Your Eighth College team of academic advisors are here to help you navigate your courses, explore your options, and make sure you’re set up for success. Think of us as your homebase for all things academic!
Our team consists of both professional academic advisors as well as peer academic advisors. Below you can find more information about our team!
Dean of Academic Advising I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Veronica was born and raised in Los Angeles County but has had the privilege of living overseas in Okinawa, Japan for six years and in North Carolina for another six. She’s a proud spouse of a retired USMC veteran, mom to two awesome kiddos, and foster mom to one dog and three cats.
Veronica earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus (2006) and her Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University (2010). She joined UC San Diego in 2016 as an undergraduate advisor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. In 2021, she transitioned to Revelle College as the Assistant Dean of Academic Advising, and in 2025, she stepped into her current role as Dean of Academic Advising for Eighth College.
As the Dean of Academic Advising for Eighth College, she supports students throughout their academic journey by helping them navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and connect their educational experiences to long-term goals. She strives to normalize academic difficulty as a natural and valuable part of the learning and wayfinding process.
Outside of work, you’ll find Veronica spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to podcasts, and reading (yes, audiobooks totally count!).
Assistant Dean of Academic Advising I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Erica grew up in North Hollywood, CA and is a proud North Hollywood High School alum (Go Huskies!). They originally moved to San Diego to attend UC San Diego, where they earned their bachelor’s degree. After graduating from John Muir College in 2013, they headed back to L.A. to complete a master’s in Education at USC. Erica is proud first-generation college student, and is the first in their family to earn both a bachelor’s and a graduate degree!
Erica has been part of the UC San Diego community professionally since 2017, working in both the Urban Studies & Planning and Economics departments before joining Eighth College in August 2023. They started as a Senior Academic Advisor and transitioned into the role of Assistant Dean of Advising in October 2024. Erica has also worked in the L.A. foster care system and held roles in Student Affairs, Residence Life, and LGBT Resource Centers at both USC and UCSD.
Outside of work, Erica loves spending time outdoors; swimming, hiking, and camping are their favorite activities. They’re also a big fan of SD Wave FC (and occasionally cheer on Angel City FC), enjoy playing video games, and love hanging out with their pets (Momo, Cali, and Buster).
Senior Academic Advisor I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Michael (Mike) was born and raised in San Jose, California. Mike did not initially attend college after high school and went directly into the workforce, working many different jobs. After an 8-year hiatus from school, Mike decided to enroll in community college and pursue higher education. Mike went on to attend San Diego City College, leading to admission at UC San Diego as a Chancellor's Associates Scholar. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Political Science-Public Policy, Mike then went on to earn his master’s in leadership studies from the University of San Diego.
Mike has worked in many different positions prior to arriving at Eighth College. However, after graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he started working at UC San Diego as a temporary Executive Assistant for the Undergraduate Research Hub but then found his way to academic advising at Marshall College. Advising became a job that has been both fulfilling and rewarding for him as he works as a liaison to his undergraduate scholarship program and gets to work with amazing students from all backgrounds.
In his free time, Mike is passionate about sports, fitness, and well-being. He has run in crazy races like So-Cal Ragnar Road and Zion Ragnar Trail races. Also, Mike is a season ticket holder for San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC. However, the sports teams that he follows the closest are the Croatian National Soccer Team and Real Madrid. Ajmo Vatreni and Hala Madrid!
Senior Academic Advisor I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Originally from Sacramento, Katie graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Political Science and played four years of collegiate basketball. She began her post-grad journey at Berkeley Law with plans to become a lawyer—but a few plot twists (and a lot of heart) led her into a 16-year career in collegiate athletics administration. (You’re welcome to ask about those plot twists!) Along the way, she earned a master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga and discovered that—regardless of the setting—what really lights her up is building programs where students feel seen and supported.
Katie joined Eighth College’s inaugural team in 2023 where she brings that same energy to shaping a student experience rooted in Eighth’s academic mission. Katie’s advising style is guided by the spirit of Umoja practices, especially their emphasis on community, care, and the belief that student success is everybody’s business. As she continues to learn in this space, she’s committed to growing her ability to embody these values in her work.
Known affectionately as “Ironman” by her colleagues, she brings equal parts heart and strategy to the team. Outside the office, she’s actively exploring San Diego with her wife & daughter (and their 2 dogs), cheering for the SD Wave and any WNBA teams that are in action.
Senior Academic Advisor I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Alex was born and raised in North Hollywood, CA, and stems from Mexican and Salvadorean roots. He identifies as a first generation graduate, an oldest brother of three, and a dog dad.
Alex graduated from The University of California, Irvine, with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Education Studies. He also had the opportunity of earning his Masters of Arts in Postsecondary Education Leadership from San Diego State University. Alex joined UC San Diego in 2023 as an Undergraduate Advisor for Muir College. In 2024, he stepped into his current role as Senior Academic Advisor for Eighth College. Alex is dedicated to supporting the holistic development of students and operates by the motto, “Student’s don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Outside of work, you can find Alex exploring new coffee shops, walking his dog, or bobbing his head at a concert. He also enjoys collecting his favorite movies in 4k/Blu Ray DVD format, exploring new music on Bandcamp, and thrifting with friends.
Academic Advisor I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Sophia is from San Fernando, California. She moved to San Diego as a first-generation student who graduated from UC San Diego’s Muir College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Developmental Sciences. Sophia is a proud alum who was part of the First Generation Student Success Coaching Program, and the UCSD Cheerleading Team.
Sophia held a position as a Muir College peer academic advisor for two years prior to graduating. Once she graduated, she joined Eighth College’s inaugural team in 2023, where she learned a lot about what it means to build a college surrounded by a wonderful team as the assistant academic advisor. Sophia is now an academic advisor who helps students navigate their academic path by providing guidance on course planning, degree requirements, and university policies. She supports students’ unique goals by encouraging conversations of self-reflection, connecting them to campus resources, and helping them make informed decisions about their personal and academic development. She is also known as “Spiderman” in the office! She is certified in Mental Health First Aid, and loves to support all students where she can.
Outside of work, Sophia loves to take dance classes, go to the beach, hang out with friends, and learn new fun skills! If there is a side quest to be had, Sophia is always up for learning something new!
Assistant Academic Advisor I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
Jocelyn was born and raised in Southeast San Diego. Jocelyn is a proud first-generation college student who graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelors in Business Psychology with the support of the Chancellors Association Scholarship Program. As an undergraduate student, she was part of Marshall College.
Jocelyn has previously held roles at UC San Diego. As an undergraduate student she held a position at the VC EDI office. Once graduated, she held a temporary position at the Student Affairs and Campus Life office. In December 2024, she joined Eighth College and has enjoyed investing back into the UC San Diego community.
Outside of work, you will find Jocelyn reading, traveling, cooking, hanging out with her dog Charlie and investing love into her family and friends!
Peer Academic Advisor I eighthadvising@ucsd.edu
College: Eighth
Year: Third
Major: Structural Engineering
Fun Fact: Anthony owns 13 individual Pikachu plushies + 1 Pichu plush!
