About

Program:  Ph.D. Student in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology

Hometown: Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

Viviana is passionate about teaching and community outreach. She has a bachelor’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Deaf Education and a master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education. Her research interests are bilingualism, heritage language acquisition, and language and literacy development in linguistically-diverse learners. Outside of work, Viviana enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, exploring Michigan with her husband, and collaborating in diverse community initiatives. 

Program: Ph.D. Student in Chemistry 

Hometown: Mexico and Colorado

Vanessa is a PhD student in Chemistry specializing in method development and antibody-antigen characterization using mass spectrometry. She is from Mexico and Colorado. Vanessa completed her undergraduate studies at Williams College in Massachusetts, where she double-majored in Chemistry and Arabic. She became involved with Puentes because she was drawn to the supportive community it offers. 

Program: DDS Student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Frida is a third-year dental student hoping to possibly specialize in oral & maxillofacial surgery. She completed a bachelor's in evolutionary anthropology at the University of Michigan and grew up in Southwest Detroit. As a dentist, she hopes to mitigate health disparities present in Black, Indigenous, and Latine communities. With Puentes, she hopes to provide mentorship and deepen the connection amongst all Latine students on campus. In her free time, Frida enjoys reading, going on walks, and trying new restaurants.  

Program: Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Brookings, OR

As a mechanical engineering PhD student, Jesse's research is focused on recycling batteries to support critical material demand from electric vehicles. He grew up in rural coastal Oregon and received his undergraduate degree at Oregon State University. His research and career passion is environmental sustainability. With Puentes, he's excited to connect with and support the latine graduate community. Outside of work, he'll spend his free time reading, crocheting, and listening to music.

Program: Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Chicago, IL 

Eric is a Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering studying solid state batteries for use in electric vehicles. He earned his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With Puentes, Eric hopes to promote unity and mentorship among the Hispanic graduate community at Michigan. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, cooking, and dancing. 

Program: Masters in Public Policy

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico 

In his masters Jenuel has develooed interest in researching how administrative burdens shape access to social welfare programs. In the future he looks forward to join government and give back to his communities.

Program: Ph.D. Student in the Department of Learning Health Sciences (HILS)

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Maricruz Moya is passionate about health equity and community-engaged research. She holds a bachelor's in Community Health Education from Wayne State University and is a doctoral student in Health Infrastructures and Learning Systems at the University of Michigan Medical School. Her research interests center on bridging community and healthcare knowledge to address chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes in Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. Outside of work, Maricruz enjoys running, cooking Dominican food, and salsa dancing.

Program: Ph.D. Student in Combined Program in Psychology and Education

Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas  

Mariana Chavez Guerrero is a second year PhD student in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2025 with degrees in Psychology and Human Development and Family Science. Her experience in the South as a Mexican immigrant has fueled her interest in studying how youth think about their ethnic-racial identity, racism, and social justice and where they are learning about these concepts (e.g. home, schools, communities, digital spaces). She loves traveling, trying new boba places, and watching movies! 

Program: M.A. Higher Education

Hometown: Highland Park, IL 

Jacklyn Vargas is a second-year masters student of Higher Education at the Marsal Family School of Education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History and Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Through Puentes, Jacklyn is looking forward to amplifying Latine student voices, and uplifting the Latine community at Michigan through advocacy and activism. In her free time, Jacklyn enjoys going on walks, traveling, exploring new music, and spending time with loved ones. 

Program: M.A. Higher Education

Hometown: Poniac , MI 

Emily is a Higher Education Master’s student at the Marsal School of Education. As an aspiring student affairs professional, she draws on her background in Psychology and Linguistics to better understand the ways students think, grow, and communicate across diverse contexts. Through her involvement in Puentes, she hopes to contribute to community-building and support the professional development of Latine graduate students. She is committed to advancing equity in higher education by creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new places, and trying out creative crafts.

Program: Masters of Social Work

Hometown: Lansing , MI 

I am a master’s student with an emphasis in criminal legal policy and research, I am passionate about connecting with my community and advocating for mental health & social justice.

Program: M.S. in Oral Health Sciences 

Hometown: Battle Creek , MI 

Janely Lemus, Masters in Oral Health Sciences, Battle Creek, MI. I’m a master’s student on a pre-dental track, hoping to become a dentist and help make dentistry a more welcoming environment for those who may feel nervous or have limited access to dental care. Outside of school, I enjoy baking!