El Puente Undergraduate Research Fellows

Alicia is a sophomore, first generation student from Flagstaff, Arizona and a member of the Navajo Nation. Her clans are Táchii’nii, Bilagáana, Kin Łichíi’nii, and Nakaii (red people running into the water clan, white people, red house clan, and Mexican people). 

Alicia is very active on campus by working with UNM Student Support Services-TRIO as a peer coach to support and mentor first generation students. She is the communications chair for UNM Kiva Club. The Undergraduate Co-Chair for Native American Studies Research Group. An active member of UNM AISES Chapter and Region 3 AISES Student Representative. She is also a member of Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority Inc.  

Alicia hopes to pursue her PhD in Environmental Science and one day create a laboratory of indigenous students (high school or undergraduate) to research and make contributions to their communities. 

Anastacia was born in Albuquerque and raised in the small town of Pojoaque, New Mexico. She is a third-year student at the University of New Mexico and the first woman in her family to pursue a bachelor’s degree in STEM. In her free time, she enjoys dancing Folklorico to stay connected to her culture, caring for her plants, and being an active hermana in Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc. Ana is passionate about showing women from all backgrounds that they can achieve the impossible. She hopes to use her degree to help preserve the Earth and its living organisms. Her future goals include attending graduate school at the University of Washington, earning a fellowship with New Mexico’s forensics team, and working at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. El Puente will support Ana’s academic journey and help open doors to opportunities that align with her mission to inspire, lead, and create change.

Antonia was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. Antonia is from a family of Lobos as her Mom, Dad, and older sister all attended UNM, she knew that UNM was where her heart lied. As Antonia is going into her final year of Undergraduate, she wanted to get as involved o campus as possible. Antonia is a part of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. which is a Latina founded sorority dedicated to service and academics. This is what introduced Antonia to the research fellowship as a few of her Sisters had participated before. With a love for school and her community, Antonia's goal is to continue her higher education to become a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and work with children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. She is excited to see where this year will take her. 

Arisvet  Garay is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrant parents who came to the United States in search of a better life. Arisvet was born in Newport Beach, California, and was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, though her roots come far from Zacatecas, Mexico. She was raised by her dedicated mother and hard-working father, who gave up everything for their family’s happiness. She has two brothers who have shown her what patience and kindness is. As a first-generation student, Arisvet is a proud Mexican who is continuing to pursue the American dream for her family and community. She is a proud member of the UNM’s Honors College and many more student engineering organizations. Arisvet has a profound love and connection to her community and always chooses to give back. As a Project Engineer Intern at Jaynes Corporation, she contributes meaningfully to her team while gaining valuable experience in the construction field. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding along the Rio Grande with her mare, finding balance between her academic pursuits and personal interests. Arisvet’s passion for engineering is matched by her dedication to family as she has become a role model for her three young nieces and nephews who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Arisvet’sultimate goal is to become someone who will positively impact the lives of others through her hard work and dedication. 

Bella Norero is from Silver City, New Mexico, and her interest in public health was shaped by a personal experience that changed her life. When her nephew was born with a congenital heart defect, her family had to move out of state to access specialized care; an experience that exposed how limited health care access is in rural communities. Witnessing the toll of that journey gave Bella a new perspective on the gaps families faces every day. Now starting her third year, she is passionate about advocating for families who face similar barriers. Bella also serves as a Pathmakers Mentor with the UNM Honors College, where she supports new students as they navigate college life. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, spending time with her siblings and nephews, reading new books, and shopping for books. She hopes to use her experiences and education to uplift others and be a voice for families navigating complicated systems with strength and resilience.

Cecelia Trujillo was born in Taos, New Mexico, and raised in the nearby rural town of Angel Fire, surrounded by the mountains and rich in cultural history. Her family has deep roots in Northern New Mexico, with land dating back to the Spanish Land Grants. A third-year, first-generation student at the University of New Mexico, Cecelia works part time at the local nonprofit Global Give-A-Book, where she supports early literacy and community engagement. On top of her work in the community, her academic interests lie at the intersection of biology, healthcare, and the natural world. She is especially interested in the ways human biology, biomechanics, and the environment intersect. With a strong connection to the outdoors and a desire to help others, Cecelia is intentional about shaping a future where her work has meaning and impact. She values being part of a team and showing up with purpose. Outside of school and work, she finds balance through drawing, listening to music, and spending time in the mountains where she grew up.

