SACNAS Officers 2016-2017
Josue Morales: Co-Chair
A third year chemical engineering student and Regents scholar who is interested in pursuing a career in the biotechnology sector. Last summer, Josue interned at Genentech where he worked on developing a semi-automated method for packing small-scale columns used in protein purification. He initially joined SACNAS during his freshman year because of the friendly atmosphere, the professional development, and the ability to connect with great students and faculty. But what most captivated him was the Annual Outreach Event. This event brings high school students to the university and offers them mentorship, information, and first-hand experience about college. Last year he served as one of the coordinators for this event and this year he hopes to pass the torch by serving as the outreach-focused Co-Chair for the UCSB SACNAS Chapter. Outside of SACNAS, Josue works with the student committees that organize TEDxUCSB and S&T MESA Day. Lastly, some of Josue’s interests include trying new foods, learning about the history of art, practicing his terrible French, and occasionally going on a run.
A third year chemical engineering student and Regents scholar who is interested in pursuing a career in the biotechnology sector. Last summer, Josue interned at Genentech where he worked on developing a semi-automated method for packing small-scale columns used in protein purification. He initially joined SACNAS during his freshman year because of the friendly atmosphere, the professional development, and the ability to connect with great students and faculty. But what most captivated him was the Annual Outreach Event. This event brings high school students to the university and offers them mentorship, information, and first-hand experience about college. Last year he served as one of the coordinators for this event and this year he hopes to pass the torch by serving as the outreach-focused Co-Chair for the UCSB SACNAS Chapter. Outside of SACNAS, Josue works with the student committees that organize TEDxUCSB and S&T MESA Day. Lastly, some of Josue’s interests include trying new foods, learning about the history of art, practicing his terrible French, and occasionally going on a run.
Jair Rafael Santiago Carranza: Co-Chair
J. Rafael Santiago is a third-year computer engineering student with an interest in STEM education. Last summer, Rafael interned at the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy where he aided in teaching high school students in the fundamentals of computer aided design and machining. He joined SACNAS during the first quarter of his freshman year and served as events coordinator his sophomore year. As co-chair, he hopes to continue the legacy of his predecessors by organizing professional, educational, and culturally relevant events for SACNISTAS at UCSB. Some of Rafael’s interests include staying up to date with the latest technology, playing video games, and cooking.
J. Rafael Santiago is a third-year computer engineering student with an interest in STEM education. Last summer, Rafael interned at the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy where he aided in teaching high school students in the fundamentals of computer aided design and machining. He joined SACNAS during the first quarter of his freshman year and served as events coordinator his sophomore year. As co-chair, he hopes to continue the legacy of his predecessors by organizing professional, educational, and culturally relevant events for SACNISTAS at UCSB. Some of Rafael’s interests include staying up to date with the latest technology, playing video games, and cooking.
Ivan Rodriguez: Vice-President
Ivan is a third-year microbiology student at UCSB who strives to increase diversity in the STEM field, specially in biological sciences. As the vice-president of SACNAS, he works hard to link students to resources in both academia and industry to help them succeed in their college career. His great interest for science and research has led him to conduct research on the transport of nanoparticles through soil in irrigation systems at the Keller Lab, the molecular mechanism behind the interactions between microbial communities at the Hayes Lab, and most recently the parasitic system in animal aggregation hotspots at the Young Lab. Ivan plans to attend a PhD program in immunology. His ultimate goal is to one day run his own run that will one day link molecular immunology with therapeutics research to provide more affordable and accessible treatments for infectious diseases.
Ivan is a third-year microbiology student at UCSB who strives to increase diversity in the STEM field, specially in biological sciences. As the vice-president of SACNAS, he works hard to link students to resources in both academia and industry to help them succeed in their college career. His great interest for science and research has led him to conduct research on the transport of nanoparticles through soil in irrigation systems at the Keller Lab, the molecular mechanism behind the interactions between microbial communities at the Hayes Lab, and most recently the parasitic system in animal aggregation hotspots at the Young Lab. Ivan plans to attend a PhD program in immunology. His ultimate goal is to one day run his own run that will one day link molecular immunology with therapeutics research to provide more affordable and accessible treatments for infectious diseases.
