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Small Fellowships Help Grad Student Make Big Waves in Beach Preservation

Via UCI Samueli School of Engineering

Even before he finished his doctorate at UC Irvine, Daniel Kahl’s research was making waves, forcing scientists and policymakers to rethink conventional wisdom about how beaches shrink over time. He has presented his findings to the US Army Corps of Engineers, members of congress, and various county and city officials, as they consider ways to combat coastal erosion and rising sea levels.

“People are seeing what’s happened to beaches in their lifetime, so they’re bringing a lot of energy to the issue,” says Kahl, a graduate student in civil and environmental engineering. “They want healthy beaches for their kids to enjoy, and I want the same thing, too.”

Kahl credits his successful research endeavors to small, high-impact grants and fellowships like the Dean’s Leadership Council Community Impact Fellowship and the La Verne Noyes Fellowship Award, which funded his master’s degree.

“I’m extremely thankful for those smaller scholarships because they gave me the opportunity to pursue research that makes a difference in our community, and they directly changed my life,” Kahl says.

It’s no surprise that Kahl, who loves surfing, spear fishing and lobster hunting, has spent most of his career committed to preserving Southern California’s shoreline. After earning a bachelor’s in marine biology from UC San Diego, he worked for an environmental consulting firm where he spent time boating, scuba diving and piloting drones to monitor the impact of coastal engineering projects on sealife. He was particularly intrigued by efforts to replenish sand at Southern California’s shrinking beaches – but realized he needed engineering expertise to truly answer his questions about these programs. Kahl connected with UC Irvine’s Brett Sanders, Chancellor’s Professor of civil and environmental engineering, and eventually joined Sanders’ UCI Flood Lab to embark on a master’s.

Kahl’s initial research focused on inland flood modeling, including an award-winning study showing that socioeconomically disadvantaged communities have disproportionately higher flood risks in Los Angeles County. When Kahl finished his degree, he started a job at an engineering firm. But on Kahl’s first day in the office, Sanders called: their grant proposal to NASA had been approved, providing $675,000 plus access to satellites to monitor coastal erosion over time.

Kahl returned to UC Irvine as a doctoral student, and developed a new model to explain how sands shift at Southern California’s beaches, and used satellite imagery to validate it. Previously believed to always flow south, sand actually travels north in many locations, he found. His research appeared in a peer-reviewed journal, and then garnered publicity across the region, attracting the attention of municipal officials and policy makers.

“Daniel’s experience and impact underscores the synergies at UC Irvine emerging between graduate education, research, and partnerships with communities,” says Sanders. “Our collaborative approach is a recipe for research that matters, not to mention the production of highly trained people who are capable of delivering effective solutions to the complex climate challenges we face today.”

As coastal communities grapple with disappearing beaches, Kahl and his expertise promise to remain in high demand.

“I like to think that there’s a way we can better manage our beaches. We have tools in our toolbox, but we need data and information about the situation along the coast so that we implement the most sustainable, sensible strategy,” Kahl says. “I’ve built my entire life around preserving coastal natural resources, and I’m grateful that UCI has helped me develop a skill set to continue addressing these pressing issues.”

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Tyler’s Tribe Foundation and UC Irvine Partner to Fund ALS Rsearch

Members of the Tyler's Tribe Foundation and UCI Graduate Division posing with an endowment check to help fund ALS research at UCI.

The Tyler’s Tribe Foundation was founded by Meghan Decker after her brother, Tyler, was diagnosed with ALS at just 26 years old. What began as a personal mission to support Tyler has grown into a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding for ALS patients and their families, helping cover the enormous costs of living with the disease. Through events, partnerships, and initiatives like the Tyler’s Tribe Foundation Endowment for ALS Research at UC Irvine, the organization is also fueling critical research to one day find a cure. The endowment was created last year thanks to a $100,000 gift from Tyler’s Tribe.

This fall, Tyler’s Tribe invites supporters to swing into action at the Adapt x Tyler’s Tribe Golf Tournament on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Shadowridge Golf Club. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time putter, the day promises fun, camaraderie, and a chance to support ALS patients—plus a prize for the best Old Florida golf attire! Click here or email contact@tylerstribe.com to get involved.

In the following Q&A, Meghan shares the journey of starting Tyler’s Tribe, supporting patients, and partnering with researchers, offering a deeply personal look at the impact of ALS and the hope for breakthroughs on the horizon.

