Graduate students are the heart of any research campus and we look forward to sharing with you what makes them passionate about what they do, what brought them to UC Merced, and more.
October 6, 2025
From First-Gen Beginnings to Cutting-Edge Tribology: Alex Hartzler’s Mechanical Engineering Story
For Alex Hartzler, a second-year Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering at UC Merced, persistence has always been central to his journey. Growing up in San Diego, he learned early on the importance of carving his own path. “That perspective has shaped how I approach challenges in engineering and motivates me to set an example for others with similar backgrounds,” Hartzler reflects.
Are you interested in being featured in a Degrees of Determination profile? We want to hear from you. This is a fantastic chance to reflect on your academic journey, inspire the next generation of researchers, and showcase your journey. Submit profile online
Browse through the past stories of our amazing graduate students.
2025-2026
2024-2025
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From STEM Enthusiast to Sustainability Champion: Jose's Academic Journey (Oct. 7)
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Making Waves in Water Research: Shelby Defeo's journey at UC Merced (Oct. 21)
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From Iran to UC Merced: Camellia Haghverdian's Path to Purpose (Nov. 4)
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A Journey of Cognition and Resilience: Helia Hosseinpour's Story (Nov. 18)
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From Tehran to UC Merced: Engineering a Sustainable Future (Dec. 2)
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From Fresno's Valley to Sierra's Peaks: Meet Christopher Bivins, UC Merced's Pioneer Mycologist (Jan. 13)
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The Journey of Md Mehdi Masud: From Bangladesh to UC Merced (Jan. 27)
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From Challenges to Champions: Idris Olopade's Journey of Academic Excellence (Feb. 7)
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From Napa to UC Merced: Angela Rosales's Journey in Environmental Systems (Feb. 24)
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From Oakland to Academia: Kevin Easley's Journey of Perseverance (March 10)
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From Teacher to Scholar: Reanna Bromley's Path to UC Merced (March 24)
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Rising Star: How Life's Journey Shaped Polyphony J. Bruna's Path to Discovery (April 14)
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Breaking Barriers and Defying Expectations: Sabrina Rawson's Journey at UC Merced (April 25)