COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) UC San Diego

Residential Life

The COSMOS residential experience is designed for each student to make new friends, socialize, and enjoy free time while on campus. The friendships students form during these social periods often become long-lasting and rewarding for everyone involved. Resident Advisors (RA’s) are current undergraduate students at UCSD who live on-campus with our students. RA’s are familiar with campus resources, and trained extensively in counseling, advising and activity-planning to help enhance each student’s COSMOS experience.

To supplement the COSMOS academic program, Resident Advisors will work with students to organize events throughout the summer. RA’s within the suites will help arrange activities intended to give students a chance to get to know each other, get some exercise, and have some fun! Signs will be posted regularly in the residence halls announcing these activities. If you have an idea for an activity you would like to suggest, don’t be shy! Share your ideas with your RA’s so that they can plan things that are of interest to you and others. Previous events have included Karaoke Night, Talent Show, COSMOlympics, Ice Cream Socials, Scavenger Hunts, Movie Nights, and a Co-ed Dance.

Expect to enjoy your weekends with off-campus excursions as a COSMOS participant. Some possible field-trip locations are the Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

If you like to swim or hang out pool-side, we suggest you bring a swimsuit appropriate for aquatic activities. Since several of our activities may take place at the beach, we highly encourage you to become swim proficient prior to your arrival at COSMOS. (Note that all Cluster 3:Living Oceans participants MUST be officially swim-certified by a lifeguard or swim instructor.)

Meet the COSMOS 2012 Residential Life Staff!

   
 

Mitchelle Greenlee, Resident Dean
Mitchelle has lived in Residence Halls for the past 19 years. She has gradually moved from Iowa westward including Nicaragua, Kansas, Arizona, Davis, and San Diego. She received her B.A. at St. Ambrose University and M.Ed. at Arizona State University in Higher Education Ad-ministration. She has worked at UCSD's Thurgood Marshall College Residential Life for the past 11 years and is looking forward to spending her second summer here with COSMOS while her husband and 11 year-old daughter visit family in Iowa. She enjoys surfing, Girl Scouts, and enjoys running the award winning college video station.

     
Omead Arami, Senior Resident Advisor

Omead is a senior at UCSD studying Biochemistry and Cell Biology. This will be his second summer working with COSMOS Residential Life, and he serves as a Resident Advisor at UCSD's Eleanor Roosevelt College during the academic year. He also works as a research assistant in the Pharmacology department, doing cancer and stem cell research. In his spare time, Omead loves to surf, fish, and play his guitar and violin.

 

 
     
  Megan Alcalay, Resident Advisor

Sawatdee Kah! My name is Megan and I am going into my senior year at UCSD, studying Psychology with a minor in Global Health. Although I'm originally from northern CA, I've fallen in love with the SoCal lifestyle of sun, sun, and more sun! When I have free time, you'll find me doing something active, such as swimming, running, or hiking. I love adventures, country music, and Harry Potter -- In fact, I am the founder of UCSD's Quidditch Team (Go SD Snidgets!!!). I also love learning about other cultures and I can't wait to experience more of the world. In fact, the day after COSMOS ends I'll be getting on a plane to Bangkok, Thailand to study abroad for the Fall semester! Let me know if you want to practice your Thai, debate who is more awesome: Hermione or Katniss, or jam to some Brad Paisley. July is going to ROCK! 

     
Mary Sampson, Resident Advisor

Hey there! My name is Mary and I'm really excited to be one of your RAs this summer. I'm a fourth year Human Biology major, Human Development minor at Thurgood Marshall College. I'm originally from the Bay Area (Yeeeahhh!) and I love the beach, running on it, movies (all kinds except scary ones), reading fun books on my free time, and I basically follow every TV show currently running. My favorite color is purple, my favorite animal is the tiger (or any kitty), I love painting my nails crazy colors and I am a little bit of a health nut. I can't wait to meet all of you and have the best summer ever!

 
     
  Sean Gomez, Resident Advisor
Howdy there. My Name is Sean and I'm a third year studying Chemistry. I spend time watching How I Met Your Mother, hanging out with friends, or taking any changes I can get at playing sports. I'm a huge fan of soccer (playing, not watching) and playing guitar. I'm really a friendly guy and have lots of energy when needed, without having to resort to coffee. I was raised in Pasadena, California and now live in Azusa. I have been involved with Muir Organizing Board (M.O.B.), and have taken on the role as Resdential Advisor for Muir College. I'm looking forward to this summer as well as meeting all of you!!! : )
     
Kiley Buffington, Resident Advisor

Hello everyone!! My name is Kiley and I am so very excited to meet you all at COSMOS this summer. I am from Temecula, CA, but now proudly call La Jolla my home. I am a 4th year Muir College student, and after plenty of switching around and exploring different options, I have officially decided to major in Human Development. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in elementary education and do arts and crafts all day. Someday I hope to travel back to Malawi, Africa (where I spent some time last summer), and teach in a classroom there! Some of my favorite things include: afternoon naps, frozen yogurt with mochi, ELMO, Gerber daisies, Disneyland, avocados, hiking, sports, and taking photos (so, be sure to bring your smiles!). I am beyond excited for COSMOS this summer, and look forward to getting to know you all. Get ready...this is going to be an unforgettable summer!

 
     
  Austin Hsu, Resident Advisor

Hi guys! My name is Austin and I'm so excited to be one of your COSMOS RAs! I'm going to be a third year here at UCSD studying Human Biology and Dance. Some of things I love to do are dancing, gymnastics, being outdoors, and going to the beach  (good thing it's so close by!). I'm a UC San Diego COSMOS alumnus so I've been in your shoes before. You're going to have such a blast this summer meeting a bunch of new people; I even still keep in touch with a lot of friends I made when I attended the program! I'm so excited to meet all of you and I'm looking forward to a great summer!