Q: How did Tyler’s Tribe get started?
A: I started Tyler’s Tribe with my brother Michael. At first, it was just about supporting Tyler—we held golf tournaments and events to help cover his medical expenses. But as people began reaching out with their own stories of losing loved ones to ALS or struggling to afford care, I felt called to expand.

What began as a family effort quickly grew, and within a year we became a nonprofit. Since then, we’ve helped more than 50 ALS patients and are currently supporting over 25. ALS is often called an “old man’s disease,” but that’s no longer true—many of our patients are women under 40. The disease doesn’t discriminate, and it’s affecting younger people every day.

Even though the fight is hard, I believe breakthroughs are coming. I can feel it in my bones—big changes are on the horizon for ALS research.

Q: What was the process like for you and your family learning about Tyler’s diagnosis?
A: Tyler was only 26 when he was diagnosed in July 2020, right in the middle of COVID. At first, it just seemed like little things—muscle twitches, trouble keeping up when we worked out. But the turning point came when he went surfing and told my mom, “I couldn’t get up.” That was when we knew something was seriously wrong.

It was tough to get answers, but a general practitioner quickly referred us to a neurologist. By mid-July, we had the official ALS diagnosis. We went to five more neurologists hoping someone would say it was something else, but they all confirmed it. Hearing “ALS” for a 26-year-old was devastating—it felt unreal until every doctor told us the same thing.

Tyler is an introvert, so the spotlight hasn’t been easy for him. But he’s in awe of how big the movement has grown and deeply grateful for the support. Honestly, we all are—it feels like the community has wrapped our family in a hug for the past five years, and it still amazes us.

Q: How long after the diagnosis did you create Tyler’s Tribe?
A: We announced the foundation to the world on August 25th, 2020 and have been going non-stop ever since.

Q: In 2024 you started an endowment with UC Irvine to support ALS research. How does it work?
A: The endowment provides funding for UCI researchers studying ALS—especially bold or unconventional ideas that are often hard to get funded. It started with $100,000, but the goal is to spark discoveries that can attract much larger investments if they show promise. 

Q: How did the connection with UC Irvine start?
A: It was completely Marissa Norys’ (Senior Director of Engagement Programs) idea—she brought it to our board, and we loved it. Partnering with UCI is mutually beneficial: they’re supporting the community, and it helps us gain more visibility locally while continuing to serve patients nationwide. 

Q: How can someone support Tyler’s Tribe?
A: Join us at our annual golf tournament on October 13th—it’s a fun day with great food, live music, and a party atmosphere, all while raising money for ALS patients. Even if you can’t donate, you can still help by spreading the word. Awareness matters—you never know who’s been touched by ALS until you start the conversation.

Q: What has the experience been like with the 25 patients you mentioned?
A: At first growth was slow, but soon word of mouth from the ALS community brought in five new patient requests a week. We now partner with other ALS organizations to stretch support as far as possible—sometimes even paying patients’ electric bills, since losing power can mean losing access to oxygen.

Most people don’t realize insurance barely covers ALS expenses—95% comes out of pocket. Even something as essential as a wheelchair can cost $250,000, yet insurance might only cover $30,000. While our ultimate goal is to help find a cure, right now we’re focused on directly funding patients’ needs.

Q: How is Tyler doing these days?
A: Tyler is what’s called a slow progressor—he’s been fighting ALS for nearly seven years and can still walk with help, which is rare. But aside from that, he now relies on others for everything, even something as simple as scratching an itch. His mind is fully intact while his body continues to be taken from him, which is the harsh reality of ALS.

Q: How has Tyler felt about Tyler’s Tribe?
A: Tyler is an introvert, so the spotlight hasn’t been easy for him. But he’s in awe of how big the movement has grown and deeply grateful for the support. Honestly, we all are—it feels like the community has wrapped our family in a hug for the past five years, and it still amazes us.

Q: Beyond a cure, what do you hope research will find?
A: A true diagnostic test. Right now, ALS is diagnosed by ruling out everything else, which forces patients through painful and invasive procedures. If researchers could create one clear, painless test, patients wouldn’t have to endure years of uncertainty—some even wait five years for a diagnosis. That alone would be life changing.

