Samantha Navarro

Undergrad Research Assistant

Samantha is a first-generation Latina transfer student from Modesto Junior College majoring in Psychology. She is a native of the Central Valley and is interested in pursuing graduate school at UC Merced in Psychological Sciences. As a USDA-HSI Scholar she is analyzing data with Dr. Díaz Rios on a project focused on pedagogic strategies used in nutrition education interventions. In addition, she is working with Dr. Rudy Ortiz and his team in the USDA Hispanic Education Training Program which is geared towards enhancing post-secondary education for underrepresented groups. Some of her favorite hobbies include bike riding with her family and volunteering with local community organizations.

Adrian Loera

Undergrad Research Assistant 

Adrian is a fourth-year student majoring in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Molecular and Cell Biology. He was born and raised in California. Both his parents are from Zacatecas, Mexico from where they immigrated to seek opportunities and a better future. He is looking forward to a career in criminal forensic biology and is interested in biotechnology and scientific research. He is working with Dr. Díaz Rios on the analysis of pedagogic strategies used in nutrition education. He is also studying with Dr. Beaster-Jones in her undergraduate developmental biology course observing and exploring embryonic mechanisms in sea urchins and zebrafish. In his spare time, he practices speed solving Rubik’s cubes, hikes the hills of Los Angeles, and plays frisbee with his friends.