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Vernal Pool Reserves Biographies for Fall 2017

Sanjit Saroya

Project Manager

Sanjit Saroya is a second-year Mechanical Engineering student. Saroya is the Project Manager of the Engineering Service Learning Team, Vernal Pool Reserve. He chose it because he found that the Vernal Pools are essential for providing learning opportunities to students and visitors. In research, Saroya is achieving a position in research in nuclear power to provide more safety features for situations that can damage the air, water, and health of the public. Academically, Saroya is interested in using his Mechanical Engineering applications to work on space flight technologies. He enjoys making music, podcasts, and YouTube videos in his time outside of academic work.   

Jocelyne Novoa

Team Lead

Jocelyne Novoa is a fifth year Environmental Engineering undergraduate student with a minor in Education. Novoa is the Team Leader for one of the three sub-teams of the Engineering Service Learning Vernal Pool Grassland Reserve Team. She chose this team because it gives her an opportunity to study the pools and work on unifying both the county and university through the reserve. Academically, Novoa is interested in renewable energy and would like to see how the University would like to reduce emissions. Aside from her studies, Novoa enjoys reading, listening to music, and going out with friends. 

Brian Hoang

Communications Officer

Brian Hoang is a fourth year pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Bioengineering. Hoang is the communications officer for the Engineering Service Learning team, VPR (Vernal Pool Reserve) Lab. He chose this team because it would give him the opportunity to work with facilities and sites located around UC Merced to help sustain wildlife that depends on it. Hoang hopes to learn more about sustainability in hopes of gaining hands-on experience and skills that he can apply to in the future. On his own time, he enjoys cooking and spending time with friends over coffee.

Jose Serrato

Jose Serrato is a first-year student pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Serrato is a member of the Engineering Service Learning, Vernal Pool Reserve team. He chose this team because of his desire to take part in a project aimed towards making a positive change in the community as well as to gain hands-on experience. Serrato has been part of other teams such as the DLR Group, with what he has obtained, he hopes to provide the team with a valuable asset through his hard work, passion, and work ethic. Outside of academics, Serrato enjoys adventuring the outdoors. 

Maria Catherine Villarosa

Maria Catherine Villarosa is a third-year Environmental Engineering student. Villarosa is from Gardena, CA and graduated from North Torrance High School in 2015. She was involved in clubs such as California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Filipino Club, and was president of her school’s Ecology Club. In high school, taking AP Environmental Science is what fueled her interest in environmental engineering, and she wants to focus and learn more about sustainability and renewable energy as she continues her studies. In her spare time, Maria Catherine likes to watch Korean dramas, penny board, and play Overwatch. She also hopes to own a Shiba Inu one day. 

Kelvin Melendez

Kelvin Melendez is a third year student pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Melendez is a member of the Vernal Pool Reserve Lab, an engineering Service Learning team. Melendez plans to use his experience from Computer-Aided Engineering to provide the team with 3D designs that will show different views of the land. Melendez enjoys hiking with friends and cooking while listening to music.

Yumi Wolf

Assistant Project Manager

Yumi Wolf is a third-year Earth Systems Science major. She is the Assistant Project Manager of Engineering Service Learning, Vernal Pool Reserve Trails project. She helps in the community regularly by providing low-cost produce on campus. Wolf is interested in pursuing a career in sustainability and environmental policy and regulations, so she found this project as a useful learning opportunity, as the project is an opportunity to research environmental impacts of the trails project. Wolf also likes to spend her free time with photography, video games, cycling, and watching hockey.

Victor Nguyen

Team Lead

Dustyn Greggains-Rutheford

Procurement and Finance Officer

Andrew Blazy

Team Lead

Jonathan Rubio

Intellectual Property Officer

Makkouk John