CSE Peer-led Academic Cohort Experiences
CSE-PACE (also CSE-089 for 2 credits) is a year-long program where first-year computing undergraduates (both CSE and non-CSE) gather. Guided by upper-level lead peer mentors (LPMs), you will:
- Connect with new friends
- Think about big ideas in computing over free food
- Get insider tips on classes and campus
- Monday 12:30PM - 1:50PM
- Tuesday 1:00PM - 2:20PM
What are Peer-led Academic Cohort Experiences (or PACE)?
Join our weekly sessions to talk about CSE courses and the impacts of cutting-edge computing topics over free food. CSE-PACE is free, designed for all first-year computing students, and runs for the entire academic year. Earn 2 units of credit each quarter for participation by enrolling in CSE 89: Intro to CSE Seminar. Register first to help us make groups ahead of time. You can also just show up during cohort time during the first few weeks of the quarter, and we'll help you get started!
- Q: What will I do in a CSE-PACE session?
- Meet in a group with 8-10 other students and your lead peer mentor to talk about computing in the news, do a hands-on project, visit a cool place on campus, or try out something you're using in your classes.
- Q: Will I get course credit?
- Enroll in CSE 89 to earn course credits as part of participation in CSE-PACE. This course may count towards the lower division elective for CSE majors.
- Q: How do I join?
-
Come by during the cohort time anytime during the quarter
and we will help you get set up. To let us know you're interested ahead of time,
fill out the registration form and add CSE 89 to your class
schedule.
- You might be able to enroll in CSE 89 directly on TritonLink.
- If not, add yourself to the waitlist, and check your @ucsd.edu email for instructions.
- Either way, come by during the class time so we can get you started.
Have more questions? Contact us at pace@ucsd.edu; scroll down to meet the team.
CSE-PACE Team
Lead Peer Mentors (LPMs) 2026-2027
Aryan Khanna
Hi! I'm Aryan, a 2nd year Math-CS major at Warren College. When I'm not coding, you can usually find me on the soccer field, at the gym, or finding new music to add to my playlist. I'm always down to chat about pretty much anything — school, new tech, soccer, you name it — so don't hesitate to reach out anytime!
Brendan Barber
Hello! I'm Brendan, a third-year CS major in Seventh College. When I'm not coding, you'll find me playing violin, ice skating, or hiking. And when I'm too tired for those things, I'll probably be lost in a good book, whether it's historical non-fiction, fantasy, or sci-fi.
Cameryn Mugol
Hello! My name is Cameryn (Cam), and I’m currently a 3rd year Computer Engineering undergrad in Sixth college! Within CE, I’m currently exploring cybersecurity systems and enterprise architectures. Some fun facts about me: I’m both the VP Internal for the IEEE and SWE student orgs at UC San Diego, I have a pet lizard, and I love a good coffee/matcha spot. I’m excited to be giving back to UCSD as a PACE LPM this year - looking forward to making great memories!
Christina Asinobi
Hi! My name is Christina and I am a second year Computer Science major at Sixth. I love dancing, running, reading, trying new food places and meeting people. I’m super excited for my first year as an LPM and can’t wait to get to know everyone! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions or just want to chat!
Hannah Pham
Hiya! I'm Hannah, a second-year Computer Science major from Sixth College who's also minoring in Math Education. I look forward to being your Lead Peer Mentor after having been a PACE student last year! Some fun facts about me: I'm an artistic person; I love to write, draw, and edit YouTube videos in my spare time.
Jayani Duggirala
Hii! I’m Jayani, a second year computer science student at Seventh! Outside of CS, I have 2 major spheres in my life: tennis and art (several types). For next year, I’ll mainly be involved with ACM, serving as the events lead for its AI Branch. I’m super excited to be your LPM and have loved the community and atmosphere at PACE since my first quarter. I’d love to talk with you about anything school related or otherwise, Please don't hesitate to reach out!
Joshua Villanueva
Hello incoming students and welcome to PACE! My name is Joshua Villanueva and I am a low income, first generation, Computer Engineering student. I am happy and thankful to be a part of our UCSD family. Fun fact: A side hobby of mine is making music and when I am not doing that, I like to bury my head in a book, go on a fun hike, or go out to a concert with my friends.
Kaley Chung
Hi, my name is Kaley Chung, and I am a 4th-year Computer Science major. I am so excited to be a Lead Peer Mentor !! I currently work as the ASUCSD Office of Marketing’s Data Analytics Specialist and have been involved with ERSP and ACM. In my free time, I love thrifting, drawing, playing horror video games, and eating good food. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. <333
Kathy Charry
Hi everyone! I’m Kathy, a third-year Computer Science student in Warren and a returning PACE LPM. I’m excited to be back for another great year, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of you! Outside of school, I love going to concerts, hitting up the beach, reading, and trying new food spots. I’m always happy to chat or help out, so feel free to reach out anytime! :)
Mark Dang
Hi everyone! I’m Mark, a second-year Artificial Intelligence major at Eighth College. I was actually a PACE student myself for all three quarters of my first year, so I’m really excited to come back this year as a mentor!
I spend a lot of time coding, so when I’m away from my computer, I enjoy working out, exploring new places, and trying new food spots. Whether you have questions about classes, want to talk about getting through your first year, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!
Mia Chen
Hello hello! I’m Mia, a 4th-year Computer Science major in Sixth College and a returning LPM. I love to eat, travel, and do a variety of outdoor activities like running, swimming and hiking. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and please reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!
Nicole Fong
Hello !! I’m Nicole, a second year Artificial Intelligence major at Warren. I’m from the Bay Area and am a big fan of different types of tea, listening to music, and reading thriller/murder mystery books. I’m very active on campus, so say hi if you see me around!! Super excited to meet you all.
Nikitha Maderamitla
Hi there! I'm Nikitha, a fourth-year CS major in Sixth. When I'm not in class or coding for soccer-playing robots, you'll find me getting involved with clubs like CSES and WIC, enjoying some time dancing, finding good food, or catching a good stand-up show. I was a PACE student myself during my first year, and I am so excited to return as your Lead Peer Mentor this year! Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you just want to chat :)
Sachin Ramanathan
Hey everyone! I'm Sachin, a fourth-year Computer Science major at Muir. When I'm not trying to figure out why my code isn't working, I'm probably traveling somewhere new, trying out new food, or hitting the beach. I look forward to getting to know y'all this year :)
Sathwika Peechara
Hi!! I'm Sathwika, a third-year Computer Science major at Sixth and a returning LPM this year. I love reading, going on hikes, and hanging out with friends in my free time. I do research at ECE and CSE, and am involved in CSES. Feel free to reach out to me anytime, I'm super excited to meet you guys!
Yuval Pesok
Hi, I'm Yuval! I'm a third year Computer Science major in Seventh College. Outside of class I spend a lot of my time building coding side projects and working out of coffee shops, I'm always testing out new cafes and rating their coffee and matcha. I also love traveling and exploring new places, playing basketball, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends. I'm really glad to be one of your LPMs this year. Whether you have questions about classes, CS in general, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out anytime!
Faculty Leads and Teaching Assistant(s)
Dr. Mia Minnes
Welcome to UC San Diego! Come by my office on the fourth floor and check out colourful whiteboard markers, cool origami, and a view of our CSE Stone Bear mascot.
Dr. Joe Politz
Hello and welcome! Come visit my office on the third floor to talk about programming, San Diego, and dogs. You can find me posting puns, dog pictures, tech discussion and more on Twitter.
Dr. Kristen Vaccaro
Welcome to UCSD! You can find me on the third floor at the end of the hall (3226, there's also a nice lounge outside) where I'm happy to chat about social computing, UX, and design!
Ryan Batubara
Hello! I’m Ryan, a first-year Master’s student in CSE and the Teaching Assistant (TA) for CSE PACE. I’m interested in quantum computing, and I like playing guitar! I also did my undergrad here at UCSD. Feel free to reach out and chat!
Disseminating PACE
Thinking of launching a program like CSE-PACE at your institution? Learn more and download resources and toolkits .