

Cecilia jeanette Ybarra **

Manuel Yepez

Evelin Paola Zavala

Carmen Zeng *

Andrew Zhang

Commencement is the time when the academic community, along with family and friends, comes together to celebrate the achievements of our students. Inclusion in this program and participation in the commencement ceremony does not necessarily signify completion of the degree. Academic Honors (Highest Honors, High Honors and Honors), if achieved, and degrees (B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S. and Ph.D.) are not awarded until after the term in which all requirements are completed.

To receive honors at graduation, an undergraduate student must achieve a grade point average within the top 2 percent of the student’s school for highest honors, the next 4 percent for high honors, and the next 10 percent for honors.

*** Highest Honors ** High Honors * Honors

PROGRAM | Sunday, May 15

School of Engineering and School of Natural Sciences

PROCESSIONAL MUSIC “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar

ACADEMIC PROCESSION Candidates, Faculty, Senior Administration and Honored Guests

NATIONAL ANTHEM “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key Performed by RUTH FOKETI, Class of 2016

WELCOME REMARKS THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

CHANCELLOR’S ADDRESS DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor

KEYNOTE ADDRESS DIOSDADO P. BANATAO,

Partner, Tallwood Venture Capital

STUDENT REMARKS LAURA jANELLE SHOWALTER, Class of 2016

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

AND CONFERRAL OF DEGREES DOROTHY LELAND, Chancellor

Graduate Division MARjORIE S. ZATZ, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate Division

School of Engineering MARK MATSUMOTO, Dean

School of Natural Sciences jUAN C. MEZA, Dean

ALUMNI REMARKS KEITH ELLIS, Class of 2012

ALMA MATER “My Merced” by jimmy Dunne Performed by jONIE MARIE SUZUKI, Class of 2014

CLOSING REMARKS THOMAS W. PETERSON, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

RECESSIONAL MUSIC “Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams

DIOSDADO P. BANATAOPartner, Tallwood Venture Capital

Dado Banatao is the managing partner of Tallwood Venture Capital, which invests in semiconductor technology solutions for computing, communication and consumer platforms.

Prior to forming Tallwood, Banatao was a venture partner at the Mayfield Fund. He co founded three technology startups: S3, Chips & Technologies, and Mostron. He also held positions in engineering and management at National Semiconductor, Seeq Technologies, Intersil and Commodore International.

Banatao pioneered the chip set and graphics acceleration architecture that can be found in every PC today. As an engineer, he is credited with developing several key semiconductor technologies and is regarded as a Silicon Valley visionary.

Banatao serves as board chairman of Ikanos Communications Inc., a leading provider of advanced broadband semiconductor and software products, and Inphi Corporation, a leading provider of high-speed, mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for the communications, data center and computing markets. He serves on the board of directors of Wave Semiconductor. He served as board chairman at SiRF Technology (acquired by CSR), Marvell Technology Group, Acclaim Communications (acquired by Level One), Newport Communications (acquired by Broadcom), Cyras Systems (acquired by Ciena), Stream Machine (acquired by Cirrus Logic) and Wilocity (acquired by Qualcomm).

Banatao serves as chairman of UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering Advisory Board and is a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Advisory Council.

Banatao and his wife, Maria, are passionate about giving back to the Philippines. They funded a fellowship grant for computer science and engineering faculty from the University of the Philippines to collaborate with professors at UC Berkeley. Through the Asian Pacific Fund, they have provided scholarships to assist California high school students of Filipino heritage in pursuing a college education in science and engineering, a field which Filipinos are currently underrepresented. Banatao is also chairman of PhilDev, a public charity group that bridges U.S.-based Filipino individuals and communities and Philippine-based social development institutions.

Banatao holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER | Sunday, May 15

CLASS OF 2016 | Sunday, May 15

CANDIDATES FOR DOCTORALDEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF ENGINEERING

Diganta D. AdhikariEnvironmental SystemsDoctor of Philosophy

Yu ChengIGP Electrical Engineering andComputer ScienceDoctor of Philosophy

Hongyu GaoIGP Mechanical EngineeringDoctor of Philosophy

Chuanjin LanIGP Mechanical EngineeringDoctor of Philosophy

Sarah Elizabeth MartinEnvironmental SystemsDoctor of Philosophy

Sylvain MasclinEnvironmental SystemsDoctor of Philosophy

Yousef NaranjaniIGP Mechanical EngineeringDoctor of Philosophy

Kennedy Dai NguyenIGP Biological Engineering andSmall-scale TechnologiesDoctor of Philosophy

