The MESA Center | Orange Coast College

The MESA Center
The Orange Coast College MESA Center is a space where MESA students can work independently, engage with study groups, and access study aids and workshops. The hub of the program, the MESA Center is where the majority of opportunities and resources available to MESA students can be found. The MESA Center is a space for MESA students to build a supportive community with peers, while accessing the tools needed to succeed in rigorous coursework.

Resources located at the MESA Center include:
- Study and lounge space
- Computer access (with STEM Software)
- Information regarding internship and research opportunities
- Tutoring services and guided review sessions
- Loaner equipment (calculators, etc)
- Molecular models, microscopes, anatomy models, and other study aids
- Counseling
- Skills workshops
- STEM Guest Speakers
- Printers (with free printing)
- Community building events
Research & Internships

Accepted MESA and STEM Accelerator students have access to an extensive and regularly updated list of STEM research and internship opportunities they can apply to. Programs are heavily promoted and shared with students to help prepare them for future careers in STEM.

Examples of MESA Internship and Research Participation:

TEAMNet Cal Poly Humbolt
TEAMnet is a growing network of community college students and MESA directors working collaboratively with the Tree Function Lab at CalPoly Humboldt to monitor the responses of redwoods to climate change. Students in the project focus on tracking leaf traits that regulate how much fog redwood trees can absorb in their local climates.

Project Raise Undergraduate Research Experience
Students participate in an 8 week summer research program in collaboration with CSUF, working under the guidance and mentorship of CSUF faculty and culminating in a presentation of their research.

MESA Idea Accelerator Program
The MESA Idea Accelerator program engages undergraduate students in addressing community and societal challenges through the lens of the Human-Centered Design (HCD) process and entrepreneurship. Working in teams, students developed a solution and produced a marketable prototype pitch to present to a panel of judges.

Sequencing to Success UCR Dynamic Genome Program
Sequencing to Success is a two-day event where students participate in DNA extraction and analysis lab work. Students work with peers to identify DNA samples, learn about evolutionary relationships between fish species, and create an abstract and poster for their work.
Guest Speakers
Examples of Past Speakers and Topics at MESA Program Events include:
- Physics Q&A with Dr. Arnold Guerra III
  - Careers in Physics, Paths into Academia, Questions about PHD and research
- Environmental Science Q&A with Prof. Elliot
  - General questions on careers and pathways in Environmental Sciences
- Engineering Q&A with Dr. Esposito
  - General questions on engineering and related careers
- Careers in Environmental Science with Lotus Thai
  - Discussed experience, advice, and pathways in environmental science
  - Shared experience working on sustainability for Disney
Field Trips
Every year MESA students have access to a variety of trips to provide them opportunities for enrichment and professional development. Trips include visits to 4 year universities, STEM industry sites, & conferences.

Examples of University Campus Visits:
- University of California Riverside
- University of California Irvine
- Cal Poly Pomona
- University of Southern California
Campus tours provide our students with valuable insight into the universities they aspire to transfer to. Through these experiences, students engage with current student panels, explore STEM labs and facilities, attend transfer-focused presentations, and gain a broader perspective on the diverse campuses California has to offer.

Examples of Conferences Visits:
- National SHPE Convention: Students were able to attend the annual SHPE Convention, this year taking place in Anaheim. Students were able to hear from amazing speakers, network, and meet peers in STEM
- Beach Women's in Engineering Conference: This conference hosted at CSULB provided students with opportunities to build community, gain mentorship, and connect with professionals in engineering fields all while hearing from accomplished women in STEM fields.
- UC Davis Pre-Health Conference: Provided students with exposure to a wide range of healthcare careers, along with access to mentorship from professionals and current students. It also helped them gain insight into application processes and build confidence in pursuing pre-health pathways.
- Medical and Pre-Health Student Society Conference (MAPSS): This trip to CSU San Bernardino provided students with opportunities to network with peers and healthcare professionals while exploring diverse medical and pre-health pathways.
Examples of Other Field Trips:
- Mitutoyo America Showroom: Students were able to take a trip of to Mitutoyo America's showroom, hearing from industry professionals and seeing live demonstations of modern equipment used in precision measurement solutions.
- Socal [H2] Innovation Experience: Students experienced a tour of North America’s first-ever clean, renewable hydrogen powered microgrid and home. [H2] demonstrates how renewable energy can be used to power future communities, and on site professionals explained the science and technology behind the project to attendees.
Counselors

