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Dr. Edward Abeyta
Edward Abeyta serves as the Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach. He specializes in learning across the lifespan and the linkage between education, workforce development, and diverse communities worldwide.
Serving learners from pre-college to retirement, Edward has dedicated his life to transforming education and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and access, he has made significant contributions to the academic community as an educator, author, public speaker, administrator, and advocate.
His commitment to empowering others extends beyond the classroom and administrative office. Edward is an education innovator who actively participates in bi-national community initiatives to create opportunities for underserved populations. His dedication to philanthropy has led him to support organizations focused on access, education, mentorship, and economic mobility, further solidifying his role as a catalyst for positive change.
Ed has been recognized by UC San Diego, the UC Office of the President, and the California Office of the Governor for his involvement in staff diversity and development initiatives and as a leader in donor stewardship. He serves on various community advisory boards and is a founding trustee of Urban Discovery Schools in San Diego, where he currently serves as the president of the UDA Foundation.
He has a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, an M.A. from the University of San Diego, and a Ph.D. in Post-Secondary Adult Education from Capella University. He served as the Staff Advisor to the University of California Regents from 2008 to 2010.
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Maysoon Dong
Maysoon Dong is an Associate Director for the Education & Community Outreach Department at UC San Diego Extension. She has worked for UC San Diego in a variety of different capacities for over 8 years. Prior to working with UC San Diego Extension, she was the Assistant Director of the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) program at the Jacobs School of Engineering. She also worked in the Division of Biological Sciences as a Program Coordinator, developing and maintaining continuing education programs for professionals in the field of biotechnology. Maysoon received her B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from UC San Diego and received her M.S. in Economics from Boston University.
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Diana Hernandez
Diana Hernandez received a B.A. in Sociology from UC Merced in 2016 and a Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Student Affairs from SDSU in May 2019. Prior to joining UC San Diego Extension, she served as a member of the Center for Student Involvement within Student Life at UC San Diego, where she was a program coordinator in Communication and Leadership, helping to oversee programs such as the Triton Community Leadership Institute. She has worked to support career development, personal growth, social justice issues, and initiatives that create a sense of belonging for underrepresented students. -
Anais Perez
Anais Perez received a B.A in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality studies from California State University, Long beach in 2019 and a Masters in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton in May 2021. Anais has previously worked with UCSD Extension as an Office Assistant for Academic Connections, providing support for students, parents, and staff. She has also served as a Graduate Assistant for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at California State University Fullerton, helping co-advise student organizations and assist in academic advising and student success initiatives. She has also worked as a Project Assistant for San Diego Mesa College’s Promise Program and Outreach Department where she facilitated in program development, outreach efforts, and social media management. She has worked to provide students with access to higher education and strives to assist students in obtaining their own versions of success.
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Namphuong Pullman
Namphuong Pullman is a Program Assistant for the Education & Community Outreach Department at UC San Diego Extension. She serves as the central point-of-contact for students, parents and pre-college partners. Additionally, she advises and provides guidance on Extension pre-college courses and programs and manages the LAUNCH program, which enables qualified UC San Diego undergraduate students to take an Extension certificate at no cost to them. Prior to joining the team, Namphuong worked at Extension’s Student Services office as a Student Affairs Advisor. She advised students on academic programs, registration procedures and policies, and financial assistance. She also served as a School Certifying Official by providing assistance in the certification of VA educational benefits. Namphuong received her B.A. in Human Development from UC San Diego. -
Shae Candelaria
Shae Candelaria is a transplant to San Diego from New York City who traded Broadway for Biology. She is a Program Assistant for several PreCollege programs at Extended Studies including Research Scholars, Sally Ride Science and Futures. Her BFA in Theatre and skills as Stage Manager helps her assist all our students broaden their horizons.