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Q&A With Alumnus Rafael Gonzalez

A trailblazer in the field of regenerative medicine and immune health, UC Irvine alumnus Dr. Rafael Gonzalez has spent more than two decades at the forefront of scientific innovation. With both a B.S. and Ph.D. from UC Irvine—where his research focused on immune system interactions following spinal cord injury—Dr. Gonzalez has since become a leading expert in stem cell biology, longevity science, and age-related therapies.

Through his groundbreaking work at TheBioBox and RESTEM, he is reshaping how we think about immune health and the biological aging process. From patented stem cell technologies to investigational immune-based therapies and cosmetic regenerative innovations, Dr. Gonzalez continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in science and wellness. In this Q&A, we explore his journey from UCI to entrepreneur and educator, and the passion that drives his mission to help others live longer, healthier lives.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How did your journey in research and regenerative medicine begin?

A: I earned both my bachelor’s and Ph.D. in biology from UC Irvine, where I was fortunate to be part of minority research programs that allowed me to publish as a first author during undergrad. That early exposure sparked my passion for research. I stayed in the same lab for my Ph.D.—the first lab at UCI to study stem cells in spinal cord injury through the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. While my thesis focused on immune responses after spinal cord injury, I contributed to broader stem cell work. After graduating in 2006, I went straight into the cell therapy industry and have been in that space ever since. I really enjoyed my time at UCI. It’s easy for me to give back to a university that gave so much to me.

Q: Is this the kind of research you always envisioned doing, or did your path evolve?

A: After leaving UCI, I shifted toward a more translational focus—getting therapies from the lab to patients more quickly, or what we call “bench to bedside.” Nearly 20 years later, I’m proud to say we’re between phases two and three of a pivotal trial for an autoimmune condition called idiopathic inflammatory myositis, a rare disease affecting the skin, muscles, and lungs. Our company, RESTEM, received FDA fast-track and orphan disease designations, which help accelerate development. Our phase one results were outstanding, and if phases two and three confirm the data, we hope to achieve pre-market approval in the next few years.

Q: Receiving fast-track status must be rare. What has that journey been like?

A: It’s definitely rare—and a lot of work! Manufacturing cell therapeutics at scale is one of the biggest challenges in the field, but we’ve spent years perfecting it. At RESTEM, our focus is on modulating the immune system, since nearly every disease has an immune component. We’re also pioneering work in targeting senescent or “zombie” cells—aged cells that no longer divide but linger and cause dysfunction. We’re preparing for clinical studies in that area, as well as in osteoarthritis, all part of our broader focus on age-related diseases.

Q: When you talk about aging, are you referring to outward appearance, or the body’s overall aging process?

A: We approach aging on two fronts. First, we focus on the immune system, because as we age, it becomes dysregulated and inflamed—leading to age-related diseases like cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. By modulating the immune response, we aim to improve overall health and longevity.

Second, we’ve developed a regenerative skincare product to support visible aging. About 10 years ago, I created a spray-on treatment that boosts collagen and hyaluronic acid production to accelerate skin healing after cosmetic procedures like microneedling, lasers, or chemical peels. It’s sold through doctors and has helped fund our clinical research. We’ve also been fortunate to have angel investors—some of whom personally benefited from our therapies—who have contributed significantly to our studies, including one who donated over $8 million for advancing clinical studies through phase one and two.

Q: How did you decide what path to pursue when you started undergrad?

A: Originally, I planned to become a physical therapist because of a back injury I’d experienced—I fell in love with the field during my own recovery. But while at UCI, I joined the Bridge program, which introduced me to research, and I was hooked. I spent countless hours in the lab, even though I didn’t understand much at first. I’ll never forget being handed a stack of papers and told to come back with questions—that lit the spark.

Soon after, I joined a research team looking to launch a new project. I raised my hand, told them I’d put in whatever time it took to succeed, and that opportunity shaped my thesis and, ultimately, my career. Now I always tell students and interns: fall in love with what you’re doing. If you’re not passionate about it, you’re on the wrong path. UC Irvine is the perfect place to explore those passions—there are incredible resources if you’re willing to seek them out.

Q: You currently have two UCI graduate students working with you, right?

A: Yes, we have two UCI doctoral candidates, Nancy Haro-Ramirez and Jasmine Chavez, both in their final years of their program. We initially planned to bring on just one intern, but after discussions with the team, we decided to take both because of their complementary strengths. Jasmine even specializes in neuroscience, which aligns with some of our exploratory work in Alzheimer’s.

