About Us
UCSF Student Veteran and Military Support Services fosters a welcoming environment for anyone who is military affiliated, including Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP) students. It is our goal to help military affiliated students navigate UCSF and provide them with mentoring, guidance on educational benefits, and tools to succeed academically and personally. We value the experiences veterans bring to the UCSF community and are committed to helping all military affiliated students achieve their goals and aspirations.
Staff
Alece Alderson
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Life
Student Veteran and Military Support Services Coordinator
[email protected]
(415) 502-5377
Alece Alderson is thrilled to be supporting the veteran and military population at UCSF. She is dedicated to building community, mentorship programs, and advocating for the military population. Prior to UCSF, Alece spent three years working at Virginia Tech with the Corps of Cadets—a 24/7 military leadership program. Alece welcomes students to visit her at the Student Success Center or make an individual appointment.
Christine Coleman
Veteran Education Benefits Certifying Official
[email protected]
(415) 476-4185
Christine Coleman has served as the VA Certifying Official at UCSF for the past 10+ years in her dual role as a Budget Analyst in the Student Financial Aid Office. She finds this to be the perfect balance of assisting students directly and indirectly while also satisfying her need to crunch numbers! Christine is committed to helping students, residents, and fellows navigate their VA Benefits throughout their journey at UCSF.
Student Ambassadors
Student ambassadors are representatives from each school or division at UCSF. They act as a point of contact for veterans or people interested in the military. These representatives, or any of the staff serving veterans, will be happy to answer any questions you may have about UCSF, transitioning to UCSF, or general inquiries.
Graduate Division
Xueqiao "Fred" Jiang
Army Reserve, Active
[email protected]
"Originally born in China, I moved to Pennsylvania for higher education and joined the U.S. Army Reserve since graduating from college. Currently, I'm a PhD candidate at the Neuroscience program at UCSF and also a logistics officer serving in the Reserve. In addition to service and commitment, I found the military career very fulfilling as it provides plenty of opportunities to travel to various places, meet and work with diverse people, and solve challenging real-world problems. What truly excites me about the UCSF student military and veteran community is that I can get to know people with both academic and military obligations like me to facilitate personal and professional development, and I look forward to working together to build an inclusive and supportive team for everyone!"
Steven Someakea Sun
Army, Veteran
[email protected]
"Hello, I’m currently a PhD student in the Tetrad program, born/raised in southern CA and a US Army veteran. My decision to serve stemmed from following in the footsteps of my older brother (a Purple Heart recipient) and high school friends plus the financial opportunities it gave me. Since I’m a science nerd and love animals, I’m pursuing a research career in biology and hope that through UCSF Student Veteran and Military Support Services I can help support other veterans and military affiliates in their educational journeys!"
School of Dentistry
Euneece Hong
Navy, HPSP Recipient
[email protected]
"Born and raised in Sonoma County, I'm currently a dental student and proud recipient of the four-year U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP). My choice for a military career was fueled by my desire to serve my country while exploring diverse experiences through travel and interactions. Embracing a new lifestyle and seizing new opportunities were motivating factors behind my decision. What truly excites me about our UCSF student military and veteran community is the prospect of making connections with fellow military affiliates, using resources both for personal growth and mentorship, and contributing to a supportive environment for all involved."
Leopold Samba
Air Force, HPSP Recipient
[email protected]
"I am a dental student and recipient of the three-year U.S. Air Force HPSP. I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia. Having a strong desire to assist and care for others, being an HPSP scholar and member of UCSF Student Military and Veteran Services has provided unlimited opportunities to give back to members of both communities. I hope to be a valuable resource to current and future peers!"
School of Medicine
If you are insterest in being a Student Ambassador for School of Medicine, please contact [email protected].
School of Nursing
If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador for School of Nursing, please contact [email protected].
School of Pharmacy
Phuong Phan
Navy, Veteran
[email protected]
" I am currently a pharmacy student at UCSF School of Pharmacy; I was born in Vietnam and moved to the Bay Area with my family when I was 13 years old, and I am a US Navy veteran. My decision to join and serve in the US Navy was the desire to explore my full potential and challenge myself to do something different. During my military career, I got the opportunity to meet and serve alongside many wonderful people who helped me grow both personally and professionally. I wanted to continue to help and serve my community with my PharmD degree. Being part of the UCSF student military and veteran community, I am excited to meet and connect with military affiliate students and be a valuable resource for current and future students."
Magdiel Rivera
Army National Guard, Active
[email protected]
"I am currently serving in the Army National Guard here in California. I previously lived in Florida my whole life, but I have quickly fallen in love with SF and the Bay Area. After I graduate with my PharmD, I hope to also become an Army Pharmacist in the Army Reserves. I can’t wait for the opportunity be able to practice clinical pharmacy on the Army side and civilian side at the same time, so then I can serve my community while also supporting my fellow soldiers. Through the military, I have gotten the opportunity to meet various healthcare professionals and amazing soldiers who have helped me along my way, and I would like to do the same for any military-affiliated students here at UCSF. I am excited to be a resource for any military-affiliated students, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!"
Physical Therapy
If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador for Physical Therapy, please contact [email protected].