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Grad Hooding Q&A – Jyotsana Kala

Jyostana Kala headshot

Jyotsana Kala will graduate with a PhD in Economics on June 15 in the Bren Events Center.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?
My favorite part of UCI was the people I met here. I got to know people from so many different backgrounds and cultures, and learned about their lives, their interests, and their stories. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I was becoming someone new in the process. There’s something really special about figuring out who you are away from home, and a big part of that was borrowing little pieces from the people around you. Even conversations with faculty, where I heard their personal stories of moving to the U.S. and building a life here, really stuck with me.
Of course, I can’t talk about UCI without mentioning how gorgeous the campus is! I loved taking walks in Spring, watching sunsets from my window, or hopping on my scooter and just being completely taken by how beautiful Irvine is every single day. It never really got old.

What are your plans after graduation?
First things first, I’m heading home to India to spend some proper time with my family. After that, I’ll be joining the Department of Economics at the University of Manchester as a Lecturer (Assistant Professor). It’s a big, exciting step, and I can’t wait to get started!

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself at the intersection of labor market research and AI, exploring how these two rapidly evolving fields continue to reshape one another. Professionally, I aim to balance that research with impactful teaching, building genuine connections with my students in the classroom. On a personal note, I hope to prioritize a healthy work-life balance and finally check off something long-awaited on my bucket list: getting a pet. Big career goals, small paws! That’s the five-year plan.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
The network of friendships I built at UCI is what I’ll carry with me the most. I was particularly influenced by colleagues in my program who became my support system and sounding board. They did more than just offer advice; they pushed me to examine the frameworks I didn’t even realize I was operating within, challenging my assumptions and encouraging me to rethink long-held beliefs. That level of peer-to-peer challenge is rare, and navigating it together made us a family. I’m walking away from Irvine not just with a degree, but with lifelong friendships that truly shaped who I am.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
Honestly, that failure isn’t the opposite of progress; it often is the progress. At some point in this program, I think every one of us had a version of the same thought: I’m in the wrong place. I can’t do this. The paper got rejected. The idea never became what you imagined it would be. And yet, you kept going anyway. There’s something really powerful about taking something incomplete, something that fell short of what you dreamed it could be, and saying: I saw it through. I wish I’d known earlier that the messy middle is where most of the real growth happens, and that there’s genuine pride in just… finishing the thing!

What are your hobbies or interests?
Table tennis, always! It’s both my sport and my stress relief. I also really enjoy the strategy and social connection of exploring new board games with friends. Beyond that, I love exploring different food places in Irvine; the city has an incredibly diverse culinary scene, and I enjoy the adventure of discovering new local spots.

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Grad Hooding Student Speaker Q&A – Emily Tom

Emily Tom headshot

Emily Tom will graduate with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. She will represent the 2026 class as the student speaker at the Grad Hooding Ceremony on June 15 in the Bren Events Center.

How are you feeling about being the student speaker?

Being the student speaker at my grad hooding ceremony is such an honor! It’s a chance for me to reflect not only on my own journey, but also on the shared experiences of my classmates- years of growth, persistence and learning to adapt to change. It also feels like a moment to acknowledge the people and communities that made this possible: mentors, collaborators, friends, and family who supported us in ways that are often invisible but essential. Most importantly, it’s a chance to celebrate this milestone together and recognize how far we’ve come before stepping into what comes next.

What is your favorite memory at UCI as a graduate scholar?

One of my favorite memories was competing in Grad Slam. It challenged me to translate years of research into a story that anyone could understand, and it reminded me how powerful clear science communication can be. Sharing that moment with other passionate graduate researchers across disciplines was incredibly unique and inspiring.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be returning to the third year of medical school at UCI to complete my MD/PhD training. After that, I plan to apply for ophthalmology residency and pursue a career as a clinician-scientist.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to be in ophthalmology residency, continuing to develop both my clinical skills and my research program focused on vision science.

Who has been your biggest influence at UCI?