They’re both doing a paid, two-month internship working about 24 hours a week, getting hands-on experience in the industry. It’s a valuable opportunity because industry work is very different from academia—especially when it comes to regulatory requirements and documentation. It can slow things down, but it also ensures rigor and often leads to unexpected insights when you revisit data. We’re growing quickly and will likely have a full-time position opening later this year, so the timing is great for them to get immersed in the process.

Q: When you first started at UCI, did you always plan to go into industry?

A: Not initially. It wasn’t until I was deep into my thesis work that I saw the contrast between academia and industry. Academia often moves slower, relies heavily on grants, and doesn’t pay as well. In industry, especially in well-funded companies, you can move faster and work toward clear, tangible goals.

The big difference is that in academia, even after a Ph.D., you usually pursue a postdoc under someone else’s guidance. In industry, you still design experiments, but you also have to think commercially: Can we mass produce this? Will the FDA process slow us down? How do we keep costs under control? Some ideas are brilliant but impractical—they might take 12 years and millions of dollars to develop. I prefer a fast-track approach: get version one out, then keep improving with versions two, three, and beyond.

That mindset shift from pure science to scalable solutions is essential in this space. In fact, one of my former graduate professors from UCI, Dr. Toai Nguyen, made that transition with us—he’s been our lead scientist and lab manager for 12 years now. Moving from academia to industry is an adjustment, but once you get it, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Q: What advice—besides loving what you do—would you give graduate students?

A: Beyond loving what you do, my advice is to do your due diligence. Whatever path you choose—academia or industry—understand the potential obstacles ahead. If you’re going into industry, look for companies where you can grow and advance. If you’re pursuing academia, know that it’s largely self-driven and often reliant on securing grants.

I weighed both options and realized academia wasn’t for me—I didn’t want to be tied to the grant-writing cycle. I wanted to help move therapies from bench to bedside. So, think carefully about where you want to end up and seek advice from professors or industry professionals about the challenges they’ve encountered. That insight is invaluable when charting your own path.

Q: Last question—just for fun—what was your favorite spot on UCI’s campus?

A: I spent a lot of time in the Gillespie Building near the Med Sci campus, and right between those buildings was a volleyball court. Almost every Friday, our lab group would gather there to play, unwind, and have fun. Even though we were off the clock, we’d still end up talking science—it just comes with the territory! That spot holds a lot of great memories. And every time I visit UCI now, I’m amazed at how much the campus has grown—it’s incredible.

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16 UCI Graduate Scholars Earn NSF-GRFP Honors

43 UCI scholars earn NSF-GRFP honors

A total of 16 UCI graduate scholars received honors from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Seven of those students received earned a Graduate Research Fellowship from the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), while nine were recognized with honorable mention.

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. NSF actively encourages the submission of applications from the full spectrum of talent that the US has to offer. The five-year Fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend of $37,000. The GRFP has a history of selecting recipients who go on to achieve high levels of success. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, Google founder, Sergey Brin and Freakonomics co-author, Steven Levitt.

This year’s UCI recipients are listed below:

NSF-GRP Award Winners

Christian Bernal Zelaya  – Statistics

Azara Boschee – Civil & Environmental Engineering

Makayla Luevano – Chemistry

Berenice Rojas – Chemistry

Jesse Giovanni Sanchez – Education

Abigayle Simpson – Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Tre Willingham – Physics

Honorable mentions

Massee Said Akbar – Physics and Astronomy – Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Elionel Botello-Cornejo – Life Sciences – Biochemistry

Jay Krishnan – Physics and Astronomy – Particle Physics

Shabnam Moghareh Dehkordi – Life Sciences – Cell Biology

Adrian Francisco Duran Ornelas – Engineering – Materials Science and Engineering

Samuel Tomaras Stout – Engineering – Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Ahoora Tamizifar – Mathematical Sciences – Analysis

Allison Tilzey – Engineering – Environmental and/or Ecological Engineering

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Siwei Hu

Siwei Hu will graduate with a PhD in Transportation Systems Engineering on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
My favorite memory at UCI isn’t a single moment, but rather the countless hours I spent working on my dissertation, “Stable Day-to-day Departure Time Dynamics at the Corridor and Network Levels: Models, Optimal Pricing, and Applications.” One of the most exciting moments was when I finally found a Lyapunov function to prove the stability of the multi-class dynamical system I had been working on—it was a true breakthrough.