Clarissa Aldana is a first-generation college student from Farmington, New Mexico. She cares deeply about supporting underserved communities and is especially interested in childhood wellness and nutrition education. At the University of New Mexico, she stays involved through student organizations like Student Special Events (SSE), where she currently serves as the Speakers Director, and the Lobo Gardens Club, where she enjoys learning about sustainable food systems. Clarissa also participates in campus advocacy and community health outreach. She enjoys helping with events, supporting wellness efforts, and being a resource for her peers. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time outside. Clarissa hopes to one day become a family doctor who can connect medical care with the everyday needs of the communities she serves. 

Cristopher, an 18-year-old from Santa Fe, NM, is the first in his family to attend college, an experience that deeply shapes his understanding of systemic barriers in education. Raised by his mother and grandmother, their strength and guidance inspired his passion for justice and his dream of becoming an immigration lawyer. As a bilingual learner, Cristopher has experienced firsthand how language barriers and unequal access can affect a student’s educational journey. These experiences drive his commitment to examining structural inequality in education and advocating for reform. He hopes to use his future legal career to support marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and students of color. He believes deeply in the power of hope and in the importance of doing good, not just for oneself, but for the broader community. Outside of academics, Cristopher enjoys the gym, time with loved ones, and honoring his cultural roots in Tlaxcala, Mexico, very well recommended for everyone to visit. Through his involvement with El Puente, he looks forward to learning and using his research as a tool for change.

Dallan N Livingston is a dedicated student from Churchrock, New Mexico and a member of the Navajo Nation. Plans to pursue a Master's in Cybersecurity at Anderson School of Management. Dallan has experience from working as an Administrative Assistant at the Anderson Behavioral Research Lab and as a faculty aide supporting research professors associated with the lab. Dallan actively participates in student programs associated with American Indian Student Service (AISS) and El Centro de la Raza. He also serves as the Technical Administrator for the American Indian Business Association (AIBA). Dallan is gaining hands-on experience with Information technology through his current role as an IT Technician at the UNM Hospital. His prior professional experience includes roles in accounting, finance, information technology, data science, and research. Through the El Puente program, Dallan aims to build research skills to expand his professional network and to advance his career in cybersecurity and Information Technology.

Danae Muñoz is originally from Anthony, New Mexico, a small town near the border, where she learned the value of community, culture, and hard work. Now in her second year at the University of New Mexico, she chose to attend college away from home to challenge herself and grow both academically and personally. Moving to Albuquerque was a momentous step in her journey—one that helped her find a sense of home through meaningful friendships formed during study sessions and through mentorship opportunities that continue to shape her daily life. Danae is passionate about helping others and is especially drawn to spaces where science, identity, and service intersect. She enjoys working with students through leadership programs, staying active at the gym, and having late-night conversations with friends that spark reflection and laughter. Family remains her foundation, and she carries their support with her into every goal she sets. She's excited to keep growing through the El Puente Research Fellowship.

Ms. Torivio is a first-generation student who was born in Grants, New Mexico and is part of Acoma Pueblo. She is the oldest of five siblings and the first person in her family to go to college. With the help from her community, she can make a pathway for her younger siblings as she sets off to the University of New Mexico. During her free time, she loves going on adventure walks with her camera or reading a good book. She is a proud active member of her Pueblo and values her culture. This is one of her motivations to learn how to clean up the surrounding areas that are affected by uranium, especially the plants and animals.

Jasmine was born in Roswell, New Mexico and now resides in Rio Rancho. She is a dedicated student at UNM pursuing a career in dentistry. Jasmine’s initial interest in this field stemmed from receiving orthodontic care herself at a young age and was solidified through hands-on experience working at a periodontal office. There, she witnessed first-hand how lack of oral hygiene greatly impacts an individual's overall physical and emotional well-being. Her goals are to attend dental school and contribute to improving access to preventive oral health care services especially for underserved communities. Outside of her studies, Jasmine enjoys staying active by working out and playing sports, as well as expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. Through the El Puente Research Fellowship, she looks forward to developing valuable connections and gaining deeper insight into the challenges surrounding healthcare equity.