My PhD mentor, Dr. Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, has been one of my biggest influences at UCI. Her guidance has shaped not only my scientific thinking but also my approach to problem-solving and collaboration. She has consistently encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone, think critically about my research, and maintain a high standard of rigor in my work. Beyond her mentorship in the lab, her example as a dedicated scientist and supportive mentor has had a lasting impact on how I hope to contribute to the academic community in the future.

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 embrace uncertainty and trust the process. Coming in, I expected to have a clear path and quick answers, but I’ve learned that growth—especially in research—often comes from navigating ambiguity and setbacks. I also didn’t fully appreciate how valuable it is to build a strong community early on, both within and outside the lab. The support, collaboration, and perspective from peers and mentors have been just as important as any technical skill I’ve developed.

What are your hobbies or interests?

Outside the lab and clinic, I enjoy running, spin class, and Lagree. I also love baking sourdough—especially experimenting with new recipes using my starter, Fred. Most of all, I enjoy spending time outside with my husband and our three-year-old daughter.

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Santiago Campos Rodríguez

Santiago Campos Rodríguez headshot

Santiago Campos Rodríguez will graduate with a PhD in Economics on June 15 in the Bren Events Center.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?

I’ve been lucky to have a lot of great memories at UCI. From presenting my work at prestigious conferences, to seeing students I worked with succeed well beyond the classroom, to even winning intramural soccer with a team of fellow economics grad students, it’s been a pretty special ride.

But the one that stands out the most is meeting my partner during the PhD program. I never expected that I would find my biggest support system in this journey, someone I admire deeply both personally and intellectually. We went through the program side by side, constantly pushing each other and growing together. Over time, that turned into not just sharing ideas, but building something meaningful together, including now working on a project focused on economic policies in my home country. We’ve now been together for five years, and we are planning a life together. Being able to grow alongside her, both in research and in life, has easily been the most meaningful part of my time at UCI.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be joining the research department of the Central Bank of Costa Rica as a senior economist. My work will focus on labor markets and their broader implications for economic policy, with an emphasis on producing research that can inform policy decisions. At the same time, I plan to remain closely connected to the academic community at UCI by continuing to collaborate with faculty and peers on projects related to development and production networks.

I will also continue ongoing work with Professor Nancy Rodríguez, whom I met at UCI, on research examining discrimination in the American criminal justice system, which remains an important part of my broader research agenda.

 I hope to build a career that combines rigorous academic research with policy-relevant work.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself continuing to build a career that allows me to give back to my home country. Costa Rica’s welfare system made it possible for someone like me, coming from a single mother household, to access opportunities that eventually led me to one of the best graduate programs and succeed in it. Because of that, I feel a strong responsibility to give back through my work.

In five years, I hope to be doing research that contributes to better policy and meaningful improvements in people’s lives, particularly in contexts like my own. At the same time, the training I have received at UCI has given me a set of tools that are broadly applicable across many areas, which gives me the flexibility to explore different paths where I can have the greatest impact.

While my sense of purpose is clear, I remain open to where that path may lead.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?

I have been incredibly lucky to learn from professors who are leaders in their fields and to engage with visiting scholars throughout my time at UCI. But the people who had the biggest influence on me were my dissertation committee.

Antonio Rodríguez-López not only deepened my interest in the field that first drew me to graduate school but also played a key role whenever I felt stuck, always helping me reframe problems and think more creatively.

What started as a single class with David Neumark, which I took to strengthen my background in labor economics, ended up shaping my research agenda in a lasting way. I was also fortunate to coauthor a paper with him, and every time we meet, he sharpens the way I think and how I approach research questions.

At the same time, every conversation I had with Miguel Zerecero and Priyaranjan Jhapushed my thinking further. I often left those meetings with ideas that stayed with me for weeks, improving not only my projects but also the way I perceive problems more broadly.

Collectively, they helped me refine the way I approach questions and develop my own perspective. That is something I hope to carry forward and pass on to my own mentees in the future.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?

