Current Peer Navigators
2025 - 2026
Major: Microbiology and American Sign Language
Transferred from: Pasadena City College
Hello! My name is Angelica Krista, and I am a third year student at Pasadena City College (PCC). My major is microbiology and I am also studying American Sign Language. I find microbiology and immunology fascinating because examining a tiny world can reveal so much about how nature works and the intricate processes that keep us alive. Aside from academics, I like going to Deaf events to keep up my ASL practice and immerse myself with the community, whittling small animals out of wood, and playing video games. Navigating college and the transfer journey is something that I struggled with, but thanks to various resources and educational preparation programs, I feel more confident in my college journey. I’m excited to give back and foster confidence in community college students on their academic journeys, while honoring their unique interests.
Major: Psychology
Transferred from: Pasadena City College
Hey all, I am Carlton Mantovani. I am a sophomore at Pasadena City College, and I am majoring in Psychology, B.S. Going into Pasadena City College, I declared myself an Aerospace Engineering major. However, after taking a general education course in psychology, I have come to love the field. My goal is to transfer to a 4-year college and obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Thereafter, I seek to pursue a master's degree in social work. My plan after my master's degree is to work as an educational social worker to gain experience in the field. But my ultimate goal is to do research and obtain a doctorate, as I am driven to combine both social and technical aspects of society. With my insights of technology and society, I am motivated to learn and incorporate technology ethically for the greater good of humanity. Prompting me to become an EMBARC Mentor to find the ultimate balance.
On the side note, my hobbies include listening to Asian indie music, exploring nifty parts of LA through public transportation, and finding the best popcorn chicken spot. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!
Major: Computer Engineering
CSUN
Hello, I am Pritam Deb Shanta, and I am an international student from Bangladesh. I am a Computer Engineering major at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). I transferred to CSUN from Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC). I chose computer engineering because I enjoy problem solving and learning how technology works. I am also interested in working in the educational field and helping students succeed. I wanted to become a peer mentor after participating in the EMBARC Summer Academy, where I worked closely with mentors and learned the importance of guidance and support. I enjoy raising and taking care of pigeons and I love to learn about pigeons. As a peer mentor, I am here to help you, answer your questions, or just talk, and I look forward to meeting everyone!
Major: Biotechnology Engineering
CSUN
My name is Sabrina Rivera and I’m majoring in Biotech Engineering. I recently transferred from Los Angeles Valley College and started at CSUN in Fall 25’. I decided to study Biotech because I have a slight interest in continuing school after I get my BA. Maybe going into pharmaceutical school or working in industry. I was motivated to become a peer mentor because throughout my life I’ve been the mentee and I strive to pass any knowledge/advice forward. During my free time I like to play video games, watch anime, and go to the gym.
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Transferred from: Pasadena City College
I’m a first-generation transfer student from Pasadena City College majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. I'm in love with microbes and with understanding how rare diseases occur. My goal is to become a conscientious scientist, working at the intersection of research and public health. I hope to add a necessary grain of salt to the field by making healthcare and science more accessible and equitable. I love being in lab running experiments as much as I am passionate about bettering the communities I belong to and making the world a kinder, more supportive place for everyone. I aspire to be a mentor and advocate for students navigating their own paths. In the future, I plan to pursue a master's degree abroad to gain a global perspective on science and its appliances.
Major: Biotechnology
Transferred from: Los Angeles Mission College
My name is Viridiana Dueñas, and I am a biotechnology major with an emphasis in biomanufacturing, currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I am also certified as a biological laboratory technician. My academic and professional passion lies in gene editing and genome engineering, particularly CRISPR-based technologies and their potential to transform medicine through therapeutic gene editing.
As a Peer Navigator for EMBARC, I am excited about supporting fellow students as they navigate academic pathways, research opportunities, and career development in STEM. I know firsthand how valuable mentorship, access to resources, and a strong support system can be, especially for students pursuing ambitious goals in science and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back through this role.
Outside of academics, I recently moved to a new area and have started cooking more; I especially enjoy baking and cake decorating in my free time. I come from a very active family of llong-distance runners, and I am a swimmer myself, so staying active is an important part of my life. Currently, my favorite book is The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones