Our Engineering Student Success Coaches provide one-on-one sessions with undergraduate engineering students to help address academic and personal needs. Coaches can provide ongoing support for students to help identify challenges and work together to build a personalized plan to achieve their academic/personal goals by learning practical strategies to be successful engineering students.
Coaches can help with the following topics:
- Campus Resources
- Academic/Personal Support
- Time Management
- Study Skills
- Goal Setting
- Wellness
- Career Preparation
- Organization Skills
- Transition from high school to college
- And much more!
If you are interested in meeting with a coach, please complete our intake form:
Students who apply to meet with a coach will receive an email from their coach within a week after submitting the form. Applications are on a rolling basis until coaches have met capacity.
For more information about the Engineering Student Success Coaching Program, please email ugengr@uci.edu.
Meet the Coaches
Akhil Chandekar
4th Year
Biomedical Engineering: Premedical
Hometown: Folsom, CA
Why did you become an Engineering Student Success Coach?
I chose to become an Engineering Student Success Coach because I love helping new students get acquainted with college life and mentored many students in my time as a board member for BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society) at UCI. I wanted to take my mentorship skills to another level by putting my knowledge and experience to getting students back on track!
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an engineering student?
I’ve learned that college can be a roller coaster ride, and no one is perfect. No matter how productive you are, everyone needs time to reflect, recover, and reconnect. It is better to accept your challenges and face them with a smile, than to burn yourself out by chasing a superficial goal.
What do you do for fun?
When I’m not studying or researching, I love trying new cuisines, practice Heartfulness meditation, and coach soccer to preschool kids!
What do you want to do after graduation?
I will be applying to medical school after graduating from UCI and hope to one day become a sports medicine orthopedic specialist and help athletes get back to doing what they love!
Brandon Feltman
4th Year
Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Why did you become an Engineering Student Success Coach?
I’ve always loved to help people through their struggles, especially academically because we all need someone to lean on at times. I want to be the person that someone can rely on to get help from.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an engineering student?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that to be a successful engineer, we all need balance. We all need some activity or hobby to get our minds away from school and to do the things that make us happy
What do you do for fun?
I like to surf, camp, hike, workout, spearfish, slackline and do anything involving nature.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I would like to get involved in the automotive or renewable energy industry.
Johnny Nguyen
4th Year
Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Anaheim, CA
Why did you become an Engineering Student Success Coach?
I became an Engineering Student Success Coach to connect with other students who may be struggling or experiencing small hiccups in their engineering journey. I changed my major to mechanical engineering at the beginning of my second year and I dedicated several hours to creating a plan to get as involved as possible. From my past experiences, I want to help other students who may face these same challenges.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an engineering student?
The biggest lesson that I have learned as an engineering student is that passion and willingness to learn goes a long way. There is no question that engineering courses are difficult. Finding meaning and mediums to apply your class knowledge in real life will make these classes more enjoyable. Also, the school of engineering has plenty of fun technical electives that you can go deeper into some interesting topics!
What do you do for fun?
At school I really enjoy working on various hands-on projects. Currently, I am involved in UCI Solar Car as the Co-Mechanical Lead and HyperXite on the Braking & Pneumatics subteam. Outside of school, I enjoy working out, hiking, and playing volleyball.
What do you want to do after graduation?
After graduating, I plan to work in an industry that focuses on meeting unmet user needs. I have partaken in two different medical device internships where I designed various devices and engaged with patients directly. However, out of college, I am pivoting my focus from the medical industry to enter the electric vehicle industry. I have accepted a position at Ford as a Vehicle Design & Integration Engineer as a part of their student worker program. In this role, I will focus on designing and implementing the closure systems for their electric vehicles marketed to be lower in cost. This opportunity resonated a lot with me due to the pressing need to lower our overall carbon emissions, but also focus on creating a product that is available to a wider range of individuals rather than just the wealthy.
Trang Nguyen
4th Year
Computer Engineering
Hometown: Nha Trang, Vietnam
Why did you become an Engineering Student Success Coach?
When I first started at UCI, I struggled academically and failed classes, which made it difficult to find my footing as an engineering student. Over time, I became actively involved in the engineering community—serving on the Engineering Student Council, joining Anteater Electric Racing, earning a place on the Dean’s List, working as a student employee for the School of Engineering, and receiving letters of recommendation from faculty and staff. These experiences have given me valuable insight into overcoming academic challenges and building a strong professional foundation. As a mentor and coach, my goal is to support engineering students in their own journeys by helping them navigate challenges, access resources, and develop the confidence needed to succeed.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an engineering student?
Pursuing ambitious goals is important, but not at the expense of well-being. Long-term success in engineering—or any field—requires a balance between dedication and self-care. It is essential to cultivate sustainable habits and a healthy mindset to ensure both professional growth and personal well-being.
What do you do for fun?
I love weightlifting and going to the gym—it helps me destress, stay physically healthy, and boost my confidence in all areas of life! UCI also has some amazing fitness classes at great prices—I’m currently doing kickboxing and it’s been a blast. Outside of that, I enjoy cooking when I have the time, hitting the beach (Seaside is a classic), and spending time with friends (because trust me, you’re going to need them).
What do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation, I aspire to work as an embedded systems engineer, applying my knowledge in hardware and software integration to develop innovative and efficient systems.
Barozh Smail
4th Year
Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Kurdistan
Why did you become an Engineering Student Success Coach?
I became an Engineering Student Success Coach to help others succeed by sharing what I’ve learned from balancing school, projects, and life. It’s rewarding to see students grow and reach their goals.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an engineering student?
I’ve learned that failing is part of the journey to success. You need to be resilient and never give up. When you fail, it’s important to take a good look at what went wrong and learn from it.
What do you do for fun?
I love playing soccer—it’s a great way to stay active, have fun, and clear my mind after a busy week.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I want to work as a mechanical design engineer.
Nirupama (Niru) Suravarjjala
3rd Year
Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Dublin, CA
Why did you become an Engineering Student Success Coach?
I became an Engineering Student Success Coach because I feel like being an engineering student is already such an experience and navigating that on your own could be hard, and I wanted to help in any way I could. I personally had a mentor in one of our school orgs who helped me a lot, inspiring me to be that for someone else. I’ve also had my fair share of problems and struggles and can definitely relate to fellow peers.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as an engineering student?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned as an engineering student is that we all belong here. It’s natural to experience imposter syndrome or feel like your efforts aren’t making a difference, but remember that you’re not alone—many of us share similar challenges and doubts. You deserve to be here.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy singing, playing tennis, spending time outdoors (whether it’s at the beach or on a hike), making jewelry, and making memories with family and friends.
What do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation, I want to work in industry for a couple years and then pursue my Master’s or PhD.