When I started graduate school, I thought the experience would be mostly limited to classes and time in the office. Over time, I realized how many resources UCI offers to support both academic and personal growth. From opportunities to connect with other researchers, to access to high quality data and research support, to resources for mental and physical well-being, there is a much broader ecosystem than I initially understood. I wish I had taken full advantage of that earlier.

 I also definitely wish someone had handed me a guide of trails, beaches, and restaurants around Orange County. We are privileged to be in a place that offers so much beyond campus, and taking advantage of that makes the PhD journey even more rewarding.

What are your hobbies or interests?

Sports have always been a big part of my life. Back in the day, I was the quarterback for the national team of Costa Rica, and here at UCI I have been able to stay connected to that by playing flag football as well. During the last two years of my PhD, I also had the opportunity to play semiprofessional soccer with Irvine FC, which was an incredible experience and also helped me feel more connected to the local community. Practices and game days, along with spending time in UCI’s state of the art gym, became an important way for me to reset and manage stress, especially during moments when I felt stuck with research.

And on a lighter note, if you ever need someone to laugh at karaoke, I am definitely your guy.

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Grad Hooding Q&A – Jessie Ko

Jessie Ko headshot

Jessie Ko will graduate with a PhD in Epidemiology on June 15 in the Bren Events Center.

What is your favorite memory at UCI?

It’s funny – my most vivid and meaningful memory of UCI actually happened before I became a student here. In 2018, three years before starting my PhD, I was visiting my sister in Orange County from Hong Kong. One evening, I went for a drive, got lost, and happened to exit at UCI. I remember passing the stone wall that reads “University of California, Irvine,” then driving through the research park and campus. I found myself wondering what it would feel like to be a student here, at a time when graduate school wasn’t even on my radar.

Three years later, I returned as a PhD student. That moment has stayed with me—it still feels a little surreal, and it remains my favorite, most wondrous UCI memory.

What are your plans after graduation?

With a background in public relations and training in epidemiology, I hope to work at the intersection of rigorous scientific research and real-world decision-making. I’m especially drawn to roles where I can engage with people and help translate evidence into insights that inform policy, strategy, and practice. I haven’t settled on a specific role yet, but this feels like a direction that aligns with what I want to do.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself serving as a bridge between scientific communities that uphold rigorous evidence and the people and organizations working to translate those ideas into real-world impact.

Alongside that, I hope to create opportunities that make scientific paths feel more accessible, especially for underserved children and youths. I didn’t always realize that becoming a scientist was within reach. It can feel like a distant or exclusive path, but it doesn’t require being a genius. At its core, it asks for curiosity and perseverance – both of which can be nurtured and developed. Helping make that possibility more visible is something I hope to contribute to.

Who was your biggest influence at UCI?

Rather than one individual, I would say my peers have been my greatest influence. Over the past five years, I’ve been surrounded by people who are not only incredibly hardworking and talented but also open-minded, grounded, and generous.

Being part of that community has shaped how I think, work, and collaborate in ways that no single person could have.

What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?

That there is no single formula for success. Even in a field as structured as academia, there are many ways to carve out a meaningful path.

Through my years at UCI, I’ve learned that what matters most is understanding your own strengths – your “edge” – and staying connected to your reasons for doing the work. I believe once you find that clarity, the rest tends to follow.

What are your hobbies or interests?

I’m into all things aesthetic, interiors, and reading for fun. The past few years I’ve really enjoyed spending time in beautiful places around Orange County, especially the public libraries here. I can’t say enough about them—the architecture, the atmosphere, the personality each one has.

Some of my favorites are the Donald Dungan Library and the Laguna Beach Library. I could easily spend an entire day there, whether working or just getting lost in a psychological thriller.