Philip Charles SaksaEnvironmental SystemsDoctor of Philosophy

Yousef SardahiIGP Mechanical EngineeringDoctor of Philosophy

Zhijiang YeIGP Mechanical EngineeringDoctor of Philosophy

CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’SDEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF ENGINEERING

Niloufar Piroozi EsfahaniIGP Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceMaster of Science

Michelle LenIGP Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science

jorge Andres MorandeEnvironmental SystemsMaster of Science

Michael R. PickardEnvironmental SystemsMaster of Science

Himanshu PillaiIGP Electrical Engineering andComputer ScienceMaster of Science

Zhengxian QuIGP Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science

Abdur RafayIGP Electrical Engineering andComputer ScienceMaster of Science

Brendan SmithIGP Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science

CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF ENGINEERING

Alfredo Avery Aguilera *

Uchechi Olive Akabogu

Garret Allison *

Alannah Aurora Catherine Alvarez

Andreas Tilman Anderson **

Forrest Martin Angle

Alwin Antony

jaspal Singh Atwal *

Gobind Singh Ball*

Kevin Austin Bauer

joshua Schuyler Belford

Craig Patrick Berger

Benjamin H. Bocanegra

Kian Dell Bradley

Rodolfo Torres Bravo *

Griffith Alexander Brown

Lam Phuong Bui *

Nicholas Garrett Busse

Alberto Baez Carranza

Ashley Brianna Cato

Ranjit Singh Chahal

Stephen Quang Fi Chan

Colin Chen

Alexander Benjamin Chi

Marcus Nathaniel Chow **

justine Chuang

Moses Chun *

Devon Riley Claiche

Zachary Alexander Cothren

Cody Martin Crossley *

Agustin Melchor Cru

Christian Cuevas

Luke Elijah Daniels ***

juan Carlos De Simon

Sukhraj Singh Dhillo

Francisco Xavier Diaz

Sean Thomas Dulkie

Ahmed Omar Elabed *

Natalia Celeste Espinosa

Elissa Espinoza

Ethan Cord Fann

jennifer Hana Fleek

Isaac john Flores

jerick Fuentes

jinnabelle Garce

jose Garcia

Ethan Takeshi Gates

Matthew Ryan Gehring *

Armin Ghavim

Emile Roland-Roger Goguely

jessica Ann Gray ***

jannice Marnae Green

Angel De jesus Guizar

jean-Pierre Gutierrez

Marco Antonio Gutierrez-Nicolino

Layne justin Hazam

Hanlin He *

Sandra Hernandez

Derek R. Hollenbeck **

jason Yishoon Huang *

Fabian Iniguez

Stephanie Diane jauregui

Ashley C. johnson

Sagir Bipin Kadiwala

Jeffrey Aaron Kirkpatrick

Kavita Kumar

Doyoon Lee

jordan james Lee

Jeffrey Kai-Fu Leung

Erik james Levine

Nathaniel Robert Lewis

Alexander Zhan Tu Li

Kalvin Loc

julio Steve Lopez

Bryan Dominic Ludden

Steven-joe Mejia Macaraeg

jonathon Ryan Madueno

Patrick Bigalbal Magat

Oswald Federico Marcelo

Andrew Samuel Martinez

Edwin Martinez

Kevin R. Martinez

Andrea Mascareno

Michael P. McBride

Vinke Yumul Menardo

jim Mendez Lopez

Brent justin Messino

Miguel Montanez

Matthew R. Moran

james Wha Moua

Andrew Patrick Duffy Murphy

Isabella Rae Nelson

Ben Dang-Viet Nguyen **

jonny Nam Nguyen **

Morgan Nguyen

Nicholas Duy-Quang Nguyen

Chukwudubem E. Nweke

Ian Alexander Ojeda-Vasquez

George Obidike Olumba jr.

