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Anh Quoc Tran

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CECS Scholar Anh Quoc Tran demonstrated exceptional technical growth, leadership, and resilience during his final semester at ������. Serving as both software lead and project manager for his senior design project team, Anh led the development of a “3D light printer” utilizing a rotating volumetric LED display system capable of transforming 3D STL models into real-time volumetric visualizations. His work integrated concepts from computer graphics, embedded systems, geometry, hardware integration, and performance optimization, while overcoming complex hardware-software integration challenges. Anh's team was recognized at the College of Engineering Senior Design Expo as the top-placing project in the Systems Design & Full-Stack Integration category, an achievement that reflects both the innovation and technical sophistication of their work. The project exemplified the exact problem-solving, systems integration, and engineering skills that METRIC strives to cultivate in future computer engineering graduates.

Throughout his time in METRIC, Anh benefited tremendously from the program’s mentorship, community-building activities, and financial support, which allowed him to focus more fully on academic and professional development during one of the most demanding periods of his education. Anh credits Dr. Jelena's honest and direct mentorship with helping him navigate difficult moments throughout the semester, regain confidence during periods of burnout, and develop greater personal accountability and resilience. He also highlighted the impact of Professor Neal ("Mr. T"), whose challenging yet supportive advising style pushed him to think more deeply about engineering problem-solving, communication, and team accountability while encouraging his growth as both a technical contributor and project leader. Anh further expressed gratitude to Dr. Jen-Mei Chang for believing in his potential early in his academic journey and providing him with the opportunity to join METRIC at a time when he was still developing confidence in himself as a student and engineer. Through faculty mentoring, networking opportunities, and cohort engagement, METRIC provided Anh with a strong support system that helped him persevere through significant academic, technical, and personal challenges while developing the leadership, communication, and systems integration skills that contributed to his success. As he graduates, Anh is exploring industry opportunities while planning for future graduate study in computer science.

Zoe Wright

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CECS Scholar Zoe Wright has been accepted into the IT/Cybersecurity Internship at LA Tech Rising, where she was also selected to serve as one of the project leaders. In this role, she will guide her team through a hands-on cybersecurity project focused on building three virtual machines. Zoe will work closely with a recent graduate now employed as a Cyber Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, who will act as her project manager. She has also been paired with a mentor—a Senior Technical Program Manager at Microsoft—who will support her growth through a structured curriculum covering personal branding, resume building, interview preparation, and technical skill development.

These opportunities are providing Zoe with a strong foundation in her chosen field. From networking with industry professionals to collaborating on real-world projects, she is gaining meaningful, practical experience that will support her long-term goals at ������ and beyond.

Throughout this journey, METRIC has been an incredible source of support. When Zoe faced challenges in one of her courses, she received tutoring that helped her stay on track. The patience and encouragement from her mentors have been both motivating and uplifting. Thanks to the METRIC scholarship program, Zoe was able to attend her first major conference and focus more deeply on her academics and internships—an experience she considers pivotal in her academic and professional development.

Eric Palma

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Eric Palma, a METRIC Scholar in Earth Science, has recently been accepted to the COLDEX Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. This summer, he will be based in Corvallis, Oregon, where he will focus on science communication within COLDEX’s Education and Broadening Participation initiatives. This opportunity builds upon the undergraduate research he conducted with Dr. Abbey last year and reflects his ongoing commitment to making science more accessible and equitable through both research and communication. During the program, he will be mentored by Dr. Keely Corder and Dr. Mindy Nicewonger.

Eric has also been accepted into the Master’s program in Geology at ������, where he plans to continue his geoscience education and further develop his research in science communication under the guidance of Dr. Jillian Pearse.

In addition to his academic achievements, Eric served as Vice President of the Geology Club at ������, where he helped create an inclusive environment for students to explore geology and connect with peers. In Spring 2026, he played a key role in organizing several events, including a two-night camping and field experience in Lone Pine, featuring excursions to the Alabama Hills, Fossil Falls, and Mazourka Canyon. He also contributed to the success of the club’s biannual mineral sale fundraiser.

Lucy Cummings

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During the Spring 2026 semester, Lucy Cummings has been working as a Financial Representative intern with Northwestern Mutual in Huntington Beach, California. In this role, she collaborates with full-time advisors and Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) to develop comprehensive financial plans that incorporate risk management, wealth optimization, tax strategies, and retirement planning.

Lucy's strong performance has earned her a contract renewal through her anticipated graduation in Spring 2027, along with an offer for a full-time Financial Advisor position that includes a leadership development pathway. She especially values the opportunity to work closely with her intern mentor and is excited about the prospect of serving as an intern mentor herself beginning in Summer 2027.

This experience has provided Lucy with meaningful, hands-on exposure to the financial planning profession and a clear pathway toward a long-term career in the field through a highly competitive program.