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Connor Family Makes Founding Gift to Expand Graduate Career Pathways at University of California, Irvine

Jay Connor and his late wife Carol Connor

Irvine, Calif.  — The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) Graduate Division has received a catalytic gift from the Connor Family to support and expand the university’s Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program. The commitment designates the Connor Family as the Founding Title Sponsor for the 2026 – 2027 and 2027- 2028 academic years.

Through this investment, the program will be formally recognized as the UCI Accelerate to Industry (A2i) Program—Presented by the Connor Family for the next two academic years. It will significantly enhance opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to explore and prepare for careers in industry.

The A2i program is a cornerstone initiative that connects graduate scholars with real-world career pathways through hands-on professional development, industry partnerships, and immersive learning experiences. With more than 40 industry collaborators and campuswide partnerships, A2i equips students with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to transition successfully from academia into the workforce.

“A2i represents exactly the kind of forward-looking approach needed to help graduate students thrive beyond academia,” said Jay Connor. “I’m excited to support a program that equips scholars with the skills, confidence, and connections to put their work into practice and make a meaningful impact.”

The Connor Family’s gift will support a robust portfolio of programming, including the annual A2i Industry Immersion Conference, company site visits, career development workshops, and the highly anticipated Grad Slam competition series. These initiatives provide students with opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders, develop business-ready skills, and communicate the broader impact of their research.

A highlight of the sponsorship includes the Grad Slam Season Suite of Events—Presented by the Connor Family, culminating in the campuswide finals competition where top graduate scholars present their research in three-minute talks designed for a general audience. The program fosters communication skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and meaningful connections with professionals across sectors.

“The Connor Family’s support accelerates the Graduate Division’s vision to redefine what graduate success looks like in today’s world, “said Jaymi Smith, Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education. “Through programs like A2i, we are creating forward-looking opportunities that prepare our students to lead, innovate, and make an impact far beyond academia.”

In addition to financial support, the Connor Family will play an active role in shaping the program’s future through thought partnership with university leadership, further strengthening the bridge between academic training and industry innovation.

The expanded A2i programming will continue to serve both STEM and non-STEM disciplines, ensuring that all UC Irvine graduate scholars have access to high-quality career preparation resources and industry engagement opportunities.

About the UCI Accelerate to Industry (A2i) Program
The Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program at the University of California, Irvine Graduate Division is a professional development initiative designed to prepare graduate students and postdoctoral scholars for success in industry-facing careers. Through experiential learning, employer engagement, and skills training, A2i bridges the gap between academic research and workforce readiness.

About the University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities by U.S. News & World Report. UCI has produced five Nobel laureates and is recognized for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI enrolls more than 36,000 students across 224 degree programs. Located in one of the nation’s safest and most economically vibrant regions, UCI is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more information, visit www.uci.edu.

About Jay Connor’s Book – Talking Together
When Joseph A. “Jay” Connor and his wife, Carol McDonald Connor, first met in Chicago in the 1970s, they were two young professionals bonded by their aspiration for meaningful work and impact. Three children, two careers, and countless conversations later, they launched a shared effort to help every child in America learn to read by the end of third grade. Using Carol’s rigorously tested and proven technology that enables teachers to individualize reading instruction, their company worked with schools to turn thousands of students across the nation into proficient readers. Carol was an intricate part of the UC Irvine community, as she served as a Chancellor’s Professor in the School of Education for nearly six years. In 2022, after Carol’s untimely death from cancer, Jay sold the technology to Scholastic, which had the resources and reach to continue the Connors’ mission.

In this first-person account of their inspiring journey—illustrated by another of Carol’s creative pursuits, the fine arts—Jay honors their lifelong love affair and Carol’s groundbreaking research, transforming their perpetual conversation into a lasting legacy. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

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Cameron Geller Wins 12th Annual UCI Grad Slam

Tessa Chou, Cameron Geller and Mehdi Zafari all holding their trophies
Tessa Chou, Cameron Geller and Mehdi Zafari

Irvine, Calif. — The University of California, Irvine hosted its 12th annual Grad Slam competition at the UCI Verano 8 Community Center on March 12th. Cameron Geller won the competition while Tessa Chou earned a runner-up finish and Mehdi Zafari took third place. First place collected $6,500 while second received $3,500 and third place took home $2,500. The seven additional finalists each collected $1,000.

