Scholars In Residence
Our Scholars-in-Residence (SIR) graduate mentors support first-generation undergraduate students affected by immigration policies by helping them navigate their academic journey and explore post-graduate education/career opportunities. They host office hours weekly and plan events each quarter tailored to professional development skills.
Get to know them below!
Joseph Labagnao Ligunas | SIR Co-Lead
He/They | 6th year PhD candidate in Comparative Literature
Joseph Labagnao Ligunas is a PhD candidate in Comparative Literature at UCI. Their research looks at the adaptation and narration of Philippine history in various popular forms to interrogate the construction of Philippine identity, nationalism, and culture. They also currently serve as a Co-Lead for the UCI DREAM Center Scholars-in-Residence program, mentoring and helping undergraduate students regarding post-graduate paths and opportunities.
OFFICE HOURS: THURSDAYS 1PM - 3PM
Jesus Lopez | SIR Co-Lead
He/Him | 2nd year PhD Student in Chemical Engineering
Jesus Lopez is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department, he is also involved at The UCI DREAM Center as a SIR mentor where he hopes to help students develop their professional skills. His research focuses on characterization of surface morphologies and understanding the charging behavior of Pt for the purpose of fuel cell applications.
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAYS 3PM - 5PM
Guadalupe S Cisneros Arroyo
They/Them | 3rd year PhD student in Global and International StudiesÂ
Guadalupe S Cisneros Arroyo is a 3rd year PhD student in the department of Global and International Studies and are currently serving as a Scholar-in-Residence at the DREAM Center. Where they mentor student on the different aspects of academia that may impact underrepresented students,and help undergrads prepare for post graduation life. Their research focuses on Latinx/a/o involvement in far-right groups in the US and its links to the history of eugenics, fascism, ethnostates, and populism in Latin America.
OFFICE HOURS: TUESDAYS 10AM - 11AM Â & Â THURSDAYS 10AM - 11AM
Justine Lim
She/Her | 1L Public Service Scholar at UC Irvine School of Law
Justine Lim (she/her) is a 1L Public Service Scholar at UC Irvine School of Law, pursuing labor and employment law. Driven by her lived experience as an undocumented Filipino and Chinese immigrant, Justine is a champion of labor and immigrant rights. Because of her experience growing up isolated in rural Pennsylvania, Justine is committed to serving community members by offering her support, knowledge, and expertise. She loves learning from students and has mentored two national cohorts of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) undocumented youth with the UCLA Dream Summer Fellowship. She is currently a Scholar-in-Residence at the UCI DREAM Center, where she hope continue her work cultivating and empowering immigration-impacted students. In her free time, you can catch Justine strolling in Aldrich park, thrifting, visiting art museums, or baking new recipes she finds on Pinterest.
OFFICE HOURS: FRIDAYS 10AM -12PM
Barbara Martinez Neda
She/Her | 5th-year PhD student in Computer Science
Barbara is a 5th-year Computer Science Ph.D. student and a Scholar-in-Residence at the DREAM Center where she mentors and helps undergraduate students further develop their professional skills. Her research focuses on understanding computer science students' experiences in the field and developing machine learning tools to maximize their success.
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAYS 10AM - 12PM
Mariana Gomez
She/Her | 2nd year PhD student in the School of Education
Mariana Gomez is a second-year Ph.D. student in the School of Education and a Scholar-in-Residence at the DREAM Center. Currently, her research looks at the components of context that support bilingual skills among underserved young children. Mariana’s goal is to continue integrating an intersecting identities framework that looks at the assets that underserved families possess for their children’s optimal development.
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAYS 1PM - 3PM
Josue De La Cruz-Sevilla
He/Him | 2nd year Master of Science in Nursing
Josue De La Cruz-Sevilla is a 2nd year Master of Science in Nursing student through the UCI MEPN program. He has a prior background in Biology and Biotechnology and hopes to blend these passions in his future nursing career in order to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. He also looks forward to collaborating with and mentoring students at the UCI DREAM Center as a Scholar-In-Residence, where he aims to offer support and guidance in their professional and academic development.
OFFICE HOURS: THURSDAYS 9AM - 11AM (VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY)
Jenniffer Perez Lopez
She/They | 4th-year PhD student in the Sociology
Jenniffer Perez Lopez is a 4th-year Ph.D. student in the Sociology Department and is currently a Scholar-in-Residence at the DREAM Center. Their research focuses on Central American communities, mixed-status families and transnationalism. She enjoys meeting with undergraduates, planning workshops, and supporting the DREAM Center.