Steven Bustillos: Co-Events Coordinator
Steven Bustillos is a fourth year chemistry student and is interested in addressing and solving global problems that arise with the development of clean and sustainable energy. Steven has been in the McFarland Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCSB for the past year, where he has been responsible for the use of different catalysts to induce both methane pyrolysis and chlorine production from HCl gas in molten salt systems. This past summer, Steven became a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholar and had the opportunity to work with the nuclear reactor at the University of California, Irvine where he was responsible for the radiolysis of tributylphosphate, a ligand used in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel due to its high selectivity for both uranium and plutonium. Steven initially joined SACNAS during his junior year due to his large interest in the chapter’s Annual Outreach Event, as he desires to promote equity and access for higher education in the STEM field for first generation students and for students in underrepresented groups; additionally, this further motivates him to pursue a graduate level degree to put him in a better position to influence future scientific leaders. Outside of his SACNAS responsibilities and career goals, Steven is a huge soccer and football fanatic, spending most of his free time watching and playing both sports.
Steven Bustillos is a fourth year chemistry student and is interested in addressing and solving global problems that arise with the development of clean and sustainable energy. Steven has been in the McFarland Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCSB for the past year, where he has been responsible for the use of different catalysts to induce both methane pyrolysis and chlorine production from HCl gas in molten salt systems. This past summer, Steven became a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholar and had the opportunity to work with the nuclear reactor at the University of California, Irvine where he was responsible for the radiolysis of tributylphosphate, a ligand used in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel due to its high selectivity for both uranium and plutonium. Steven initially joined SACNAS during his junior year due to his large interest in the chapter’s Annual Outreach Event, as he desires to promote equity and access for higher education in the STEM field for first generation students and for students in underrepresented groups; additionally, this further motivates him to pursue a graduate level degree to put him in a better position to influence future scientific leaders. Outside of his SACNAS responsibilities and career goals, Steven is a huge soccer and football fanatic, spending most of his free time watching and playing both sports.
Kimberly Elizabeth Flores: Outreach coordinator
Kimberly Flores is a fifth year Chemistry undergraduate who enjoys learning about the environment and sustainability. She is currently interning at the Goleta Water District where she analyzes trihalomethanes in potable water. After graduation, Kimberly plans on pursuing environmental engineering to combine her two passions for chemistry and improving the well-being of others. Kimberly's love of giving back shines through with her involvement in outreach for the sciences. She has helped organize a science carnival with over 50 booths to show kids K-6 the ubiquitous nature of science. She also volunteers for S&T Mesa day where kids in middle school and high school come from surrounding counties to UCSB to compete in mouse trap car races, math competitions, and egg drops. When she isn't at the library studying, Kimberly enjoys playing the guitar, going to the beach (although she doesn't go much anymore after being stung by a stingray), and attempting to skateboard. Kimberly also dislikes writing about herself in third person. That's right, this whole time I was writing about myself. Whilst writing this I suddenly forgot everything I have ever known about myself but now it's just you and me.
Kimberly Flores is a fifth year Chemistry undergraduate who enjoys learning about the environment and sustainability. She is currently interning at the Goleta Water District where she analyzes trihalomethanes in potable water. After graduation, Kimberly plans on pursuing environmental engineering to combine her two passions for chemistry and improving the well-being of others. Kimberly's love of giving back shines through with her involvement in outreach for the sciences. She has helped organize a science carnival with over 50 booths to show kids K-6 the ubiquitous nature of science. She also volunteers for S&T Mesa day where kids in middle school and high school come from surrounding counties to UCSB to compete in mouse trap car races, math competitions, and egg drops. When she isn't at the library studying, Kimberly enjoys playing the guitar, going to the beach (although she doesn't go much anymore after being stung by a stingray), and attempting to skateboard. Kimberly also dislikes writing about herself in third person. That's right, this whole time I was writing about myself. Whilst writing this I suddenly forgot everything I have ever known about myself but now it's just you and me.
