preceptor
pre·cep·tor [ˈprēˌseptər]
1. noun. a person who guides, tutors, and provides direction.
2. noun. a current upperclass Stanford student passionate about mentoring incoming freshman!
Preceptors plan activites, tutor, mentor, advise and enhance the LSP experience while serving as residential staff during LSP.
Andrew Vasquez
My name is Andrew Vasquez ('16) and I am majoring in Religious Studies because I love thinking about life's big questions (What's the meaning of it? Who are we?) and learning about how other people answer them. I am also minoring in Education because I want to become a school teacher. I have seen the impact that teachers can make and the great opportunities that an education provides, so I want to help underserved students attain the quality education they rightfully deserve. I grew up in Palmetto, FL, which is a small city south of Tampa Bay (Go Bucs!). Some things I do for fun are watch football games, play volleyball, and dance, dance dance! Overall, I love to joke around and make people laugh. As a former LSP student, I am very excited and honored to be returning for a second year as a preceptor!
Betsy Alegria
My name is Betsy Alegria ('16) and I am majoring in Symbolic Systems with a focus on Human Computer Interaction. Broadly, I am interested in how we interact with computers, design, behavioral science, and asking those "big" questions. Specifically, I am curious about the role of technology in education. The interdisciplinary aspect of Symbolic Systems has let me explore how different disciplines (computer science, philosophy, psychology, and linguistics) approach those questions. In addition to classes, I have been involved with East Palo Alto Stanford Academy (EPASA), a middle school program. I have found a community by working with the EPASA team, our students, and their families. My thoughts on our education system and social justice have also matured through my involvement in EPASA. Finally, my bio would not be complete if I did not mention my love for coffee. So if you like coffee (or not), we should talk. Perhaps over coffee!
Clara Luu
My name is Clara Luu ('15) and I am majoring in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioethics and Medical Humanities. I am interested in studying medicine, arts, and humanities; writing poems and creative nonfiction; and working on issues related to wildlife conservation and human wellbeing. I really like art museums, off-the-beaten-path nature, bad puns, and good food. On campus, you’ll find me working at IDA (Institute for Diversity in the Arts) or trying to grapple with philosophical ideas. In my third and last year as a Preceptor, I hope to help Leland Scholars find their voices, uncover interests and strengths, and to be confident in forging their unique path through Stanford. I can't wait to meet you!
Gaozong Vang
Joseph Thornton
My name is Joseph Thornton ('17) and I am from San Francisco, CA. I am majoring in Science, Technology, and Society with a concentration in Information Technology, Media & Society. I am also minoring in Film & Media Studies as I create short films in pursuit of my dream to work in a film studio. I think it's beautiful that film can turn a concept/idea/dream into a reality, and isn't limited by the standards we are held to. In my free time I love watching movies (surprise!!!), playing volleyball (any sport really), and playing video games. I'm usually too busy rooting for the Giants, Niners, and Lakers to notice any other teams. My greatest goal in life is to give back to the people and communities that have supported me and helped me get to where I am today. I'm excited to be a preceptor because it's an opportunity to facilitate young minds, as they struggle and push themselves to grow.
Nalani Wakinekona
My name is Nalani Wakinekona ('16), and I am pursuing a degree in Human Biology with an Infectious Disease concentration. Since I have family in tropical climates (Hawaii and Jamaica), I am interested in tropical diseases as well as other infectious diseases that exist in these climates and the way that rural communities deal with these health difficulties. I plan to acquire a MD in the future. As a staff member of the Black Community Service Center and a BROC coordinator (Black Recruitment Orientation Committee), I am very involved with the Black Community on campus. I am also a low-income, first-generation college student, and I try my best to use these aspects of my background as a positive in my life at Stanford rather than a negative. I also play on the Women's Club Lacrosse Team with a group of wonderful girls. I love the Southern California attitude, the ocean, manapua (Hawaiian dumplings), Disney movies, and singing karaoke on Youtube.
Osvaldo Muro
Muro’s the name and education’s my game! Born and raised in the East Los Angeles area, I’m currently an STS (Science, Technology, & Society) major concentrating in Bio-Tech and Life science. I enjoy the great outdoors and learning all there is to know about the living world – especially plants. I’ve spent a significant portion of my Stanford career working with the Carnegie Institute of Plant Science and, even more, outside the lab with the Stanford Stepping Stones to Success Program. There’s nothing I adore more than teaching and I hope to share the fruits of my education with each subsequent generation of our most motivated, often disadvantaged, youth. I’m a first-generation Mexican-American with the class of 2016.
Paul Watkins
My name is Paul Watkins ('17) and I am pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering! I'm strongly interested in biomechanics and the applications of powered exoskeletons along with how the field of engineering can be utilized for social justice. I'm from Ferguson, MO born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days. Leaving the Midwest for the West has definitely been one of the best moves I've made. In my free time I love to daydream, watch movies, write movies, play trumpet, and go on adventures. Recently, I've also been trying to get in the habit of going to the gym. On campus you can find me involved with the NSO Production Faces of Community, SBSE, and the Phoenix Scholars Program. I am also involved with LSP (shoutout to LSP II) and the excellent Black Community on campus. I appreciate the realization that every day is a journey and every day will have something new to offer. I can't wait to share with you all my experiences and I'm looking forward to learning from you all as well! See you soon!
