Profiles

Student Ambassador Profiles

Aylin Andrade
My name is Aylin Andrade! I’m a third-year Math major with a minor in Education at UC Davis. Even though that wasn’t my first choice, I had always thought about a career as a math teacher. I first got involved with CalTeach/MAST through GEL 181, where I interned in a 7th-grade math class. That experience helped me realize how much I enjoy teaching and showed me what it takes to be an educator. Through the program, I’ve met amazing mentors and students who’ve guided me along the way. As an Ambassador, I hope to share my experience and help others find their path in education just like CalTeach/MAST has helped me!

Christine Arakkal
Hi! My name is Christine Arakkal, and I'm a third-year Biomedical Engineering major and Education minor. I first got involved with the CalTeach/MAST Program after taking EDU 183 with Susann Pinter, and it quickly became one of the highlights of my college experience. I’ve always loved teaching and collaborating with other students, and as a CalTeach/MAST Ambassador, I’m excited to share these experiences, connect with other students, and encourage them to discover how teaching can shape their academic and professional journeys.

Smiling young man with long dark hair by a sunlit lake, wearing a white patterned shirt

Cruz Armenta
Hello, my name is Cruz, and I am a fourth year statistics major. I’m studying to become a high school math teacher so that I can share my enthusiasm for math & statistics, but also inspire & support students just like my wonderful teachers & professors have done for me. I am a commuting student from the Bay Area, and I enjoy cooking, video games, and going on walks. I was first exposed to CalTeach/MAST with EDU 183 and hope to continue my journey as a member of this dedicated community.

Eleni Chatzigeouriou
My name is Eleni and I am a 3rd year computer science student at UC Davis. I'm really interested in computer science and math education! I have also been exploring Machine Learning and web design. Most importantly, I really love interacting with students because I always have something new to take away. I first started out with teaching while tutoring in high school and continued at the math center in my community college. Since last year, I have decided that I really like teaching and I joined the CalTeach/MAST program! Outside of education, I really love to play the violin and to read books.

Close-up portrait photo of young man with curly hair and a soft smile, outdoor background

Martin Olivo
Hello! I am Martin Olivo and I am a second-year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior major
here at UC Davis. The first time I got involved in CalTeach/MAST was during my first year here
while taking EDU 081. I’ve always enjoyed helping people learn and grow and the ability to
continue this passion has been helped by the many education classes here in UC Davis. My first
experiences with teaching came from high school where I would volunteer at elementary schools
and help the students with their math problems. And now as an ambassador, I’m excited to help
fellow students find their love for teaching and help any students who are interested in education.

Michelle Yu
My name is Michelle, and I’m a second year Mathematics major and Education minor at UC Davis. I want to become a high school math teacher in the future. I know a lot of people feel intimidated by math, but I truly believe that everyone is capable of learning the subject. More than anything, I want my students to enjoy the process of learning and feel supported both in and out of the classroom. I took EDU 081 during the first quarter of my freshman year, and loved forming meaningful connections with the students and watching them grow throughout the quarter. I hope to take all of the other CalTeach courses as well! As an ambassador, I can’t wait to tell more people about CalTeach and introduce them to the world of teaching!

Smiling young man in maroon hoodie leaning toward camera in sunlit park (photograph)

Torence Yuan
My name is Torence, and I am a 3rd year Data Science major and Education minor! I plan on being a high school math teacher in the future and hopefully teach statistics because that is where my passion lies. I knew I wanted to be a teacher before coming here, so I took EDU 081 my first quarter at Davis with Professor Latimer, which I really enjoyed. Through the CalTeach/MAST Program, I have been able to meet wonderful peers and mentors who share my love for education and I am excited to share that same passion with everyone else!