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Undergraduate Experience at UC Merced

Student & Alumni Success

UC Merced Alum, Now a Robotics Expert for Amazon, Advises Students to Get Their Hands Dirty

January 6, 2026

Kevin Arrieta is pictured speaking to an electrical engineering class at UC Merced.
Kevin Arrieta got into robotics to avoid getting into trouble. Arrieta said he joined the robotics club at his Compton high school after the teacher who ran it gave him an ultimatum. "I had gotten in with the wrong crowd," he said. "I had a physics teacher who told me, '...
Incoming student Narciso Martinez Solorio is seen in a split image with a UC Merced building.

Atwater Valedictorian Ready to Grow with UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Narciso Martinez Solorio applied to 31 colleges and universities...
Christian Boyd, an incoming student at UC Merced, and the Beginnings Sculpture are seen in an image.

Driven Student from Los Angeles Excited for Possibilities at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 - a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Christian Boyd is ready for the next chapter of his life. The...
incoming first-year student Joselle Talabong

High Achiever from Delano Headed to UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. It’s no surprise Joselle Talabong was named Student...
Kamil Williams-Fisher, of Los Angeles, dons her high school graduation cap and gown.

Count Me In Program Helps LA Student Choose UC Merced

Kamil Williams-Fisher is enjoying the summer in her hometown of Los Angeles before starting classes this fall at UC Merced. A graduate of St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood, she first heard about...
Nohely Aguilar (’12) has established a scholarship to assist students.

Alumna Establishes Scholarship to Help Future Generations of Students

As part of her goal to give back to her alma mater as well as the San Jose community that supported and fostered her growth, UC Merced alumna Nohely Aguilar (’12) has established a scholarship...
Meet Ariana Valera an incoming first-year student for fall 2022.

Local Athlete, Student Leader Chooses UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Ariana Valera was born and raised in Merced. The fact that...
Applied Mathematics Ph.D. student Sarah Downs

DOD Fellowship Helps Grad Student Advance Machine Learning Research

Ph.D. student Sarah Downs was awarded the prestigious Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship. The Department of Defense is committed...
Meet Edwin Casillas an incoming first-year students for fall 2022

Highlighting a Dynamic, Diverse and Accomplished Cohort of New Bobcats

UC Merced is highlighting incoming first-year students for fall 2022 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Edwin Casillas chose UC Merced for many reasons, he said. He...
Linda Barreto is the first Latina in Fresno County to pass the Immigration Law Legal Specialist Exam

Alumna Becomes First Latina in Fresno County to Pass Immigration Law Legal Specialist Exam

As a first-generation Latina, Linda Barreto says she understands the importance of perseverance and determination to prevail in life. It’s a mindset that has led her to become the youngest and...

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