The MESA Program has two Counselors dedicated to providing academic support to the STEM students in the program. With a Counselors office located in the MESA center, students are encouraged to schedule a time to meet with them whenever they have questions related to their classes, goals, and education plan.

MESA students may schedule an appointment with a MESA Counselor through Canvas.
Tutoring

The MESA Team

Mayra Frias (She/Her)

Jami Gulini (She/Her)

Rafael Gonzalez (He/Him)

Theresa De Los Santos (She/Her)

Counselor

Hello! My name is Mayra Frias and I am a MESA & General Counselor. I began my educational journey at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (B.A. in Psychology and minor in Mathematics) and continued into my master's program at Azusa Pacific University in College Counseling and Student Development.

I am a first-generation student college graduate, and I am happy to serve as an educator at Orange Coast College. I have been a counselor at OCC for the last eight years and have served as the STEM Academy counselor, Puente Counselor, and general counselor.

Fun Facts: I am a wife, mother to two amazing children, and have two dogs, a boxer and chihuahua mix.

Counselor

I am a Southern California native who chose to stay local for college, earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from UC Irvine. As a junior, I studied abroad at the University of Sussex in England, an experience that sparked my passion for travel and cultural exploration. This led me to pursue my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at NYU, where living in New York City broadened my perspective and appreciation for diversity.

I have worked in education since 2001 and helped open a dual enrollment high school in Costa Mesa in 2006, where I developed a passion for guiding students through the community college system. Since 2016, I have been an adjunct counselor at Orange Coast College, where I have had the priviledge of working with MESA and STEM Academy. My passion is supporting diverse student populations in finding paths to achieve or academic and personal goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family—my husband, two daughters, and our dog, Chewie. We often spend weekends at soccer games, and I love traveling and creating meaningful experiences with family and friends.

Program Coordinator

I am a Latinx, first-generation college graduate with a strong passion for STEM. I attended The Ohio State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.

After college, I unexpectedly found my way into education at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), a STEM boarding high school focused on research and entrepreneurship. There, I developed a passion for student mentorship and mental health advocacy, helping support initiatives as conversations around student well-being grew.

I joined the OCC community after moving to California in 2023, initially working with the Housing Assistance Program before transitioning to MESA. I was inspired by the wide range of resources at OCC and knew I wanted to contribute to student success.

Some fun facts about me:

I love dancing, including hip hop, K-pop, Bollywood, bhangra, step, and folkloric Spanish styles
I enjoy trying new boba spots
I own a large collection of board games
I’m a big fan of video games, especially JRPGs like Final Fantasy 7 and Xenoblade

MESA Director

I’m a first-generation college graduate with a background in biology, psychology, and business management. My educational journey included multiple paths through the University of Washington, Cal State Fullerton, Irvine Valley College, Central Washington University, University of Phoenix, and Western Governors University, giving me a strong perspective and passion for supporting first-generation STEM students.

At OCC, I have worked in both student services and instruction since 2017. Building connections across faculty, staff, and programs has allowed me to support MESA students with a strong network of resources. My vision for MESA includes strengthening collaboration across campus, enhancing program offerings, and providing students with meaningful tools and experiences for success.

Originally from Washington state, I enjoy both Southern California sunshine and the greenery of the Pacific Northwest. I love animals, spending time outdoors, trying new recipes, and reading everything from nonfiction to fantasy.