Student Experience
The future of science
A generous gift from the Mayfield Fund is transforming undergraduate research and mentorship opportunities at UC Santa Cruz, creating a powerful chain reaction of scientific mentorship across disciplines.
Abbie Baddeley, a second-year astrophysics student at UC Santa Cruz, spends her days exploring the cosmos through research. As one of nine Mayfield Scholars selected for the program’s inaugural mentorship cohort, she’s gaining valuable experience that will help shape her future career.
“I am gaining skills that will help me be successful later in my career surrounding research and working on team projects,” said Baddeley (Kresge ’27, astrophysics), who plans to pursue a Ph.D. after graduating from UCSC. “I believe mentoring and teaching others is not only a great way to master topics, but is also vital in the world of academic research, as sharing our work with others is crucial to improving our knowledge as a team.”
The Mayfield Scholars Program, generously funded by the Mayfield Fund, provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students engaged in diverse research areas across campus. The program emphasizes developing strong mentorship skills through the students’ participation in the Science Internship Program (SIP), which engages high school students from around the world, many of whom are under-resourced, in open-ended research projects at UC Santa Cruz. The Mayfield Scholars serve as mentors for the high school students, guiding them through authentic research experiences and helping them develop critical thinking skills.
“The Mayfield Scholars Program represents a transformative opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to deepen their academic pursuits while developing essential mentorship skills,” said Raja GuhaThakurta, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and Faculty Director of Creating Equity in STEAM (CrEST). “We are incredibly grateful for Mayfield Fund’s support and belief in our mission to provide life-changing experiential learning programs that build self-confidence, foster equity, and inspire impactful change in our world.”
For Jasmine Fortez (Stevenson ’26, computer science), the Mayfield Scholar program provides critical financial support and opportunities to pay forward the mentorship she’s received.
“Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my journey, and I am passionate about paying it forward,” said Fortez. “I am committed to supporting students from underrepresented communities, sharing my experiences to spark their curiosity and build their confidence.”
The scholars represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, from astrophysics to molecular biology. Dalya Gregorio Chas (College Nine ’26, earth sciences) values the opportunity to advance her research without added financial stress.
“I want to enhance my mentorship skills because I have received so much support from previous mentors who have shaped my view of physics, and I hope to do the same for others,” she said.
The Mayfield Scholars Program exemplifies UC Santa Cruz’s commitment to creating pathways for talented students to excel in research and mentorship.
“By supporting these nine scholars in their academic pursuits while empowering them to guide the next generation of scientists, the Mayfield Scholars Program creates a powerful multiplier effect,” GuhaThakurta says. “Each scholar not only advances their own research—from studying variable stars in the Andromeda Galaxy to investigating molecular mechanisms in parasitic worms—but also helps develop scientific talent among high school students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. This dual impact of advancing cutting-edge research while expanding access to STEAM fields makes the Mayfield Scholars Program a cornerstone initiative in building a more diverse and innovative scientific community, with benefits extending far beyond our campus.”
For more information about the Mayfield Scholars Program, the Science Internship Program, and Creating Equity in STEAM, visit crest.ucsc.edu.