Wesley Benjamin Osorio

Ian Dranoel Evangelista Pajarin

Vraj Sunil Parikh

Thomas Ivaylov Peev *

juan Carlos Pena Moreno

Carlos Andres Perez

Luis Alejandro Perez

Huong Phan

Sovanarry Phy

Rohith Pradeep

Marisol Prado

Ava Marie Pridgeon

Emmanuel Tangarorang Quimada II

Connor Mikael Rainen

Karen Ramirez

Cesar Ramos

jose Luis Razon Reyna

Dulce Isabel Rios *

joan Erica Costales Rodrigo

Keith Saechao

Amarjit Singh Sahota

Samendeep Samra

Max Ming Shui

Anisa Destiney Silva

Luis Adrian Silva

Andy Sithong

Shelby Anne Skelton ***

Eric Alberto Sosa

junhee Suh

joel Avi Sumner

Senam E. Tamakloe

Landon Michael Taylor *

Eyob Yohannes Tefera

Thomas Christopher Tyrant Thayer

Quang Kim Tran

Daniel D. Truong

Chueyee Vang

Mai Yee Vang

jesse Lee Vick

Lillian Pham Vu

Markus Emani Walker

Rebecca Susanne Wallen

Yi Wang

Paul Chih-Chieh Wen

Timothy Edward Williams

jonathan David Wong

june Wu

joseph Yi

Michelle Zhou

CANDIDATES FOR DOCTORALDEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF NATURAL SCIENCES

Gary Robert Abel jr.Chemistry and Chemical BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Yuriana AguilarQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Dana BurowQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Cyprian CzarnockiPhysicsDoctor of Philosophy

Liza Edith Gómez DaglioQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Ke GongChemistry and Chemical BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Larry johnsonQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Bong Soo KangPhysicsDoctor of Philosophy

Xiao LiChemistry and Chemical BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Bridget MartinezQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy


Holly Frances SwiftQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

Ye ZhuQuantitative and Systems BiologyDoctor of Philosophy

CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’SDEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF NATURAL SCIENCES

Sarah S. AbboudQuantitative and Systems BiologyMaster of Science

CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FROM THE SCHOOLOF NATURAL SCIENCES

Evelyn Mayte Aguilar

Rimsha Ahmed

Sherese Ashley Albino

Maria Guadalupe Alindajao jacobo

Alexander Almanza

Alan jonathan Alonso

Raquel Lorena Alvarez

judith Lauren Anderson

Leonard james Apontti *

Delia L. Araujo

Alan Ardalan

Andres Alberto Arellano

Clara Rose Atchinson

Harpreet Singh Atwal

Jeffrey Idemne Ayco *

Yassamin N. Azadani

Natalie Nichole Azevedo *

jamila Fatima Bajwa

Michael Edward Baldwin

Natalia George Barghouth

judith Bayardo-Guzman *

Brittany Rose Beechinor

Katelynne Marie Bettencourt

Elizabeth Fischer Blakely

Aaron Robert Bremner

Robby Buenfil

Catherine Kim Bui

Nicholas james Bush *

Eleanor May Busito

Zachary Aaron Calabrese

Mariah Ava Campana

Timothy Dinh Cao

Cameron Douglas Carlisle ***

Fernando Castaneda jr.

joshua Mariano Cazares

Jeffrey Qi-Ren Chan *

janell Chang

Linda Chang

Pierce Edward Chang *

Tanya Chen

Alexis javier Chen Xu

Mun jong Choi

Muhammad Waqas Choudhery **

Andrew Minsoo Chun

Giovanni Arcadio Cisneros - Gomez

Gabriel Cruz

Eduardo Cruz Aragon

Dylan Lee Dahlquist

Alice janet Mamerga De Leon

William Brent Table Decastro

Bernardo Delgado

Miran A. Dezoysa

Oley Drammeh

Alex Ray Dyer

Rodney Michael Encinas jr.

Oliver Neil Marquez Esteves

Gabriella Diana Faria **

Adam Tyler Fishburn *

Ruth Foketi

Mary Elizabeth Friedman

Iris Fung

jennifer Fung

Lawrence jun Fung

Samantha judi-Mari Gaerlan

Marie Ann Gage

Mayra Garcia

Hawi B. Gemeda **

jose Anthony Godinez

Alejandra Gomez

Ascencion Gomez jr.

