Undergraduate Students

From Strawberries to Smart Farm: Alum Adamaris Alvarez Grows Passion into a Career Path

June 18, 2025

Photo depicts UC Merced graduate Adamaris Alvarez in a black hat on a blue and gold graphic background.

Growing up in Watsonville, a vibrant agricultural community on California's Central Coast, Adamaris Alvarez always knew she wanted to work in agriculture. She worked on her family's berry ranch, Alvarez Farms, where she grew a deep appreciation for the hard work agriculture demands. But...

A graphic depicts a book, a light bulb, a computer and a photo of Lucas Khoi Nguyen.

New Bobcat from Atwater Aims High in Business, Basketball

This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2024 semester. Lucas Khoi Nguyen was a standout student athlete at Atwater High School before signing a...

UC Merced student Josh Ren is pictured in an economics class.

Students Find Inspiration, Success at UC Merced

Coming out of high school in San Jose, Josh Ren found himself with limited options for college. He wasn't sold on UC Merced at first, but eventually jumped at the opportunity to attend a...

Lexi Wright Scores Goals on the Soccer Field and in the Classroom

This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2024 semester. Alexis “Lexi” Wright gives her all, excelling in school and on the soccer field...

A graphic depicts a book, a light bulb, a computer and a mug of Jesus Silva.

Bobcat Looks to Leave His Mark at 'Freshly Made' UC Merced

Editor's note:This is part of a series of profilesabout new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2024 semester. Jesus Silva graduated from Central Valley High School in Ceres after being...

From Bakersfield to a ‘Peaceful’ Place to Pursue Science, Medicine

This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2024 semester. San Joaquin Valley native Anmol Kaur is well on her way to making a splash in the...

A Dream Come True: Bobcat Plays for Fiji National Soccer Team

Between academic semesters and collegiate soccer seasons, UC Merced standout defender Preeya Singh is representing Fiji on the world stage. Over the past eight months, Singh has played in multiple...

UC Merced VC of Student Affairs Charles Nies with students

Lighting the Path: Thank You and Farewell to Charles Nies

It’s spring break 2009 and Jane Lawrence is rushing across campus, the words from the phone call still ringing in her ear. The unimaginable is happening and she must tell Charles Nies...

UC Merced Director of Admissions Dustin Noji and PUSD Superintendent Nate Nelson shake hands at a signing ceremony in the PUSD Board Room.

UC Merced Expands Automatic Admission Opportunity for Porterville Students

A new partnership between UC Merced and Porterville Unified School District (PUSD) will guarantee admissions for qualifying incoming students. Through the Merced Automatic Admissions Program...

UC Merced Children's Opera "Panic in the Barnyard"

Free Performance Takes Opera Down to the Farm

UC Merced Arts invites everyone to a free performance that serves up whimsy, interactive fun and an inspiring message with a big helping of … operatic singing.  “Panic in the...