CSUMB ICPC Cohort 2026
My Journey
My path through college has been unconventional, but it’s shaped who I am today. I started as a Computer Science student at San Francisco State University, but after facing personal challenges, including the loss of my mother and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to step away from school.
Those years away became a turning point. While working in the service industry (at Cafe Fina and REI), I developed resilience, empathy, and invaluable skills in communication and teamwork. I also continued exploring my passion for computers through personal projects, organizing large music collections and learning about data management and digital systems.
With renewed focus and the support of my family, I returned to the California State University system and enrolled at California State University, Monterey Bay about a year and a half ago. Since then, I’ve been on the Dean’s list every semester and have become deeply involved in the department’s academic community.
What I Do
Teaching & Mentorship
I work as a teaching assistant for the Problem Solving/Programming and Data Structures courses, helping students understand complex problems, debug their programs, and build confidence in their abilities. My experience in service roles taught me that explaining difficult ideas clearly and working patiently with others are skills that translate directly to effective teaching.
Programming Club Leadership
As president of the programming club, I organize weekly workshops where students strengthen their understanding of algorithms, data structures, and competitive programming. I design problem sets, introduce algorithmic topics, and guide discussions on solution strategies. This year, we’re preparing for the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC).
Research
I was recently accepted into a grant-supported research program. This summer, I’m working with Dr. Marcella Gomez at UC Santa Cruz on research in biotechnology, applying the programming and problem-solving skills I’ve developed at CSUMB to real research questions, particularly those relating to predicting spore germination in bacteria.
What I Care About
- Mentorship & Community: My most meaningful experiences combine technical work with helping others succeed
- Resilience: My unconventional path taught me that challenges can become our greatest teachers
- Collaboration: I believe the best solutions come from diverse perspectives working together
- Continuous Learning: Whether through teaching, research, or programming competitions, I’m always growing
Looking Ahead
I’m interested in roles that combine technical problem-solving with collaboration and mentorship. Long-term, I could see myself returning to academia as a researcher or professor, continuing the cycle of teaching and mentorship that’s been so influential in my own education.