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N.I.S.E Net Biographies for Fall 2014

Adrian Jara, Team Leader

Hello! I am Adrian Jara and I am in my 5th year in Mechanical Engineering. I am from Bakersfield which is about 3 hours south from Merced. I have joined the NISE Net Service Learning team because I have an interest in teaching the youth community as well as an interest in the field of nanotechnology science. For the fall 2014 semester in the team, I am the Team Leader for NISE Net and I will be overseeing all the work my officers put towards the project. Also, I will make sure we are all up to date in the project and contribute greatly. My plans after I finish my obtaining my Bachelor’s degree here in UC Merced include working for about 2 years up north in the Silicon Valley possibly in the automobile industry. After, I plan on attending graduate school to obtain either my Master’s degree or Doctorate.

Christopher Lu, Deputy Leader

Hello! My name is Christopher Lu, and I am currently a 5th year at UC Merced. I am currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering and have a minor in Natural Science and Education. Currently, I am working with Yang Liu to learn about the different technique in effectively growing nanowires using chemical vapor deposition. I am interested in working close with my communities, especially with the education system. I have volunteered at a daycare center, children's hospitals, and public schools. During the Sptring 2014 semester, I was under the Cal Teach program, and I was working closely within a classroom environment and taught one full lesson at El Capitan High School. Therefore, I am very interested in the NISE Net team, because it incorporated both aspects of nanoscience and education. I wanted to learn how to bring the topic of nanoscience into a classroom and open the minds of the younger generations.

Armand Kirshman, Sub-Team Leader

My name is Armand Kirshman, and I'm a first-year student studying Computer Science and Engineering. Since I was a little kid, I've been passionate about all forms of computers and technology. I also love to explore the outdoors, especially Yosemite National Park. I'm excited to help NISE Net educate people on the importance of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

Angelo Villaflor, Communications Officer

Hello all! My name is Angelo Villaflor and I am a Fifth year undergraduate studying Computer Science and Engineering. I am originally from San Leandro, CA, just south of Oakland in the Bay Area. In my free time, I enjoy working on my car, playing video games, and sleeping. I hope that through NISE Net I am hoping to gain knowledge within Nanotechnology as well as strengthen my ability to work with teams.

 

Edgar Villalpando, Inventory and Financial Officer

Hi! My name is Edgar Villalpando. I am a 5th year Mechanical Engineering major. I am originally from Pomona, California but lived in Rosarito, Mexico for a few years. I am an avid mixed martial artist specializing in Brazilian jiujitsu. I one day aspire to apply my degree in engineering towards being a federal agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Ivan Felix, IPO

Hello! My name is Ivan! While not so keen to extracurricular activities. I do try to maintain a social life (especially in Merced) by playing sports and hanging out with a few friends now and again. A few words that might describe me would be organized, diligent, respectful but most importantly friendly. I highly expect to fulfill my lead role of as Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Through the experiences and knowledge I have garnered I will try my best to uphold the necessary duties in the most organized and dignified manner.

Timothy Nagtalon, SAC Officer

Hi! My name is Timothy Nagtalon and I am currently a first year Computer Science and Engineering major here at UC Merced. I am originally from the South San Francisco/ Daly City area and I lived there for most of my life. I have no prior experience in my major however I hope to build up the necessary skills to succeed post-graduate. By joining NISE NET, I am seeking to improve my communication and cooperation abilities as well as to learn new things.

 

Vardhan Solanki, Webmaster

Hello! My name is Vardhan Solanki. I am currently a first year Computer Science and Engineering student at UC Merced. I was born in Los Angeles, CA and have lived there my whole life. Through NISE Net, I'd like to be able to gain certain communication skills, teamwork skills, and knowledge about nanotechnology. Some of my hobbies include playing sports, playing chess, and socializing with friends.

 

Leo Cabrera, Team Member

Hello, my name is Leo Alonso Cabrera and I am a freshman here at UC Merced. I am a Computer Science and Engineering major. If there is something I like to do on my spare time, I really enjoy studying. I feel that knowledge is power, and I want to achieve a high level of power one day. I also enjoy reading a lot, especially Historical and Science Fiction. I love to not only listen to music, but to create it. Since I was five years old, I've been learning to play percussion instruments, and have changed my emphasis to learning how to play the drumset. Finally, I love to play video games, and I hope that one day, I will be able to program video games and make a living off of it.

Tshamon Vang, Team Member

Hello! My name is Tshamon Vang. Just call me David. I am a 5th year mechanical engineer. I am from Merced ca. I currently work as a supervisor at the Lantern Cafe. I am a big football fan. My team is the indianapolis colts! In the future i hope to work in the automotive or hydrology fields.

 

Aaron Law, Team Member

Hey! My name is Aaron! My hometown is Merced , currently living in Atwater. I work on the stats crew for UC merced recreation. I Enjoy playing guitar/ukulele.