What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be continuing at UCI as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Medicine, working with Dr. Federico E. Vaca on traffic safety research.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next few years, I will focus on traffic safety research as a postdoctoral scholar with Dr. Vaca. Looking ahead, I see myself as both a scientist and an engineer—dedicated to solving real-world problems through rigorous research. I want my research to have an ever-lasting impact on this ever-changing world. I aspire to contribute to lasting advancements in vehicle safety, with the goal of informing and supporting innovation across the transportation industry.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
My biggest influence is my advisor, Professor R. (Jay) Jayakrishnan. I’ll never forget attending a conference during my fourth year—at that point, I hadn’t published any papers. A host professor casually said, “Good luck with your studies, whether you’re just starting or about to finish.” Professor Jayakrishnan responded, “Professor Hyland and I are happy with Siwei’s progress—he’s the picky one.” His sentence turned me from an unproductive student to a picky student. I am deeply grateful for it, and I will never forget that.

I’m also deeply grateful to Professor Michael F. Hyland and Professor Wen-Long Jin. Professor Hyland taught me the value of precision and attention to detail. Professor Jin, who spent 12 years solving one challenging problem, inspired me with his patience, perseverance, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
Stay focused. It’s okay to say no—your time is limited, and it’s important to invest it in what matters most to you. Find what excites you the most, and pursue it with purpose—it just might become your life’s work.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I’m a dancer! One of my most memorable experiences was performing at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall—the largest concert hall in Orange County. Back in college in China, in order to meet someone special, I joined the campus dance group, which had many talented female dancers. Unfortunately, nobody fell in love with me, so I fell in love with dancing. That’s how my passion for dancing began.

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Amy Wu

Amy Wu will graduate with a PhD in Condensed Matter Physicis on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.

She is passionate about advancing our understanding the electron properties of 2D materials. Wu’s research focuses on the properties and applications of various materials, with a particular emphasis on their potential uses in energy storage and conversion technologies.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
My favorite memory at UCI is joining the Archery Club. Since then, I have expanded my list of hobbies. I also started participating in other organizations and events at the Anteater Recreation Center. Engaging in these activities has made me much happier and more creative in my research. Finding fulfillment in things outside of my research taught me the importance of work life balance as a graduate student.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to apply for a job in the industry. I also want to take a few months to reflect on my journey so far. I have never been out of school without a clear next step, so I think it’s time to take a break and explore the world before focusing on the next challenge.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself working in the quantum technology industry. I really enjoy collaborating with people and exploring new ideas together. I aspire to be at the forefront of developing the next generation of innovative technologies for the public.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
There isn’t just one person who influenced me. I have found inspiration in many people I met here, my advisor, my labmates, and my friends. They have all been my biggest influences, teaching me so much academically and personally. They supported me through my toughest times and have given me encouragement.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
I wish I had known how important it is to stay involved in the community. UCI is a large university, and it can feel isolating if you don’t find your own community. But, since UCI is so diverse, there are many communities to get involved in.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I would need a whole page to list all my hobbies. I enjoy climbing, archery, yoga, aerial yoga, painting, dancing, singing, and much more. In short, I love learning new things, taking on new challenges, and staying curious.

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Yicong Huang

Yicong Huang will graduate with a PhD from the Information Systems Group in the Computer Science department. Huang and his fellow graduates will walk on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.

