Summer Scholar mentors are current UCI undergraduate students who are eager and enthusiastic about contributing to your success and development this summer. Each mentor completed formal leadership development training, which refined their leadership skills and reinforced the traits of positive role models.
Brimming with energy, creativity, and knowledge about UCI and college life, the Summer Scholar Mentors will support you throughout our program. Summer Scholar mentors are particularly attuned to the feel of Summer Session and summer coursework as they each participated in our Summer Session Freshman Summer Start Program, a sister program for incoming Freshman students with similar goals to the High School Summer Scholar Program.
Christine Dang
Lead Intern
Chemical Engineering, Class of 2015
(From Loma Linda, CA)
This internship has shown me a different side of UCI, outside of the classroom. It has challenged me with new experiences and leadership opportunities and rewarded me with memories and life lessons that will last forever. I have met so many wonderful people, from awesome high school students to dedicated fellow interns to the wonderful Summer Session staff, and I have grown as a person and a leader. I am thrilled to return as an intern and look forward to an amazing summer.
cndang@uci.edu
Shirley Kuan
Lead Intern
Biological Science, Class of 2015
(From Monterey Park, CA)
Making the transition from high school to college may not be easy for many and I owe my academic success to my participation in one of the sister summer programs at UCI. My participation through this program has helped me become more mentally and emotionally prepared for my first year in college. Through my participation as an intern for the High School Summer Scholar Program in 2012, I was able to share my insights from my transition and first year experience as a college freshman with the students. This time around I hope that I can continue to aid the future college students through their worries about what college is about and help them create a memorable summer here at UCI.
skuan@uci.edu
Tessa Shates
Lead Intern
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Anthropology, Class of 2015
(From Los Angeles, CA)
After 2 years at UC Irvine I have had so many different experiences on academic and personal levels. I have tried new things that I would never have done in high school. As a high school student, I would have jumped at the chance to participate in a program like the High School Summer Scholar Program. I am excited for the high school students that will be joining us this summer to immerse themselves into a university environment.
By participating in the Leadership Development Program I have taken a step into entering the professional world by having to manage responsibilities and learning how to communicate. Personally, I am more confident and find myself reaching out to new people.
tshates@uci.edu
Tiffany (Tif) Yen Bui
Biological Science, Class of 2016
(From Garden Grove, CA)
Only months after graduating from high school, I remember being extremely nervous and anxious about attending a large university. UCI’s summer program relieved all my worries. I learned valuable information, broke out of my shell and have made long lasting friendships. The Summer Bridge pathway (of the Freshman Summer Start Program) was both a fun and rewarding experience. It helped me adjust to a college-sized classroom, different lecture styles, and the campus itself, while having the opportunity to meet new students, professors, and staff. As an intern my goals are to support high school students and introduce and apply new ideas to hopefully give students an equal if not better experience than I had.
tybui@uci.edu
Colleen Kuo
Psychology and Social Behavior, Class of 2016
(From Hacienda Heights, CA)
The summer school experience that I had last summer allowed me to meet different kinds of people and gave me a head start both academically and socially. Students in the program are closely bonded together and constantly learning from one another. I hope to provide this same experience to the high school students this summer.
colleek1@uci.edu
Michael Senneff
Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2016
(From New Orleans, LA)
Being a part of the Freshman Summer Start Program was the best decision I have made here at UCI. This program allowed me to become comfortable with UCI and build very strong friendships. I am looking forward to working with all the High School Summer Scholars and helping them learn about and prepare for college.
michaelsenneff@aol.com
Elmer Wei
Chemical Engineering, Class of 2014
(From San Francisco, CA)
When I applied for the Freshman Summer Start Program, I knew it was the best way for me to get introduced to college. Through this program, I got a head start being familiar with UC Irvine's resources and opportunities while breaking out of my comfort zone and having fun. Having benefited from this experience, I want to help high school students become familiar with college as well as get excited about their future college experiences. I can't wait to be part of what will be their first of many great college memories!
weies@uci.edu