jeremias Mitchell Garrett Gonzalez ***

jonathan Alexander Gonzalez

Natalia Gonzalez

Cheyenne Serena Goodspeed

Skarleth Nataly Granados

David joseph Gray

Elvira Guerrero Paniagua

Raquel Guevara

Monica Guillen

Sarai Raquel Guillen

Desiree Roses Gunn

Alejandra Guzman

Fana Habte

Derek Austin Hamilton

julia Ha

Harjot Singh Hayer

jenna Aubrie Heckel

Cindy Annel Hernandez

Namy Herr

William Andrew Herrera

Amanda Kayla Hidalgo

Melissa Ann How

Asia Alexandra Howard

jennifer Huang

Brandon Michael Huber

james Hyungjoon jang

Barbara Graciela javier

Blanca Belen jimenez

Alyssa Faye jones

Christopher Ryan jorgensen

Amanpreet Kaur

jaskanwaljeet Kaur



Manjot Kaur

Rajwant Kaur

james E. Keener

Arianna Luiza Khaira

Zafir Ahmed Khan

Yasmin Nicole Khodayari

Hashmat john Khorsand *

Magegan Khorsand

Tiana Noelle Kiriaki

Darren Henry Kwan

Isabel Ailinn Lawrence *

Carisza Marie Lenaburg

Stephanie Lira

Celso Lopez

Virginia Yoandra Lopez

Maribel Lopez Rodriguez

Briana Marie Luna

Alvin Loreno Lym

Tahsena Mahen

Frances Emille Garcia Malaca

Bryan joseph Maldonado

Ramon Martinez

Guadalupe Martinez Chavez

jourdan Alexis Mason

Rebecca David Massil

Kenneth Paul Mata **

Navneet Kaur Mattu

Isaac Daniel Mendez

jennifer Mendoza

Rocio jamileth Monge

Genevieve Nicole Mullins **

Moazum Mohsin Munawer

Chris Dennis Nayotl

Shacole Renee Nelson

Alvin Baotu Nguyen

Anne ThuAnh Nguyen

julie Marie Nguyen

Kimberly Ngoc Oanh Nguyen ***

Nicholas Billy Noukhay

Ryan john Ocano

Leticia Gabriela Oceguera

Uche Obinna Ogbunamiri

Chinemerem Robert Okereke

justin Dolendo Omaque

Bernice Nkechinyere Onuoha

Samantha Daniela Ozeran

Monica Parra

Krina Patel

Araceli Perez

Kimberly Perez

Monika Samantha Pizano

Kayla Rene Polman

Kiana Pourhashemi

Alejandra Preciado

Tyler Young Rackelmann

Hilda G. Ramirez

Monique Lee Randall

Bryan Alvarez Rangel

Frances Marjorie Echiverri Revives

Emory Lourdhs Reyes

Vera L. Reyes Espinoza

Marissa Rachel Rhoades **

Mikaela j. Rico *

Tiana Cai Robertson Sr.

Elizabeth Rose Rogers

Victoria Alexzandria Rouse *

Stephanie L. Ruiz *

jared Paladin Ruscoe

Salvador Ruvalcaba Sandoval

Reuel Macaspac Sapida *

Lucas W. Shen

Alexandra Miyabi Setsuki Shoji

Laura janelle Showalter ***

Vikram jeet Singh

Ann-Marie Cangco Soto

William Benjamin St. Clair

Alexis Vanessa Stephens

Hitomi Sugimoto

Matthew Robert Sutton

jason Tabor

Lyndia Tan

Nicholas Andrew Taylor

Scott Thomas Taylor jr.

Kathrine Kinue Teresi

Sang Sue Thao

Natalia Marissa Thomas

Vannida Chhor Tom

Christine Nguyet Tong

Manvinder S. Toor

Thu Tran Tran

Andreina Trujillo

jaime Pauline Uhl *

Lauren Eva Uhl

Reed julian Urmann *

Ryan Anthony Valencia

joanna Alvarez Valenzuela *

Ryan Daniel Van Damme *

Kacee Mai Der Vang

Akash Vani

Anthony Trinidad Ver

Aaron Villalpando

Kinnaly Emily Vongsa

jazmin Angelique White *

Matthew Clifford Wilson **

Nessa F. Wirario

jeremy Zhe-Min Wong

Ryan Wong **

Patrick Michael Woodbury

jillian Myo Thiri Lin Yang

Brian David Young

Devon Ryan Zerbe *

Ashley Yetong Zhan

Mina Zhang


Commencement is the time when the academic community, along with family and friends, comes together to celebrate the achievements of our students. Inclusion in this program and participation in the commencement ceremony does not necessarily signify completion of the degree. Academic Honors (Highest Honors, High Honors and Honors), if achieved, and degrees (B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S. and Ph.D.) are not awarded until after the term in which all requirements are completed.