Lucy credits the METRIC program as a key influence in her professional growth. Through her mentorship with Dr. Jen-Mei Chang, she has developed a deeper appreciation for the impact of strong mentorship and leadership. METRIC has helped her build confidence, strengthened her work ethic, and pursued opportunities with determination—qualities that have enabled her to stand out among her peers in the internship program.

Amelia Guzman-Anguiano

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Applied Mathematics scholar Amelia Guzman-Anguiano was accepted into the 2026 NSF Virtual REU Summer Internship Program at Portland State University, focusing on computational modeling. While honored by the opportunity, she chose to study abroad this summer through the Hanyang International Summer School (HISS) in Seoul, South Korea. The program includes coursework, cultural immersion, and a faculty-led experience on Jeju Island. As a first-generation college student, Amelia views studying abroad as a transformative step toward independence and global learning, while remaining motivated to pursue REU opportunities in the future. During HISS, Amelia plans to expand her skills by studying the R programming language and exploring its applications in statistics. She also looks forward to connecting with international faculty and gaining insight into global perspectives in her field.

This year, she served as a staff writer for Honor Code Magazine, publishing three articles in the Spring 2026 edition. Through interviewing students and alumni, she deepened her understanding of community engagement and inclusivity in education.

These experiences have strengthened Amelia’s communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while helping her build confidence and clarify her academic and professional goals. As a new METRIC scholar, she worked closely with her mentor, Dr. Chang, to develop a strong CV and personal statement. She also attended her first conference—the Spring 2026 SoCal-Nevada Section Meeting at USC—where she connected with peers and explored potential research interests for her Honors thesis.

Autumn Herrington

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Applied Mathematics scholar Autumn Herrington has been accepted into the 2026 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Human-Centered Computing for Social Good at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering. As part of this program, she will conduct research under Professor Junaed Sattar in the Interactive Robotics and Vision (IRV) Lab, where cutting-edge work is being done in underwater robotics, human-robot collaboration, robot vision, and healthcare-focused autonomous systems.

Through this immersive experience, Autumn will expand beyond her foundation in applied mathematics and engage in an interdisciplinary field, gaining hands-on experience with computational and robotic systems that have meaningful real-world applications. This opportunity highlights how mathematical principles can be applied to innovative technologies addressing complex societal challenges.

This achievement was made possible with the support of METRIC and her mentor, Dr. Jen-Mei Chang, whose guidance, resources, and encouragement helped her secure a position in this highly competitive REU program. This milestone marks an important step in Autumn’s academic journey, strengthening both her technical expertise and research ambitions.

Gavin Lucsik

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Physics scholar Gavin Lucsik has been selected for the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Quantum Foundry Internship Program. In the summer of 2026, he will study the quantum geometric properties of the XAuBi class of materials (X = Sr, Nd, Ba) using Density Functional Theory to identify topological phase transitions. This internship will play an important role in his pursuit of graduate studies, as the program provides dedicated time and resources for focused research. The experience is expected to offer valuable insight into the nature of graduate-level work and research environments.

The METRIC program has been integral to his academic progress this semester. Through its support, he has been able to achieve the financial stability necessary to leave a paid semester internship and instead pursue a secondary major in pure mathematics. He is currently enrolled in seven upper-division mathematics and physics courses, a demanding workload that has proven challenging. The guidance and encouragement of Dr. Gredig, along with the support of fellow METRIC scholars, have been instrumental in helping him maintain a positive mindset and successfully complete the semester. Additionally, Dr. Gredig has provided valuable resources and advice in preparation for the Physics GRE subject test, which he is scheduled to take this semester.

Eriel Jan Jasmin

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Physics scholar Eriel Jan Jasmin was accepted into Dr. Alex Klotz's (������) 2026 summer research program on Asteroid Linking and was awarded the CNSM Assistantship to support his work. In this role, he will conduct research on small-body objects, focusing on how these objects are orbitally linked to one another. Eriel views his opportunity to work with Dr. Klotz as a significant step in his academic journey, providing valuable experience to develop essential skills for future research endeavors. He looks forward to deepening his knowledge and hopes this experience will open additional doors to his career.

Among his accomplishments this academic year, Eriel is especially proud of receiving the Regional Star Award from SASE Nationals. He was the sole recipient from the Western region, recognized for his leadership and dedication to fostering collaboration among local SASE chapters.

METRIC has played an important role in Eriel’s academic and professional growth. Through one-on-one mentoring, he gained insight into his academic standing and career direction, with guidance from Dr. Gredig helping to shape his future path. In addition to mentorship, METRIC has provided a supportive community of like-minded peers. The program has also enabled him to attend key conferences, including the APS Global Summit and the SASE Western Regional Conference, where he further developed his leadership, professional skills, and career goals.