Meet Our Staff

Dear UCSB Community,

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to assist you with all of your financial aid related needs and our goal is to provide UCSB families with the services necessary to achieve their educational goals. We are committed to providing accurate, user-friendly, responsive, and respectful service to students and their families. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way. On behalf of the Office of Financial and Scholarships, I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

Photo of Saul Quiroz

Regards,

Saúl Quiroz
Director 
University of California, Santa Barbara
(805) 893 - 4941
saul.quiroz@sa.ucsb.edu

Staff

  • Andrew Height Fiscal Analyst
    Andrew provides important leadership to the fiscal operations unit as the primary reviewer for cash handling and work study management. He is the unit lead for new system implementations and maintenance.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    I would love to learn to fly a plane.

    andrew.height@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2733
  • Christina Gutierrez Records Coordinator
    Christina manages all documents that flow through OFAS. Her work enables each appeal or review process to happen and for the office to maintain critical records. 

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Tacos!

    christina.gutierrez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 7055
  • Esmeralda Tranquilino Advisor

    Esmeralda coordinates our Middle Class Scholarship program and supports our Dream Scholar student population. She administers state funding and works closely with students to facilitate navigating the financial aid process.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

    My mom's enchiladas!
    Esmeralda.tranquilino@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4754
  • Hanna Wong Advisor
    Hanna is the liaison with Intercollegiate Athletics to award and support over 400 student athletes. She is also the financial aid liaison for the UCSB Guardian Scholars Program.



    What is one thing you would really like to learn? 

    I would love to learn how to draw or paint with acrylics. I love art with lots of color and interesting shapes. 

    hanna.wong@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 7022
  • Jenny McCracken Associate Director
    Jenny leads the compliance and fiscal operations units that ensure student aid funding is awarded in line with state, federal, and UC-wide regulations.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Henley Gate around graduation time. I love seeing everyone taking their photos!

    jenny.mccracken@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2616
  • Jesse Baez Direct Loan Analyst
    Jesse is the lead administrator for our Federal Direct Loan programs. These programs account for more than $75 million in disbursed student aid each year.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Sushi - always amazing, healthy and delicious at the same time!

    jesse.baez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2816
  • Jessica Trumble Scholarships and Donor Relations Manager
    Jessica manages the department's scholarship efforts, ensuring that we are doing the most to provide scholarship support to our amazing UCSB students.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    How to successfully flip a pancake

    jessica.trumble@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4605
  • Josie Miller Financial & Work-Study Analyst

    Josie is the department contact for campus Work-Study and scholarship questions. She is the primary cash handler for over $4 million in scholarship checks that come from over 1,000 outside agencies all over the country. She provides financial analysis for federal programs.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Overlooking the lagoon, it’s a peaceful place to stand and you can see and feel the ocean.

    josephine.miller@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2067
  • Julie Portillo Fiscal Manager
    Julie directs all fiscal activities for over $400 million in student aid dollars that OFAS is responsible for administering. This work makes sure student awards can be paid timely and accurately.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    How to speak Arabic. It's one of the languages I started to study but never fully learned.

    julie.portillo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4828
  • Lianne Gil Advisor
    Lianne coordinates the Federal Pell Grant program, awarding approximately 40 million in federal aid dollars to income-eligible students each year. She also is a lead in special verification processing that is essential to determine aid eligibility for our students. 

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    "Sinigang" - Tamarind Soup

    lianne.gil@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5949
  • Luis Naranjo Assistant Director
    Luis supervises a team of financial aid advisors with diverse aid program responsibilities. Additionally, Luis works directly with the Cal Grant and Dream Programs.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    I would like to learn video and photo production.

    luis.naranjo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3760
  • Marcee Davis VA Certifying Official/Advisor

    Marcee supports our veteran and veteran related students, processing their VA benefits and working closely with UCSB Veteran & Military Services to provide support for the community.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Coal Oil Reserve because it has amazing views and trails.

    marcee.davis@sa.ucsb.edu
  • Maria Galicia Work Study Coordinator
    Maria coordinates the off campus Work-Study Program ensuring UCSB students have opportunities to explore careers outside the UCSB campus and providing a valuable resource to local businesses. She is the main contact for off-campus Work-Study students and employers.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Campus point would be my favorite spot. I like running through there, views are amazing, and it's a great place to let go of everyday stressors.

    maria.galicia@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2067
  • Maria Rivera Information Specialist
    Maria is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process, providing Peer Advisor training, and processing Short Term Emergency Loans.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    American Sign Language to be able to communicate with more people!

    maria.rivera@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3407
  • Maria Zavala Information Specialist
    Maria is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process, providing Peer Advisor training, and processing Short Term Emergency Loans.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    Photography

    maria.zavala@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5084
  • Maribel Acevedo Financial Analyst
    Maribel manages scholarship awarding for all campus scholarships, awards, prizes, resources, and from external agency donors. This support provides more than 15 million to UCSB students. She provides financial analysis for State programs.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Pizza!

    maribel.acevedo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5528
  • Martin Carranza Basic Needs Advisor
    Martin is a member of the Financial Crisis Response Team and supports the Basic Needs efforts for the campus. This work ensures students are getting the support they need to thrive at UCSB. 

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Ceviche

    martin.carranza@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 8905
  • Martina Ubaldo Advisor
    Martina calculates eligibility for aid in the event that students need to withdraw from classes. This is a critical role to ensure that students receive the proper support as they navigate withdrawing. She also supervises our student peer advisors who are an integral part of our department. 