To receive honors at graduation, an undergraduate student must achieve a grade point average within the top 2 percent of the student’s school for highest honors, the next 4 percent for high honors, and the next 10 percent for honors.

*** Highest Honors ** High Honors * Honors

Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Award

DESIREE NICOLE MC CLAIN

Selected from among the finalists of the Legacy Award, the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Award is the highest leadership award given to a graduating student who has pioneered new opportunities for those who follow.

Legacy Award

THU TRAN TRAN

ZHIjIANG YE

The Legacy Award honors graduating students whose influence, ideals and activities have left a lasting positive impression on the institution and raised the standard of excellence for future generations of students.

Distinguished Leadership Award

DOMONIQUE DEMETRIA jONES

ERIC GUO CHU

The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through his or her service to the university.

Social Justice Leadership Award

SAVANNA GRACE BRIGGS

The Social justice Leadership Award recognizes a student who has advocated for equity and inclusivity while positively impacting the UC Merced campus and surrounding community.

NIH MARC Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U-STAR) Scholar

ALEjANDRA PRECIADO

jOSHUA MARIANO CAZARES

The NIH MARC U-STAR is awarded to honors students majoring in biomedical or behavioral sciences who have expressed interest in pursuing postgraduate education leading to the Ph.D., M.D.-Ph.D., or other combined professional degree-Ph.D. in these fields upon completing their baccalaureate degree.

GRADUATE DIVISIONFaculty Mentor Program Fellowship

NIKKO S. DA PAZ, Doctor of Philosophy, Psychological Sciences

Fletcher Jones Fellowship

YURIANA AGUILAR, Doctor of Philosophy, Quantitative and Systems Biology

Graduate Dean’s Dissertation FellowshipGARY ROBERT ABEL jR., Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry and Chemical Biology

DANA BUROW, Doctor of Philosophy, Quantitative and Systems Biology

YU CHENG, Doctor of Philosophy, IGP Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

HONGYU GAO, Doctor of Philosophy, IGP Mechanical Engineering

LIZA EDITH GÓMEZ DAGLIO, Doctor of Philosophy, Quantitative and Systems Biology

KE GONG, Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry and Chemical Biology

ALEXANDRA ERIN PAXTON, Doctor of Philosophy, Cognitive and Information Sciences

BODO WINTER, Doctor of Philosophy, Cognitive and Information Sciences

ZHIjIANG YE, Doctor of Philosophy, IGP Mechanical Engineering

AWARD RECIPIENTS | Class of 2016

Miguel Velez Scholarship

YURIANA AGUILAR, Doctor of Philosophy, Quantitative and Systems Biology

President’s Dissertation Year Fellowship

HOLLY FRANCES SWIFT, Doctor of Philosophy, Quantitative and Systems Biology

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

School of Engineering

GOBIND SINGH BALL, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering

MARCUS NATHANIEL CHOW, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering

MOSES CHUN, B.S., Materials Science and Engineering

jESSICA ANN GRAY, B.S., Mechanical Engineering

HANLIN HE, B.S., Computer Science and Engineering

DEREK R. HOLLENBECK B.S., Mechanical Engineering

THOMAS IVAYLOV PEEV, B.S., Materials Science and Engineering

SHELBY ANNE SKELTON, B.S., Mechanical Engineering

School of Natural Sciences

LEONARD jAMES APONTTI, B.S., Chemical Sciences emphasis in Materials Chemistry and B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Molecular and Cell Biology

NATALIE NICHOLE AZEVEDO, B.S., Applied Mathematical Sciences emphasis in Computational Biology

jUDITH BAYARDO-GUZMAN, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Human Biology emphasis

NICHOLAS jAMES BUSH, B.S., Applied Mathematical Sciences emphasis in Computer Science

CAMERON DOUGLAS CARLISLE, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Molecular and Cell Biology

ADAM TYLER FISHBURN, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Microbiology and Immunology

jEREMIAS MITCHELL GARRETT GONZALEZ, B.S., Physics

jENNA AUBRIE HECKEL B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

ISABEL AILINN LAWRENCE, B.S., Earth System Science

GENEVIEVE NICOLE MULLINS, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Microbiology and Immunology

KIMBERLY NGOC OANH NGUYEN, B.S., Chemical Sciences emphasis in Materials Chemistry

ARACELI PEREZ, B.S., Biological Sciences emphasis in Human Biology

REUEL MACASPAC SAPIDA, B.S., Applied Mathematical Sciences emphasis in Computer Science