Grad Slam, presented by UC Irvine’s Graduate Division, is a systemwide competition that challenges graduate scholars to deliver compelling, three-minute presentations of their research to a general university audience. The event highlights the excellence, relevance, and impact of graduate research while strengthening participants’ communication and presentation skills.

UC Irvine gratefully acknowledges the support of all 2026 Grad Slam sponsors, including Cie Digital Labs, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Leonid Capital Partners, The Pacific Club, AbbVie, UC Irvine Foundation, OC Alliance, UC Irvine Chancellor’s Club, UC Irvine CEO Roundtable, UC Irvine Academic Personnel, UC Irvine’s Donald Bren School of Informatics and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine’s Samueli School of Engineering, UC Irvine’s School of Education, and UC Irvine’s Charlie Dunlap School of Biological Sciences.

About the University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities by U.S. News & World Report. UCI has produced five Nobel laureates and is recognized for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI enrolls more than 36,000 students across 224 degree programs. Located in one of the nation’s safest and most economically vibrant regions, UCI is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more information, visit www.uci.edu.

Cameron Geller and Ted Lanes posing with overside check from Leonid for $6,500
Cameron Geller and Ted Lanes
Tepring Piquado and Jaymi Smith talking on stage
Tepring Piquado and Interim Dean Jaymi Smith
Jaymi Smith and and our grad slam sponsors on the screen
Jaymi Smith and our sponsors
Celina Yang presenting on stage
Celina Yang
Mehdi Zafari posing with his trophy
Mehdi Zafari
Tessa Chou, Cameron Geller and Mehdi Zafari all holding their trophies
Tessa Chou, Cameron Geller and Mehdi Zafari
Tessa Chou posing with her trophy
Tessa Chou
Valeria Orozco Saldarriaga speaking to Bri McWhorter on stage
Valeria Orozco Saldarriaga
Tessa Chou presenting on stage
Tessa Chou
Savannah Plaskon presenting on stage
Savannah Plaskon
Mehdi Zafari presenting on stage
Mehdi Zafari
Emma Caudill speaking to Bri McWhorter
Emma Caudill
Cameron Geller presenting on stage
Cameron Geller
Mahkameh Rasouli presenting on stage
Mahkameh Rasouli
Adrian Francisco Duran Ornelas speaking to Bri McWhorter
Adrian Francisco Duran Ornelas
Claire Illeck
Claire Illeck
Onwodi Ifejeokwu and Casey Vanderlip on stage
Onwodi Ifejeokwu and Casey Vanderlip
Muhammad Twaha Ibrahim on stage
Muhammad Twaha Ibrahim
Singers on stage
Singers
(L to R) Gillian Hayes, Ruth Quinnan and Jaymi Smith
(L to R) Gillian Hayes, Ruth Quinnan and Jaymi Smith
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Leidos Named Third Place Sponsor for UC Irvine’s 12th Annual Grad Slam Competition

Irvine, Calif. — The University of California, Irvine will host its 12th annual Grad Slam competition on March 12 at the Verano 8 Community Center. Leidos, a global industry and technology leader, has been named the event’s Third Place sponsor.

Grad Slam, presented by UC Irvine’s Graduate Division, is a systemwide competition that challenges graduate scholars to deliver compelling, three-minute presentations of their research to a general university audience. The event highlights the excellence, relevance, and impact of graduate research while strengthening participants’ communication and presentation skills.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Leidos as a first-time sponsor of Grad Slam,” said Jaymi Smith, Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education at UC Irvine. “Their support extends beyond our third-place finisher to the Graduate Division as a whole and reflects a shared commitment to investing in our graduate scholars.”

Leidos serves government and commercial customers by delivering smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations across a wide range of sectors.