    If you could learn anything what would it be?

    I would love to learn how to read Egyptian Hieroglyphs as ancient Egyptian History is one of my favorite things to learn about!

    martina.ubaldo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2273
  • Melissa Orozco Direct Loan Assistant
    Melissa assists in the administration of Direct Loans for students, helping ensure the timely delivery of aid funding. Additionally, Melissa certifies all Private Loan requests for UCSB students.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    How to play the saxophone!

    melissa.orozco@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2816
  • Melissa Sierra Information Specialist
    Melissa is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process, providing Peer Advisor training, and processing Short Term Emergency Loans.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Enchiladas with rice and beans because I never get tired of them.

    melissa.sierra@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893-4609
  • Mischa Lopez Assistant Director
    Mischa manages the student services team that assists over 17,000 students with their financial aid every year. She also directs summer aid awarding and institutional loans for the campus. 

    If you could learn anything what would it be?

    I would love to learn how to play the piano.

    mischa.lopez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5333
  • Natalie Gonzalez Assistant Director
    Natalie supervises a team of financial aid advisors with diverse aid program responsibilities. Additionally, Natalie works directly with the Scholar Retention Program and Satisfactory Academic Progress. 

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    To be a better swimmer

     
    natalie.gonzalez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2843
  • Nathan Cook Associate Director
    Nate leads the advising and financial aid program administration unit. He works behind the scenes to help ensure timely processing of financial aid applications, student budgets, awards, and disbursements.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    The meaning of life, the universe, and everything.

    nathan.cook@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3129
  • Nicole Dominguez Quality Assurance Manager
    Nicole monitors our processing to ensure federal, state, and institutional compliance. She also trains the staff on new regulations so that we maintain quality, accurate processing.   

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    The bluffs by campus point

    nicole.dominguez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4829
  • Rebecca Plotkin Basic Needs Coordinator
    Rebecca leads the Financial Crisis Response Team and multiple Basic Needs efforts for the campus that ensures students are getting the support they need. Her team provides responses to students in crisis within 24-48 hours so that no student falls through the cracks during an emergency.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Campus point

    rebecca.plotkin@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3336
  • Rebecca Steiner Information Specialist

    Rebecca is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process, providing Peer Advisor training, and processing Short Term Emergency Loans.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    If I could have one meal for the rest of my life it would be my mom's pork chops, mashed potatoes, and homemade gravy. I used to ask for this every year for my birthday and it reminds me of home.

    rebecca.steiner@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4382
  • Sampath Radhakrishna Advisor
    Sampath coordinates the awarding for approximately 1,800 students studying around the world as they attend Education Abroad each year. He works closely with colleagues at UCEAP and UCSB EAP in order to facilitate navigating the financial aid process for students interested in studying abroad. He also awards financial aid to students studying at other UC's during the summer term/s.

    What is your favorite spot on campus? 

    The lawn next to the Chemistry Building. It's a great place to relax and play frisbee!
    Sampath.radhakrishna@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3257

Student Staff

  • Armando Zavala

    As a student Peer Advisor, Armando advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Cutie tangerines because you are what you eat

  • Carly Lam

    As a student Peer Advisor, Carly advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.


     

    What is your favorite spot on campus? 

    Bren Hall and the ocean/grass area in front of it. It's a beautiful place to study and just relax during a hectic school day.

  • Carolina Castro-Jasso

    As a student Peer Advisor, Carolina advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.


     

    What is your favorite spot on campus? 

    The patio on the 6th Floor of the Math Department - It has the best view of Storke tower, the bike path, lagoon, and the ocean.

  • Derek Interiano

    As a student Peer Advisor, Derek advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    The Arbor because so many snacks!

  • Dylan Goldman

    As a Work-Study peer advisor, Dylan is a core member of the fiscal operations team. He provides student and staff support for scholarships, work-study and financial reconciliations.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    The grass outside the UCen by the lagoon. Most unique study spot for any college.

  • Erika Gonzalez

    As a student Peer Advisor, Erika advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    The gym is my favorite because I love working out.

  • Gina Rue

    As a student Peer Advisor, Gina advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    I'm Korean so any meal with kimchi and rice.

  • Irma Hernandez

    As a student Peer Advisor, Irma advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Aguachiles because it is the one food I can’t live without.

  • Jessica Lemus
    As a student Peer Advisor, Jessica advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Breakfast burritos! You can make endless combinations.

  • Jocelyn Morales

    As a student Peer Advisor, Jocelyn advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Green enchiladas, but only the way my mom makes them

  • Kristina Soto

    As a student Peer Advisor, Kristina advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    I want to learn how to speak Spanish fluently. I can speak a little bit right now but I would love to be able to speak Spanish to my grandma.

  • Lauren Ceja-Hernandez

    As a student Peer Advisor, Lauren advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    I would want to eat pad thai for the rest of my life because it's sweet, salty, and spicy all in one meal!

  • Layah Mosley

    As a student Peer Advisor, Layah advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    The Student Resource Building, I really like going to the cultural resource centers to study or hang out with friends in between classes.

  • Maria Romo
    As a student Peer Advisor, Maria advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Tacos because there's so many things you can put in them! 

  • Sasha Tarnovsky

    As a student Peer Advisor, Sasha advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    I would like to learn how to surf since I live here, but I am scared of waves.