LAURA jANELLE SHOWALTER. B.S., Chemical Sciences emphasis in Chemistry and B.S., Management

RYAN DANIEL VAN DAMME, B.S., Chemical Sciences emphasis in Biological Chemistry

MATTHEW CLIFFORD WILSON, B.S., Physics emphasis in Mathematical Physics

School of Social Sciences, Humanities And Arts

ERIC GUO CHU, B.A., Economics and B.A., Management

BREANNE ROSE OREY, B.A., Psychology

HUGO ALBERTO LOPEZ CHAVOLLA, B.A., Management and B.A., Spanish

AWARD RECIPIENTS | Class of 2016

As we celebrate our graduates’ achievements, the UC Merced Academic Senate also congratulates

the 2015-2016 Senate Award winners. Each year, the senate recognizes distinguished faculty who

achieve excellence and bring distinction to the university through research, teaching and service.

Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching by a Non-Senate Lecturer

DEBRA CONTE, School of Natural Sciences

To encourage and recognize the outstanding work and contributions of non-Senate lecturers in teaching undergraduates at UC Merced.

Award for Distinguished Graduate Teaching and Mentoring

ASHLIE MARTINI, School of Engineering

To encourage and recognize individual excellence in teaching at the graduate level and mentorship of graduate students.

Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching by a Senate Faculty Member

PO-YA ABEL CHUANG, School of Engineering

To encourage and recognize individual excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.

Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentorship

TEENIE MATLOCK, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts

To encourage and recognize individual excellence in faculty mentorship.

Award for Distinguished Early Career Research

CLARISSA NOBILE, School of Natural Sciences

To encourage and recognize individuals for research and/or other creative activities that have had a major impact on the field, either through a sustained record of contributions or through a specific, highly influential contribution.

Award for Distinction in Research

LINDA CAMERON, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts

ANDY LIWANG, School of Natural Sciences

To encourage and recognize individuals for research and/or other creative activities that have had a major impact on the field, either through a sustained record of contributions or through a specific, highly influential contribution.

Award for Distinguished Scholarly Public Service

PAUL BROWN, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts

To recognize a faculty member who has energetically and creatively applied his or her professional expertise and scholarship to benefit the local, regional, national, or international community.

ACADEMIC SENATE AWARDS | 2015 – 2016

UC MERCED’S ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

The University of California, Merced, is committed to becoming a showpiece of environmental leadership by demonstrating smart, sensible and creative actions that promote the vision of sustainability. The university’s commitment to sustainability extends to all aspects of campus life – including commencement.

Sustainable commencement practices include selling caps and gowns made from made of recycled water bottles, using stage decor that can be reused every year, using FSC certified paper for all printed materials, publishing information on the Web, and collecting and sorting all waste for composting and recycling. The campus is extremely water-conscious, taking steps to reduce water use everywhere possible. One example is the weather-based irrigation controller implemented last spring to maximize irrigation efficiency.

We invite you to support our efforts to minimize waste and have as little impact on the planet as possible during commencement by properly disposing of your used water bottles or print materials in one of the many recycling bins in the South Bowl.

Class Gift

Since UC Merced’s inception, each graduating class has carried on the

tradition of giving a gift to the University, leaving a legacy for future

Bobcats to come.

The UC Merced Class of 2016 has chosen to provide additional support

to the UC Merced Community Garden — aiding in the relocation to a

more prominent space on campus. The Community Garden aims to

support the University of California’s Global Food Initiative —

harnessing systemwide resources to address issues of food security,

health and sustainability.

Be a part of the tradition by supporting the 2016 Class Gift online at

giving.ucmerced.edu/classgift2016.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Let The Journey Continue…

Today, UC Merced is proud to welcome the 11th graduating class into the

UC Merced Alumni Association — expanding to over 6,000 members. With 7

regional chapters, annual events and the establishment of new traditions, the

UC Merced Alumni Association serves as a conduit for alumni to maintain a

lifelong relationship with the University.

UC Merced alumni are valued members of the university community and important

advocates who contribute to the campus through their leadership, public service

and philanthropic support. Alumni continue to make an impact on campus and in

their respective communities, aiding in the advancement of the university’s mission.

For more information about the privileges of belonging to the UC Merced Alumni

Association, how to get involved and how to give back, visit alumni.ucmerced.edu.

5200 N. Lake RoadMerced, CA 95343

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPERMay | 2016

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