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Dr. Edward Abeyta
Edward L. Abeyta, PhD, serves as the Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach at the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, specializing in learning across the lifespan and the linkage among education, workforce development, and diverse communities across the globe.
Serving learners from precollege to retirement, Abeyta 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. Abeyta is an education innovator who actively participates in binational 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.
Abeyta 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 BA from the University of New Mexico, an MA from the University of San Diego, and a PhD in Postsecondary Adult Education from Capella University. He served as the Staff Advisor to the University of California Regents from 2008–2010.
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Dr. Maysoon Lehmeidi
Dr. Maysoon Lehmeidi is a Director within 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. She received her Doctorate in Education (Ed.d) from UC San Diego in 2024.
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Diana Hernandez
Diana Hernandez is a Program Manager for UC San Diego Extension Education and Community Outreach, overseeing the Research Scholars program. Diana 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. -
Anais Perez
Anais Perez is a Program Manager for UC San Diego Extension Education and Community Outreach, overseeing the Academic Connections program. Anais 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 Education and Community Outreach, where she actively supports the Discover UC San Diego program. Before joining the team, Namphuong worked in the 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 assisting in the certification of VA educational benefits. Namphuong received her B.A. in Human Development from UC San Diego.