His research focuses on big data management, data-processing systems, and machine learning systems. Huang takes a systems-driven approach by co-designing the key components of modern data-intensive pipelines, including workflow engines, UDF debugging frameworks, pipelining optimizers, and machine learning acceleration systems for streaming data. To optimize performance, usability, and scalability, he integrates techniques across data management, distributed systems, program analysis, and machine learning.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
I’ve made countless meaningful memories over my 11 years at UCI, but one moment stands out in particular. In the fifth year of my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to design and teach my own course at UCI: ICS 80, Data Science and AI/ML Using Workflows. The course was specifically created for non-CS majors, including students from Biology, Economics, and Public Health, most of whom had little or no coding experience. I broke down complex concepts into simple and visual explanations, all without requiring students to write a single line of code. At the conclusion of the course, students presented capstone projects related to their fields of study. Watching them successfully apply data science methods to real-world issues they cared about became one of the most rewarding moments during my time at UCI.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll join Databricks in 2025 as part of the Apache Spark Runtime team, where I’ll work to advance one of the fastest and most scalable data engines in the world. Following that, in Fall 2027, I will transition to academia as a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I will be an Assistant Professor at UMass Amherst. I envision myself leading impactful research at the intersection of data systems and accessibility. My goal is to extend the frontiers of data processing and make powerful tools accessible to everyone, not just technical experts. Through building systems, designing intuitive workflows, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, I aim to lower barriers to entry in data science, AI, and ML. Ultimately, I will continue creating systems that empower students, educators, domain scientists, and civic organizations to use data effectively for meaningful insights and positive societal impact.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
My advisor, Chen Li, was my greatest influence at UCI. He guided me through every step of my research journey, from shaping ideas to turning them into impactful projects. Beyond research, he also taught me invaluable lessons about integrity, collaboration, and empathy. Observing his patience and dedication in mentoring students inspired me deeply, shaping not only how I approach academic challenges but also how I interact with others. His guidance has left a lasting impact, shaping who I am not just as a researcher, but as a person.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
Start now, and start small. When I first came to UCI, I often hesitated to pursue ideas or projects because I was afraid of failing or not being good enough. Over time, I learned that every impactful project or achievement begins with a small, often uncertain step. I’ve realized that it’s okay not to have all the answers at the beginning. What matters most is the willingness to try, experiment, and learn from each experience. If I could go back, I’d tell myself that the fear of imperfection shouldn’t prevent me from taking action, because even the smallest steps forward can eventually lead to meaningful growth and impact.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I love cooking, and often find myself experimenting in the kitchen, creating dishes that blend creativity with culture. This culinary passion has even influenced my academic work: all my research papers are named after foods—such as “Udon,” “IcedTea,” and “Pasta.” To me, cooking shares many similarities with research; both involve creativity, experimentation, patience, and a bit of inspiration. 

I’m also passionate about talk shows and comedy, particularly Xiangsheng, a traditional Chinese comedic performance commonly known as “cross talk.” I’ve performed Xiangsheng myself, enjoying the chance to connect with audiences through humor and storytelling. This hobby has significantly shaped my presentation style, helping me communicate my ideas effectively and confidently in professional settings.

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Shu Li

Shu Li is a geospatial data analyst and will graduate with a PhD from the Henry Samueli School of Engineering on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
One of my favorite memories at UCI is stepping out of the ISEB building after long days of meetings and work. Each time, I was captivated by the stunning skies, whether it’s painted with sunset colors, soft clouds, or sometimes a bright moon. Those moments always reminded me of how lucky I was to be part of the UCI community. I couldn’t resist taking photos every time; I’ve probably collected hundreds of pictures of the sky, the trees, the moon, and the ISEB building from countless angles. It became my little tradition and a way to appreciate the beauty around me.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue my work in natural hazard risk evaluation, mitigation, and emergency response. This field has become my lifelong passion, and I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve developed at UCI to enhance community resilience and safety. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to deepen my research into natural hazards, with a particular focus on wildfire behavior and risk assessment using empirical and data-driven models. I believe that advancing our understanding of wildfires will help us better prevent and manage them, ultimately protecting both communities and the environment. My goal is to contribute to more informed decision-making processes for wildfire mitigation, and to continue bridging the gap between science and practical solutions that make a real-world impact.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
My biggest influence at UCI has undoubtedly been my advisor Tirtha Bnerjee, along with all the mentors I was fortunate to work with throughout my journey. There’s a saying that really resonates with me: the way we approach life and work and others hides the influence of those who’ve guided us. When I first arrived at UCI, I was a clueless student to research and my career path. I started by observing and learning from my mentors—not just how to conduct research or write scientific papers, but also how to navigate challenges, handle failure, and collaborate with others. They have shaped me into the researcher I am today, instilling in me the values of rigor, humility, and positivity. Any success I’ve achieved, or any positive feedback I receive from colleagues, I owe to the guidance and support of my advisor and mentors.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
I wish I had known to fully embrace each moment and not to live life in ‘temporary mode.’ When I first came to UCI for my master’s, I saw my stay as short-term. Even after joining the PhD program, I kept that mindset of ‘I’ll be leaving soon.’ Because of that, I held back on things like decorating my apartment,  collecting meaningful art, building a long-term social circle, or committing to hobbies that required time and investment. Looking back, I just realized UCI became the place I’ve spent the most time in besides my hometown. I now believe every day and every moment counts, and take immediate action on things that bring joy, rather than delaying happiness because of uncertainty about the future.