     
Steven Vanderberg, Resident Advisor

Hi, I'm Steven!  I'm originally from Los Angeles and I'm just graduating UCSD with a degree in Computer Science.  I'm your average geek and spend my free time watching anime or playing video games (and have a slight Minecraft obsession).  If you want to talk about ducks named Tapioca, the history of Hyrule, or how to find Herobrine I'm your man!  I also just picked up geocaching and am always on the prowl for what's hidden around us.  I've always been interested in science and am excited to be an RA for the COSMOS program!

 

 
     
  Javier Moreno, Resident Advisor

A proud fifth year molecular biology major, Javier is returning to COSMOS for his second year. He's 100% Mexican and 100% pure Triton pride, too. He speaks fluent English, Spanish and Italian so if you know the ways of language, definitely talk to him in another tongue! Javier firmly believes unicorns, seahorses and marshmallows are highly underrated. Three of his biggest passions include music, makeup and Mariah Carey but he also loves the endless possibilities of YouTube karaokeing and having a random dance party. He loved COSMOS last year and knows this year will be even better. 

     
Kami Wang, Resident Advisor

Hi all!! My name is Kami Wang and I'm a second year in Revelle college! I am involved in UCSD Camp Kesem, an organization that helps kids affected by cancer.  I participated in COSMOS in 2010 and I am stoked to be your COSMOS Resident Adviser this year!! I am born and raised in San Diego and I love this city. I enjoy outdoor activities and I especially love the beach! My favorite color is purple and I own a glow in the dark footsie. I'm afraid of spiders, big dogs, and heights, but most importantly, I hope I can make COSMOS as memorable for you as it was for me! 

 
     
  Wilson Lu, Resident Advisor

Hi everyone! My name is Wilson and I am second year computer science major at UCSD. I'm a big fan of volleyball, basketball, and tennis and enjoy playing all three in my free time. I also am a huge fan of food. I don't really have a favorite food because I love to eat everything! I went to COSMOS at UC Davis back in high school and I'm looking forward to getting to participate in this program again and meeting all of you!

     
Abby Zaehringer, Resident Advisor

Hello hello!  I'm Abby Zaehringer and I'm ridiculously excited to be with you as a part of the COSMOS family!  I just graduated from UCSD with a degree in both Third World Studies and Spanish Literature, so if you ever want to chat about Latin America, I'm your girl.  I love riding my pink bike, baking, painting, and all things music and improv.  I'm so happy to get to know you all and to get to be silly and studious people together.  I am hoping for mainly silly, though.     Let's get ready for an awesome and sunny summer!  

 
     
  Janet Lee, Resident Advisor

Hello all you wonderful people! My name is Janet Lee and I am a recent graduate of UCSD with a B.A. in Psychology. I love traveling, bright colors, music, hugs, and cheesy jokes. Oh, and I am a major FOODIE!! If I had the money and the time, I most definitely would spend it traveling the world, trying new foods and exploring different places. How awesome does that sound?! Of course this does not describe all of me, but we will have to save that for when we actually meet. Hope to see you all soon~ Ciao~

     
Lisa Le, Resident Advisor

Hello everyone! I'm Lisa and I'm a fourth year Physiology and Neuroscience major. I grew up and lived in the heart of Los Angeles my entire life, but San Diego has been my home for the past three years. I love being here, going to UCSD, and being an RA. This will be my second summer RAing for COSMOS and I also RA during the year at John Muir College too. I love hanging out with friends, going out to eat, listening to music, going to concerts, and going on random adventures! Music means a lot to me and my favorite mainstream band is Jack’s Mannequin and my favorite indie band is Lady Danville. So if you ever want to talk about alternative/indie/piano rock or just music in general, please don’t be shy! I look forwarding to meeting all of you and I hope you're ready to have the best summer ever!

 
     
  Kelly Lim, Resident Advisor

My name is Kelly and I will be a 3rd year at UCSD. I am also a UCSD COSMOS Alum and a returning COSMOS RA! I am originally from Stockton, CA in NorCal, but now live in Eastvale, CA, which is in SoCal. Best of both? I think so. I am currently majoring in computer engineering, and love every bit of it. I also have an interest in politic science. I have been involved in many different organizations at UCSD. Some of my past and current involvements include community service organizations such as Circle K and Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Fraternity. I also have been involved in student council.  My interests vary greatly as you can see. I can't wait to meet everyone this summer!

     
Gaby Perdomo, Resident Advisor

Hello everyone! My full name is Gabriela Perdomo, but you can call me Gaby. I am a 4th year Human Development major and Ethnic Studies minor here at UC San Diego. After I graduate I'm hoping to pursue a career in high school counseling, so that makes me even more excited to be working for COSMOS. I am originally from Garden Grove, CA. For those of you that do not know where that is, it is really close to Disneyland! I consider myself to be easy going and friendly. I love to sing, go to concerts, read, listen to music, try new foods, go on walks, doodle, watch movies and just have a fun time.  I am also really looking forward to meeting you all and start making memories together!

 
     
  Alan Sanchez, Resident Advisor
Hey everyone! My name is Alan Sanchez, but you guys can call me Pollo (a nickname that is not hard to forget). I am a second year mechanical engineering major at  Ellenor Roosevelt College. I am also a UCSD COSMOS alumnus and I am excited for all of you to have the great and fun experience as I did when I attended. In my spare time. I love to eat, play basketball, run, dance, tell jokes, play video games(even though I'm not that good), listen to music, and eat again. I can't wait for this summer to begin and I look forward to meeting all of you at COSMOS!


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