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Merit Partners Biographies for Fall 2015

Molly Rye, Project Manager

Molly Rye is a current fourth year Sociology major at UC Merced. Molly is the Project manager of the Engineering Service Learning Merit Partners team. She chose this team because she is very interested in criminology and the prison system and had a strong desire to be involved in a campus study or research project. As being a part of this project, she hopes to become more aware of the realities of the Valley’s prison system, as well as be a part of finding ways to reduce recidivism rates amongst repeat offenders. Molly is a very dedicated student and also enjoys cooking, baking and watching anime. She is always very open-minded and likes to try new and exciting things.

Akhila Yechuri, Assistant Project Manager

Akhila is a first year Bioengineering student. She is the Assistant Project Manager of the Merit Partners Engineering Service learning team. She chose the team because she is very interested in all aspects of the criminal justice system, and is excited to explore recidivism rates and the positive and negative aspects of California's approach to juvenile delinquency rehabilitation. Akhila is fascinated in civics and is passionate about voting and political participation. She also enjoys singing, reading, and is a huge fan of the TV show Jeopardy.

David Lohmann, Financial Officer

David is a first year Computer Science and Engineering student. He chose to be the Procurement and Financial Officer for the Engineering Service Learning team Merit Partners in order to gain experience and do good. In his free time, David enjoys watching TV, running, reading, talking, and cooking. He received the AP scholar with Honor award from the AP Program in 2015. He also likes swimming, and hiking.

Natalie Moreno, Webmaster

Natalie is a fourth year Sociology major with a Spanish minor. Natalie is the Webmaster of the Engineering Service Learning team Merit Partners. She chose this team because she is interested in criminology and this team project would help define if she wants to continue down the path of receiving a Masters in Criminology. Taking Sociology classes have sparked her curiosity and interests on different aspects of criminology. Which is why she believes that this team is the best fit for her because it allows her to continue learning about the subjects that interests her most. She enjoys listening to music, dancing, and surfing.

DeVonyo Bills, Communications Officer

DeVonyo Bills is a fifth year Earth System Science student. DeVonyo is the lead coordinator for the Merced County Project 10%, an organization working to reduce violence via education. DeVonyo's true passion lies in water toxicology and remediation, so he is constructing a proposal, for Grant funds, to do his own research in Yosemite National Park. He hopes to someday take his knowledge and resources abroad to help regions that lack access to fresh water resources.

Jurgen Crosswhite, Intellectual Property Officer

Jurgen is a first year Bioengineering at UC Merced. He chose this project because it impacts Merced youth and is very passionate about helping the youth in our society. He served five years volunteering at his local food pantry in his hometown. He taught free music lessons to children and thought Sunday school for two years. He has received many awards and achievements in high school. He hopes that one day he can make a big impact in the world no matter how small it might be.