“UC Irvine will always have a special place in my heart, and this event represents some of the very best aspects of graduate education,” said Jose Romero-Mariona, Director of Innovation at Leidos. “Grad Slam exemplifies how UCI prepares future leaders and innovators, and we are proud to support such a meaningful and impactful program.”

Romero-Mariona is a UC Irvine alumnus, having earned both his bachelor’s degree and doctorate in computer science, and currently serves on the UCI Graduate Division Dean’s Leadership Council.

Grad Slam winners receive cash prizes totaling up to $6,500, along with a competitive résumé credential. Judges place strong emphasis on presentation clarity, engagement, and effectiveness for a non-specialist audience. Be

UC Irvine gratefully acknowledges the support of all 2026 Grad Slam sponsors, including Cie Digital Labs, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Leonid Capital Partners, The Pacific Club, AbbVie, UC Irvine Foundation, OC Alliance, UC Irvine Chancellor’s Club, UC Irvine CEO Roundtable, UC Irvine Academic Personnel, UC Irvine’s Donald Bren School of Informatics and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine’s Samueli School of Engineering, UC Irvine’s School of Education, and UC Irvine’s Charlie Dunlap School of Biological Sciences.

For more information about Grad Slam, please contact Raslyn Rendon at rrendon@uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities by U.S. News & World Report. UCI has produced five Nobel laureates and is recognized for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI enrolls more than 36,000 students across 224 degree programs. Located in one of the nation’s safest and most economically vibrant regions, UCI is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more information, visit www.uci.edu.

 

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J&J MedTech Named Presenting Sponsor of UC Irvine’s 2026 Grad Slam Competition

Irvine, Calif. — The University of California, Irvine will host its 12th annual Grad Slam competition on March 12, 2026, at the Verano 8 Community Center. Johnson & Johnson MedTech has been named the presenting sponsor of this signature Graduate Division event.

Part of UC Irvine’s Graduate Division, Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases the university’s top graduate scholars as they deliver compelling three-minute presentations on their research. The competition celebrates the excellence, relevance, and impact of graduate research while strengthening scholars’ communication skills for broad, interdisciplinary audiences.

J&J MedTech brings together healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention. For more than 140 years, the company has driven breakthrough scientific innovation across surgery, orthopedics, vision, and interventional solutions to address unmet healthcare needs worldwide.

“We are delighted to welcome J&J MedTech as our presenting sponsor,” said Jaymi Smith, Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education at UC Irvine. “Their commitment to innovation and research excellence aligns seamlessly with Grad Slam’s mission to elevate and celebrate our graduate scholars.”

Grad Slam winners receive cash prizes of up to $6,500 and earn a prestigious credential recognizing their ability to communicate complex research effectively to a general university audience.

“J&J MedTech is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of UC Irvine’s 12th annual Grad Slam,” said Leeor Herzog, WiSTEM lead at J&J MedTech. “This continuing partnership between UC Irvine and J&J MedTech is a wonderful example of our company’s dedication to our community, our customers, and shaping the next generation of innovators, that are all integrated in our company’s credo. The innovation demonstrated by UCI’s graduate scholars reflects the curiosity, rigor, and impact we strive for every day. We couldn’t imagine a better partnership.”

Leeor graduated from UCI with his Ph.D. in cancer and immunology research in 2020.

For more information about the event, please contact Raslyn Rendon at rrendon@uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

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Get to Know Winter Commencement Speaker Jenny Woo

Jenny Woo speaking at podium
Jenny Woo speaking at the 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony

Dr. Jenny Woo, the 2025 UC Irvine Winter Commencement Speaker, earned her Ph.D. In Human Development and Education from UCI in 2022, holds a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an MBA from UC Berkeley. Her work centers on helping people realize their potential from the classroom to the boardroom.