Jonathan Delcid: Treasurer
Jonathan is a third-year Chemistry major who is currently serving as Secretary. He began his scientific endeavors at UCSB by taking part in the 2015-2016 SIMS program, where he assisted in conducting research in the field of computational cognitive neuroscience. While he enjoyed his time gaining an introduction to this field of science, he is very excited to see what the field of organic chemistry has in store for him. He became interested in SACNAS while serving as intern for SIMS, mainly because increasing cultural and racial diversity in industry is of profound importance to him. Understanding and celebrating different cultures is an essential part of the human experience, which is why he also currently serves as an intern for the Cultural Mentorship Program, mentoring the students of the Black Scholars Hall. Outside of chemistry his interests include trying new foods, listening to music (Anderson Paak), and spending time with friends.
Jonathan is a third-year Chemistry major who is currently serving as Secretary. He began his scientific endeavors at UCSB by taking part in the 2015-2016 SIMS program, where he assisted in conducting research in the field of computational cognitive neuroscience. While he enjoyed his time gaining an introduction to this field of science, he is very excited to see what the field of organic chemistry has in store for him. He became interested in SACNAS while serving as intern for SIMS, mainly because increasing cultural and racial diversity in industry is of profound importance to him. Understanding and celebrating different cultures is an essential part of the human experience, which is why he also currently serves as an intern for the Cultural Mentorship Program, mentoring the students of the Black Scholars Hall. Outside of chemistry his interests include trying new foods, listening to music (Anderson Paak), and spending time with friends.
Jessica Teresita Jauregui-Gonzalez: Social Media Coordinator
Jessica is a second year physics major looking to spread diversity in STEM especially in physics. As a first-generation, low-income, Mexican-American student she has found her journey to be a bit isolating in the physics department. However, through SACNAS she has found support and a second family she can relate to and trust while continuing professional development. As a SACNAS officer her goal is to work with other diversity clubs on campus in order to make our mission, that is to help underrepresented students advance in the STEM field. Her biggest influence has been her mentor, Ximena, who is also a LatinX undergraduate in Physics at UCSB. Jessica has been a member of SACNAS since her first year of college, and joined when she was a part of CSEP’s SIMS program over the summer of 2016. She has worked in the UCSB’s Mechanical Engineering Computational Fluid Dynamic Lab and past summers at Pomona College’s Physics Department. She currently interns in the Transport for Energy Applications (TEA) Lab in the Mechanical Engineering Department studying energy and heat transport at nanoscale resolutions. Jessica loves to go star-gazing and embroider her traditional-style Mexican textiles.
Jessica is a second year physics major looking to spread diversity in STEM especially in physics. As a first-generation, low-income, Mexican-American student she has found her journey to be a bit isolating in the physics department. However, through SACNAS she has found support and a second family she can relate to and trust while continuing professional development. As a SACNAS officer her goal is to work with other diversity clubs on campus in order to make our mission, that is to help underrepresented students advance in the STEM field. Her biggest influence has been her mentor, Ximena, who is also a LatinX undergraduate in Physics at UCSB. Jessica has been a member of SACNAS since her first year of college, and joined when she was a part of CSEP’s SIMS program over the summer of 2016. She has worked in the UCSB’s Mechanical Engineering Computational Fluid Dynamic Lab and past summers at Pomona College’s Physics Department. She currently interns in the Transport for Energy Applications (TEA) Lab in the Mechanical Engineering Department studying energy and heat transport at nanoscale resolutions. Jessica loves to go star-gazing and embroider her traditional-style Mexican textiles.