Joel Azael Reyes is a second-year student at the University of New Mexico. Born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico, he studied engineering for two years and earned his Associate of Science in Engineering. He enjoys spending time with friends, listening to his favorite artists, playing video games and staying active by playing soccer. Joel first discovered El Centro during his sophomore year of high school, and the connections and relationships he has built there have played a key role in supporting his academic journey at UNM. He is excited to be part of El Puente and looks forward to getting started with the program and meeting new people!

Kimberly Nevarez is a first-generation student from Mesquite, NM, and a daughter of a strong, hardworking mother who inspires her daily. Raised in a small rural town in southern New Mexico, she brings a deep sense of community and purpose to her work both on and off campus. Her upbringing also shaped her passion for health equity and interest in how culture and science connect. Kimberly is an active member with programs emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion to build our future young leaders. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She hopes her future research will address health disparities, particularly those affecting women of color and underserved communities. She hopes to pursue graduate research that centers culturally informed approaches to biomedical challenges, and she is excited for what El Puente has in store.

Miguel Viramontes is an upcoming sophomore at the University of New Mexico and an undergraduate Student Scholar with the NM Workforce Diversity Center of Excellence. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Miguel’s interest in research began during his first year when he published a paper in UNM Elevations on Hispanic-Latino health disparities. In addition to this, it deepened his commitment to understanding how systemic complexity and inequities in healthcare directly affect patient outcomes and access to care. Outside of school, he stays active by working out, enjoys baking anything from matcha brownies to cheesecakes, and unwinds by reading books. He is especially interested in the intersection of public health and patient advocacy, with a focus on improving care for underserved communities. Ultimately, his goal is to become a critical care nurse, serving patients in their most vulnerable moments with empathy and cultural understanding so they feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Noheya is a Navajo queer artist who was born in Shiprock, New Mexico. Noheya is pursuing a Ph.D. in Native studies and becoming a Native studies researcher that utilizes both art and social sciences. Noheya has a strong connection with their Navajo culture, and it is a large part of what guides them in the decisions they make today and is core to their identity. Noheya is passionate about spreading awareness about Native issues as a student speaker and activist. Noheya also owns a small business called Noheawrks to share their art and journey as a Native student. Everything that Noheya does has been guided by their desire to help their Indigenous relatives and the generations that come after them.

Rio Romero was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with deep family roots in Petaca, New Mexico, and El Ojo, Durango, Mexico. As a first-generation student, Rio’s educational journey has been shaped by resilience and a strong appreciation for the transformative power of learning. In high school, he discovered his passion for technology through programming courses in HTML and JavaScript, which sparked his interest in how language shapes accessibility in computer science. His research focuses on exploring the ethics of language in programming, particularly how Spanish-based syntax could inspire Hispanic and Latino youth to pursue computer science. Looking ahead, Rio hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career in cybersecurity at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he aspires to contribute to national security through advanced cyber defense strategies. Outside of academics, Rio values community, equity, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM.

Emma Loya is a first-generation college student at the University of New Mexico. She was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she lived until the age of 16 before emigrating to the United States in search of better academic opportunities. Her experience as an immigrant within the educational system has been a key force in shaping her perspective and commitment to change. Emma is deeply committed to equality, inclusion, and equity, and strives to make a positive impact on the lives of other students. She is characterized by her sensitivity, empathy, and desire to build more just communities. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with nature, painting, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Her connection to both cultures has taught her to navigate the world with an open mind, always seeking spaces where she can learn, share, and accompany others on their own journeys.

Sean, born and raised in Albuquerque, is in his fourth year of studies at UNM aimed at a future career in a healthcare profession. He comes from a background supportive of education and pursuing his passions, with both his parents being UNM alumni. Over the years Sean has worked in biomedical research both on and off campus, as well as in case management at UNM Hospitals. Every opportunity he tackles is meant to propel him further into a more successful healthcare career, and El Puente is no exception. Not only does the program provide him with necessary financial support, but a chance to explore research topics directly affecting the populations he is a part of and build a greater sense of community at UNM. He is excited and grateful to be a part of the 2026 cohort, and ready to take on the challenges and possibilities this program presents.