As a social entrepreneur, Dr. Woo is passionate about bridging science and practice. She is the creator of Mind Brain Emotion, where she made award-winning emotional intelligence card games used in more than 50 countries, including bestsellers 52 Essential Conversations and 52 Essential Coping Skills. Dr. Woo also brings her expertise back to her alma mater, teaching the Emotional Intelligence Certificate Program through UC Irvine’s Graduate Division.

UC Irvine Graduate Division caught up with Woo to talk about her experience as the commencement speaker, her time at UCI and much more.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

You were the 2025 winter commencement speaker, how did that come to be? How was your experience as the speaker?

It was definitely an honor and came as a surprise when the Graduate Division and Alumni Association reached out. I had recently served as Mace Marshal for the Graduate Hooding ceremony, and between that experience and the Graduate Division having heard me speak before, maybe that’s why I was top of mind. I was delighted to do it! The experience was wonderful and super energizing. Being in an auditorium full of students, their parents and supporters, and faculty members I had seen before—this time being the one on stage to share a meaningfull message—felt surreal, especially having been seated in those chairs multiple times myself.

As a student yourself, what made UC Irvine the place for you to get your PhD?

Proximity was definitely a factor since my family lived in Irvine at the time. I hadn’t thought about getting a PhD until my work experience made me realize how important it is to understand science and produce original knowledge. I was curious about the fundamental process of synthesizing data and patterns to create knowledge.

Prior to applying to UCI, I took a research assistant position to get a sense of the culture and pace of the program I was interested in. I sat in on a PhD class weekly and felt like I belonged—I was treated like one of the students and I loved engaging in class discussions and student conversations. I felt like I was actually contributing, which was very stimulating. My interactions with students in the labs and classroom, the faculty members, and even meeting the Dean at a UCI conference made it clear. The Dean referred me to a distinguished faculty member who took me on for her lab and invited me to her class on the topic I was interested in.

It’s such an approachable, welcoming community full of intellectual stimulation, and I really love the culture of the students—they were so warm, embracing, and helpful that UCI became a no-brainer. As I mentioned in my speech, I did an MBA at UC Berkeley in my 20s as one of the youngest students, then a Masters at Harvard in my 30s, and my PhD when I was a bit older. Having that experience from youngest to oldest motivated me to share what I learned in the commencement speech because I could relate to everybody on the age spectrum.

When in your journey did Mind Brain Emotion come to be? Was that while you were at UCI?

The idea stemmed from a class project during my Masters at Harvard. It started blossoming toward the last month before graduation. I did a Kickstarter, but it wasn’t a formal business until I arrived at UC Irvine a few months later.

What was interesting is that before I even walked in the door, faculty members reached out to get to know me. The School of Education did coverage on my work based on a Harvard article—all before I even started in the PhD program. The personalized attention and understanding of the network and resources was really awesome.

I worked with the UCI Law Clinic to create the LLC and register the brand, and with the UCI Applied Innovation program to grow my entrepreneurial endeavors. I also did my first-year research paper to study the efficacy of the card games I’ve created in terms of accessibility and affordability—who was using them, how they were being used, and what benefit they were providing. So it all came to be at UC Irvine.

The business has been going quite well but are you looking into any new adventures these days?

 That’s a question I’m answering myself—it’s always a moving target. We recently moved from Irvine to San Diego, so personally and professionally this is a new chapter.

Right now, with AI accelerating and nobody quite knowing where it’s going, plus having three teenage children, I want more balance in my life. In this chapter, my mental and physical health are very important to me. Mind Brain Emotion is still going and doing well, but I find myself wondering what’s next and nerding out on other subjects like longevity and human health.

I think it’s important to have human skills and connections—that social connection, self-awareness, and understanding of what drives you and what your purpose is. These become more confusing as it feels like AI is taking over everything, and sometimes we wonder what’s the point or what we have to offer. During those dark and confusing times, it’s important to anchor on our ability to connect with other humans—whether helping, cheering them on, teaching, being a friend, or feeling supported. That’s what has driven my research and the products I’ve created. It’s important not to lose yourself. Who knows what will come next, but I’m excited for it and I know something will come.