What are your hobbies or interests?
Outside of my research, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, going to concerts and musicals, and building Lego. Recently, I’ve also started exploring new hobbies like pottery, painting, and plant specimen collection, and I’m loving them! They’ve become my little mental sanctuary, giving me a space where I can completely relax and recharge, free from the stresses of daily life.

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Bryant Jackson-Green

Bryant Jackson-Green is JD/PhD graduate and will walk on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.

His research focuses on criminal justice policy and organizational theory, studying how organizations implement criminal justice reforms. His dissertation, Regulation by Litigation in Correctional Health Services, examines how healthcare consent decrees and settlement agreements are used to reform healthcare in U.S. prisons. 

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
Getting to teach my first class at UCI – Introduction to Criminology, Law and Society. It was an online, asynchronous summer course the year after Covid-19 shut down campus. Even though it was online, it gave me the chance to introduce my students to the basics in criminology, and I later had the opportunity to catch up with a few in person. I even got my first research assistant from the course, who is graduating this year, too. 

What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be joining the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University in Chicago. I already have my class schedule and I’m excited to get back to teaching this fall. Besides that, I’ll be focused on advancing my research on prisons, health policy, and the opioid crisis. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Engaged in teaching, research, and public policy. The whole reason I came to graduate and law school was to help advance criminal justice reform through my research, so I hope I’ll be making a difference. There’s plenty of work to do. 

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
Definitely my academic mentors and committee members – Shauhin Talesh, Basia Andraka-Christou, Emily Owens, Ji Seon Song, and Elliott Curie. They’re all strong examples of rigorous, policy-engaged scholars whose work has real-world impact. 

I’ve also had amazing mentors from the Division of Teaching Excellence and Innovation. Daniel Mann, in particular, stands out as someone who really helped me figure out what kind of educator I want to be. 

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
As great as UCI is, you’re missing out if you don’t become involved in some community off campus, as well. Take the time to network and make connections beyond campus. Some of my best friends and collaborators are people I met in the area through mutual interests or friends. 

What are your hobbies or interests?
My husband, Chris, is a violinist, and I’m lucky to get to attend his concerts and performances whenever I can. Other than that, I like to spend my free time reading, biking, and traveling. 

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Doreen Hii

Doreen Hii is a research scientist and will graduate with a PhD in Cognitive Sciences on June 16 in the Bren Events Center. She will also be the student speaker during the Grad Hooding Ceremony.

She is a highly motivated research scientist with a deep-rooted passion to unravel the secrets of human intelligence. She excels at identifying novel, cognitive-inspired solutions to address underspecified problems in areas such as computer vision, natural language processing, and navigation. She is constantly seeking innovative approaches to make AI more human-like.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
Whenever I think of UCI, Aldrich Park just pops into my head! There is constant sunshine and always the sound of laughter drifting through the air. I have lost count of how many times I have snatched incredible student performances there – whether it is dance or music, the energy is just contagious. Even a nap there is pure bliss that will make you smile in your dreams. For me, Aldrich Park really captures the heart of UCI.

What are your plans after graduation?
First, I am hitting the road for an epic national parks adventure across the States! Then, I will begin my postdoctoral training under the mentorship of Dr. Johan Wagemans in Belgium. We will be uncovering the secrets of human aesthetic perception, and developing AI that gets beauty. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself as a bridge between human cognition and artificial intelligence. On the one hand, I draw new inspirations from cognitive sciences to inspire human-like AI. On the other hand, I identify and strengthen the irreplaceable traits of humanity using advances in science.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
It has to be my professor who mentored me throughout my academic pursuit, Prof. Zygmunt Pizlo. He has pulled me back from the brink, celebrated my wins, supported my struggles, and shared life wisdom with a wonderfully unexpected humor. His open-mindedness, conscientiousness and patience have been truly inspiring qualities that I strive to emulate in all my endeavors.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
Don’t be shy to reach out. As Helen Keller wisely said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. The UCI community is a wellspring of support and collaboration. Voice your needs, share your goals – you will be amazed by how many supportive hands lift you up.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I have always been into hobbies where you get to tackle challenges and figure things out together with friends. Currently, my passions include skiing, leather working, and watch making. My next challenge is to build a stilt house. There is something appealing about that shared effort and the joy of creating something together.