About Us

Aaron Jackson
Army, Veteran
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"I am a Ph.D. candidate in the History of Health Sciences program precisely because of my military service. I enlisted in 2001 because I felt a call to service - to give back to the community that had provided me with so much. It was among my highest privileges to serve with people from across this nation as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. It exposed me to the power to be found in diverse perspectives, and the experiences of combat only reinforced that notion. So, when I went back to school a few years later, I decided to study history to better understand the various currents and conjunctions that shape all of us, today.

My experiences as a disabled veteran have inspired my research interests in the history of the veterans' healthcare system in the United States and its influence in shaping notions of dis/ability in medicine and society at large. I believe we have a responsibility to understand the historical foundations of contemporary problems in health care delivery, and through my research, writing, and teaching, I hope to help educate the public and inspire critical thinking about historical problems and how they can be addressed. In this way, I see my work in the history of medicine as a continuation of my service. And it is still a privilege."

Rose Hinson
Navy, HPSP Recipient
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"I am a dental student and a recipient of the 4-year Health Professions Scholarship through the United States Navy. I grew up in the Bay Area, but lived in North Carolina, Alabama, and Oregon before returning to California for dental school. I am excited to be a member of the student Veteran and military-affiliated student community here at UCSF. I am grateful to have access to all the resources UCSF Student Veteran and Military Support Services has to offer, and I hope to be a resource to peers and incoming students during my time at UCSF and beyond."

Sam Rustia
Navy, HPSP Recipient
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"I am a dental student and a recipient of the four-year U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP). I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, but I've spent most of my life growing up in Long Beach, CA. As a first-generation American, I feel humbled to channel my gratitude back into this country through military service. I feel a great sense of pride in serving my country and helping others, all while doing something I love, which is dentistry! Through UCSF Student Veteran and Military Support Services, I have found a community that generously provides mentoring, resources, and guidance while I navigate dental school as a newly commissioned Navy Officer. I'm incredibly excited to represent the military-affiliated community at UCSF as a Student Ambassador and to serve as a resource to both current and prospective HPSP students."

Justin Solarczyk
Army, Veteran
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"My personal and professional experiences have led me towards a career focused on creating meaningful change in national and global healthcare. Raised in an economically challenging environment, I identified early on with those struggling through difficult circumstances. When I first heard the motto of the Green Berets –'De Oppresso Liber,' meaning, 'To Liberate the Oppressed' – I felt an immediate kinship with the regiment and its mission, joining its ranks immediately following college.

During multiple combat deployments as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, I came to love medicine. As a soldier, I fought against political oppression, protecting indigenous and allied personnel from harm. As a Medical Sergeant, I used equally potent tools to fight the physical, psychological and emotional oppression wrought by illness. Continuing in the spirit of the regiment’s motto, I continue to work towards improving and expanding quality healthcare delivery to underserved communities throughout the country and the world."

Monika Dayal
Army, Veteran
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"As a Family Nurse Practitioner student at the School of Nursing, I recently completed the first portion of the UCSF MEPN program and acquired my RN license. I was drawn to this field as a result of a desire to provide patient-centered care to a diverse population. When enlisted in the Army, as a Logistical Specialist, I supervised and managed records and warehouse functions related to storage, distribution, issuance, and maintenance of equipment and parts. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and offer guidance based off my experience to help navigate a rigorous educational endeavor."

Magdiel Rivera
Army National Guard, Active
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"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!"