What is it about UC Irvine that has kept you involved as an alumna?

It’s absolutely the people—whether the folks at the Graduate Division, other faculty and staff I’ve made connections with, or the students. I think there’s something really special about UCI students. I taught both undergraduate and graduate students while I was there, from Masters to PhD to postdocs to alumni. I’m a first-gen myself and that journey is not easy. I like to fight for those who are really fighting. I know that acceptance rates are tough these days and UCI is ranked quite well, especially in certain departments. Also, it was my terminal degree, so maybe that’s why it’s nearest and dearest to my heart. I want to give back and share my experience—just doing what I can to the best of my ability to make some kind of ripple in the community.

Lately, Graduate Division has been prioritizing helping our graduate students with families. Did you feel supported during your time as a student here in that respect? If not, what could the university and/or Graduate Division do to help more?

I think more people are going back to get degrees, certificates, and credentials who have families, so that’s great to hear. I did have my family when I was getting my PhD—all three of my kids were in elementary school. It was really hard, especially during COVID. I’m not sure if there was support available then, but I did teach students with children and tried to share my experience and help them understand how hard it is to balance. You have priorities that other people don’t have and can’t relate to. I really appreciate this new focus because I know of students with those needs.

As far as recommendations, I know Harvard Graduate School of Education had events that were open to students with kids and spaces on campus are in general very kid-friendly. For education specifically, kids and families can actually benefit from and contribute to class projects and lab interventions. In general, I’d love to see more sharing and broadening of resources and knowledge with communities of need.

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Leonid Capital Partners Named First Place Sponsor for UC Irvine’s 12th Annual Grad Slam Competition

Irvine, Calif. — The University of California, Irvine will host its 12th annual Grad Slam competition on March 12 at the Verano 8 Community Center. Leonid Capital Partners has been named the event’s First Place sponsor for the second consecutive year.

Part of UC Irvine’s Graduate Division, Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases and awards the best three-minute research presentations by graduate scholars. The competition highlights the excellence, importance, and relevance of graduate research while also strengthening participants’ communication skills.

Leonid Capital Partners is a trusted private credit firm that invests vital capital in companies with government contracts. The firm provides tailored financing solutions—including term loans, lines of credit, and acquisition financing—to help businesses scale and support critical government initiatives.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Leonid Capital Partners,” said Jaymi Smith, Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education at UC Irvine. “Leonid has long been a supporter of our graduate scholars, and we are grateful for their continued commitment. It is a pleasure to welcome them back as our Grad Slam First Place sponsor.”

Christopher Lay, co-founder of Leonid Capital Partners, is a proud UC Irvine alumnus who earned his Ph.D. in neurobiology in 2011 and serves on the UCI Graduate Division Dean’s Leadership Council. His professional background spans healthcare, financial services, technology, and specialty finance, with extensive experience in private equity and hedge fund investment environments. Lay will also serve as a judge for this year’s competition.

“UC Irvine has always meant a great deal to me, and Grad Slam captures the very best of the graduate experience,” Lay said. “The Grad Slam program plays a critical role in preparing future leaders and innovators, and we are honored to support it.”

Grad Slam winners receive cash prizes totaling up to $6,500, along with a competitive résumé credential. Judges place strong emphasis on presentation clarity, engagement, and effectiveness for a general university audience.

UC Irvine gratefully acknowledges the support of all 2026 Grad Slam sponsors, including Cie Digital Labs, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, The Pacific Club, AbbVie, UC Irvine Foundation, OC Alliance, UC Irvine Chancellor’s Club, UC Irvine CEO Roundtable, UC Irvine Academic Personnel, UC Irvine’s Donald Bren School of Informatics and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine’s Samueli School of Engineering, UC Irvine’s School of Education, and UC Irvine’s Charlie Dunlap School of Biological Sciences.

For more information about the event, please contact Raslyn Rendon at rrendon@uci.edu.

 

About the University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.