Jiayue Sun

Name: Jiayue Sun

College: John R. Lewis

Department: Social Sciences

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? I received the Nancy Pascal Scholarship Award in 2022 and the Dean’s Research Award in 2023.

What year do you expect to graduate? I graduated in the Summer of 2022!

Where do you call home? The place I call home is Pingdu, China.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? I love the nature and the fresh air here! It almost feels like I’m attending college at a redwood park. 

What is your field of focus? My field of focus is Developmental Psychology.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? I graduated from UC Santa Cruz last summer. Before graduating from UC Santa Cruz, I was hoping to find a post-baccalaureate position in a developmental psychology lab. And I’m now a lab coordinator at UC Riverside! I’m preparing myself to apply to graduate programs in the fall.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? One moment that I will always remember as a student at UC Santa Cruz was when a teaching assistant approached me about an undergraduate research assistant position in her lab. That one opportunity transformed my entire life's trajectory. As the first person in my family to attend college, I had little understanding of what research entailed. However, two years later, I have completed my senior thesis, presented at conferences, and even won the Dean's award. I will be eternally grateful to the graduate student who presented me with this opportunity and the PI in their lab, who provided me with an enormous amount of guidance and support. Their mentorship enabled me to navigate the world of research and find my true passion.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz?  As I reflect on my experience at UC Santa Cruz, it's hard to believe that I've already graduated and am now offering advice to incoming students. My piece of advice for new students is to take full advantage of the diverse academic opportunities available to you. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore different subjects that spark your interest. By taking classes outside of your major or field of study, you'll broaden your horizons and discover new passions. Additionally, consider participating in research or internships that align with your interests to gain valuable hands-on experience and enhance your resume. By taking advantage of the diverse academic opportunities at UC Santa Cruz, you'll set yourself up for success and personal growth.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will have a significant impact on my academic and research pursuits. Firstly, it will provide financial support for my professional development, allowing me to attend conferences that are relevant to my senior thesis project. Secondly, being a recipient of this scholarship will be a recognition of my academic accomplishments, which will serve as a driving force for me to continue striving for excellence in my studies and research. Thirdly, winning this award will add value to my resume, showcasing my dedication to research and my ability to produce high-quality work. As I am currently applying to graduate school, this award may increase my chances of being noticed during the application process. Finally, this scholarship also offers opportunities for professional development, such as attending the award winners' lunch event and connecting with other researchers in my field. These experiences will be invaluable in my growth as a researcher and will prepare me for future research opportunities.