2nd year, Biological Sciences

I am a second-year Biological Science major here at UC Merced. I am from the small town of McFarland, CA. I am the oldest of three and a first-generation college student. Throughout high school, I was very involved in student government. Through this experience, I learned how important student representation is in any school, and through hard work, goals can be accomplished. I would like to be apart of the Senate of ASUCM because I really want to influence positive changes in our school. As a natural science major, I want to be a voice for students of the school of Natural Sciences to ensure equal opportunities and representation. As a senator, I would like to focus on student networking. I think as students, we could learn a lot from alumni and their experience. I would like to create more opportunities to network with UC Merced Alumni, where students may gain a sense of direction in their journey through college. I hope to reach out to the UC Merced Alumni Association where we could collaborate and work to bring more networking opportunities for all students. My overall goal is to be a voice for the students of UC Merced and work to bring positive changes to the university.​

2nd year, Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, BSU, Bobcat Leadership, Recycling Intern

Hello, my name is Jessica French! I am a second-year undergraduate student entering my third year in Fall 2019 at UC Merced as Biological Science major. I am emphasizing in Ecology and Environmental Science and hope to get a career involved in forestry or hydrology. I was born in Central California but grew up in Lancaster, California. I am a first generation student, like most of my peers at UC Merced, trying to be the first in their family to receive a college degree. In high school, I was very involved in sports and passionate about my academics, which is one of my many reasons for coming to UC Merced.

As a student here at UC Merced I have completed tier one and tier two of the Bobcat Leadership Program through the Margo F. Souza Leadership Center. I have also been working as a Recycling Intern here at UC Merced since my first year and I am also a member of the Black Student Union Organization on campus. With the experience I gained in leadership and sustainability on campus I am excited to bring new ideas to my fellow students in ASUCM. I hope to increase the knowledge of those around me as I learn from this new experience as well. I feel as though our school is in a period where the voices of our student body can work together to create significant positive change on this campus. I hope to grow and learn with the school, students, and staff throughout my continuing years here.​