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VPR Biographies for Spring 2016

	Daniela Arias Perez – Project Manager Daniela Arias Perez is a first year Computer Science and Engineering student. Arias is the project manager of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. She believes that Service Learning is as an opportunity to expose herself to engineering fieldwork. Perez decided to choose Vernal Pool Reserve because she wanted obtain a more profound understanding about the history of Vernal Pools and how they play a key role to our community. As a UC Merced Regents Scholar, she wants to give back to the institution as much as possible because UC Merced has given her such a great opportunity.
	Victor Mojica – Assistant Project Manager Victor Mojica is a third year Mechanical Engineering student. Mojica is the Assistant Project Manager for the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pools Reserve. He chose to be a part of Engineering Service Learning because he thought it would be a great opportunity to work in a non-traditional learning environment, as it would expose him to engineering fieldwork. Academically, Mojica is interested in solving problems and learning the logic/science behind how many things function the way they do. He also enjoys learning about diagnostics and attempting difficult tasks that require a challenge and motivational mindset. Outside of school, Mojica enjoys exploring nature, reading, and working on small engineering projects using 3D printed parts.
	Juanita Sprowell – Communications Officer Juanita Sprowell is a second year currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Sprowell is the Communications Officer of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. In addition she is concurrently training in the Bobcat Leadership Series development program with the Margo F. Souza Leadership Center. As a regular volunteer of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, she expects to develop her leadership skills with the team, while supporting her compassion for the well-being of humanity, the preservation of the environment and the importance of interdisciplinary education.
	Victoria Manh - Intellectual Property Officer Victoria Manh is a fourth year student studying Material Science and Engineering. She is the Intellectual Property Officer for the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. She chose to join this team after seeing their project presentation last semester, where she learned of the team’s mission to raise awareness to the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve. Victoria found the team’s mission to be interesting and wanted to play a part in making the Reserve more accessible for future research and visitation by the public. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys watching documentaries, playing board games, and hanging out with friends.
	Jeniffer Amezquita – Procurement & Financial Officer Jeniffer Amezquita is a first year student pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering. She is the Procurement & Financial Officer for the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. Amezquita wishes to help sustain National Parks and improve the current systems being used. Once graduated, Amezquita wishes to have the experience and knowledge that will allow her to make the best decisions regarding the betterment of National and State parks. Amezquita enjoys helping her community by attending community clean ups as well as participating in various outdoor activities such as hiking; she loves to analyze the world around her as well as figure out how things work.
	Samantha Young – Team Leader Samantha Young is a first year Environmental Engineer student. She is a Team Leader for the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. She chose this team because of alignment with her major, as well as an interest of the subject, which she could start getting some hands-on learning in. Young is interested in many things, but feels most passionate about the environment. She wants to make a difference in something that desperately needs our help. When she is not busy with homework, she enjoys being at the beach, surfing, hanging out in the sun, but not getting sunburnt.
	Leigh Ann Cull – Team Member Leigh Ann Cull is a second year Cognitive Science major with a pending minor in Natural Science Education. Cull is a team member of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. She chose this team due to her interest in environmental studies and previous trips to Vernal Pools with her father. Cull plans to use her experience from her previous position as project manager to provide the team with insight on how to make the team work efficiently. As member of the on-campus community, Cull spends her time practicing Judo with the Martial Arts Club, where she acts as Treasurer.
	Armin Ghavim – Team Member Armin Ghavim is a fifth year Environmental Engineering student. Ghavim is a member of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. He chose this team because he is concerned with the California drought and hopes to become a leading participant in resolving the problem. Ghavim plans to use his experience from the Capstone Program in restoring and planning for floods in Yosemite Valley to provide the team with knowledge on testing simulated water flow and structure preservation. Ghavim enjoys traveling, and has been to eight states and six countries.
	David Lohmann – Team Member David Lohmann is a first year Computer Science and Engineering student and considering an Applied Math minor. Lohmann chose the Vernal Pools project to learn about the ecology of the Vernal Pools and how windmills work. He hopes to work on several research projects while at UC Merced. Lohmann enjoys computer programming, cooking, biking, hiking, and volunteer work, camping and learning about nature. Lohmann likes to work hard toward his goals and looks forward to practicing and applying the many things he will learn at UC Merced.
	Jonathan Luna – Team Member Jonathan Luna is a fifth year student pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He is a member for the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pools Restoration subteam. Luna plans on using his experience that he has gained from his past organizations on campus to contribute to the team. He also plans on being a great team player and help out as much as he can. Through hands-on experience, he hopes to gain valuable skills from working on the Vernal Pool Reserve Team. Luna enjoys playing basketball, tennis, and soccer in his free time.
	Christian Martin – Team Member Christian Martin is a first year Computer Science and Engineering student. He is a member of the Vernal Pool Reserve. Martin hopes to bring in a new perspective with his technological mindset in finding innovative solutions to the client’s needs. During his spare time, Martin enjoys experiencing the beauty of nature through hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. This love for nature is a large proponent to work in this field. Along with his appreciation of the natural world, he also spends a great deal of time listening and exploring different genres of music.
	Greg Mellos – Team Member Greg Mellos is a second year Mechanical Engineering student. Mellos is a team member of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pools Reserve. He decided to join this team in order to assist in the preservation of the Vernal Pools. Mellos believes that by repairing the windmill the Reserve will benefit. Mellos is a current officer in the newly reestablished Society of Automotive Engineers; currently the group is attempting to create a fully electric vehicle under the supervision of Dr. Chen. When not in class he can be found watching a movie with friends.
	Jesus Osuna – Team Member Jesus Osuna is a third year student pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Osuna is part of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pool Reserve. He chose this project as he believes it will be of great contribution for the community once the team accomplishes it. Also, he is looking into pursuing a career in the green building industry. Osuna believes that his participation in the VPR project will provide him with hands on experience and valuable skills that will allow him to reach his career goals. Osuna enjoys sleeping and spending time on improving his cooking skills.
	Christopher Reed – Team Member Christopher Reed is a second year Computer Science and Engineering student at the University of California, Merced. He is a member of the Engineering Service Learning team, Vernal Pools Reserve. Reed loves taking nature in and hopes he can give back to those who also appreciate nature the way he does. Through valuable hands-on experience, he hopes he may make a difference in influencing others to appreciate what nature has to offer. Reed also enjoys doing a variety of activities outside of studying, such as playing video games, watching movies, and learning random trivia about the oddest of subjects.