Degrees of Determination: Graduate Student/Alumni Profiles

Graduate students are at the heart of UC Merced's vibrant research community. Their curiosity, dedication and innovative thinking drive discoveries that make an impact locally and around the world. Through these profiles, we invite you to learn more about the people behind the research, including what inspires their work, the paths that led them to UC Merced, and their experiences as scholars, researchers and leaders. We are proud to highlight both current graduate students and graduate alumni whose achievements continue to reflect the excellence and spirit of the UC Merced community.

Aug. 31, 2026

Alum Brings Behavioral Science to the Front Lines of Sleep Innovation

For Holly Rus, ’17, a passion for health psychology and real-world impact has led to a career at the forefront of consumer sleep research. She is head of scientific research at Sleep.ai (formerly knonw as SleepScore Labs), where she directs studies designed to improve health and wellness through better sleep.

Read more about Holly.

Are you an alumni 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

• From Resilience to Research: Marvelous Fidelis’ Path to Understanding Political Emotions (Sept. 1, 2025)

• From First-Gen Beginnings to Cutting-Edge Tribology: Alex Hartzler’s Mechanical Engineering Story (Oct. 6, 2025)

• Lighting the Way: Teddy Adams’ Journey from Adversity to Innovation (Nov. 3, 2025)

• Asking the Hard Questions: Omowumi Omole’s Journey Through Faith, Gender and Justice (Dec. 1, 2025)

• From Central Valley Roots to Aerospace Frontiers (Jan. 12, 2026)

• Kevin Ramirez Builds Scalable Biotechnologies for Impact (Feb. 6)

• Hoshmand Malaie Bridges Activism and Neuroscience in Cognitive Research (March 2, 2026)

2024-2025

• From STEM Enthusiast to Sustainability Champion: Jose's Academic Journey (Oct. 7, 2024)

• Making Waves in Water Research: Shelby Defeo's journey at UC Merced (Oct. 21, 2024)

• From Iran to UC Merced: Camellia Haghverdian's Path to Purpose (Nov. 4, 2024)

• A Journey of Cognition and Resilience: Helia Hosseinpour's Story  (Nov. 18, 2024)

• From Tehran to UC Merced: Engineering a Sustainable Future (Dec. 2, 2024)

• From Fresno's Valley to Sierra's Peaks: Meet Christopher Bivins, UC Merced's Pioneer Mycologist (Jan. 13, 2025)

• The Journey of Md Mehdi Masud: From Bangladesh to UC Merced (Jan. 27, 2025)

• From Challenges to Champions: Idris Olopade's Journey of Academic Excellence (Feb. 7, 2025)

• From Napa to UC Merced: Angela Rosales's Journey in Environmental Systems (Feb. 24, 2025)

• From Oakland to Academia: Kevin Easley's Journey of Perseverance (March 10, 2025)

• From Teacher to Scholar: Reanna Bromley's Path to UC Merced (March 24, 2025)

• Rising Star: How Life's Journey Shaped Polyphony J. Bruna's Path to Discovery (April 14, 2025)

• Breaking Barriers and Defying Expectations: Sabrina Rawson's Journey at UC Merced (April 25, 2025)