June means cap and gown season has arrived. For many Irvine graduates, those gowns come decorated with cords signifying their remarkable achievements. Across the city, the class of ’25 anticipates a bright future ahead while celebrating the many successes already achieved. This is the realization of Irvine’s vision to create a “City of Intellect” around an elite university surrounded by top-ranked schools.
Inside, you’ll discover a Columbia-bound grad who prototyped an innovative medical device, a Swarthmore-bound senior who launched a political consulting firm and a future astronautical engineer who has already studied inside NASA.
These accomplished graduates were nurtured by extraordinary teachers and one of the nation’s best-educated groups of parents. They’re the products of a California top 10 school district, one of the nation’s top 10 public universities and a community college with the Golden State’s highest rate of transfers to four-year schools.
“When you do something with passion, success will follow,” says University High School graduate Miles Hexun. Read on to learn more about these exceptional students who stand ready to change the world.
Top of the class: High schools
Arjun Patel, Northwood H.S.
Williams College: Political Science
“Confidence matters more than you think,” says Patel, who launched a consulting firm to mentor first-time political candidates last year. He comes prepared, having helped organize fundraisers for politicians and serving as campaign manager for an Irvine mayoral candidate. Patel spent two months in Taiwan studying Mandarin under the State Department’s Language Initiative for Youth. He also spearheaded Northwood’s Model UN, earning top awards from major conferences across the country. “Find a mentor,” he advises freshmen. “Find 10. Reach out. Cold email people you admire. You’d be surprised who responds.”
Hridaya Saravanan, Woodbridge H.S.
USC: Astronautical Engineering
Saravanan was selected for the elite NASA SEES internship at the University of Texas Center for Space Research last summer and presented on her team’s behalf at the American Geophysical Union’s 2024 annual meeting. Her freshman year, she represented Woodbridge’s radio frequency and laser communications team in Irvine’s CubeSat program. “I begin my astronomy club meetings with the phrase, ‘We are the universe trying to understand itself,’ ” Saravanan says. She hopes to someday help land the first astronauts on Mars and study the origins of our solar system.
Danbi Lee, Woodbridge H.S.
Cornell University: Nutritional Sciences
This third-degree taekwondo black belt strives to educate others about nutrition, urban agriculture and holistic approaches to chronic illnesses. As founder of the Sustainable Agriculture Club, Lee led her team to win Irvine’s Green Challenge and introduced Woodbridge to additional green practices. She also served as co-editor‑in-chief of Woodbridge’s magazine and self-published “The Real Me” after completing the long-distance pilgrimage walk Camino de Santiago last summer. “Don’t be afraid to be different,” Lee says, having blazed her own path. “Your passions and interests make you unique, so keep true to yourself.”
Ruby Honjol, Beckman H.S.
Columbia University: Biology and Medical Humanities
This three-time winner of the International Biomedicine Olympiad landed elite internships at Oxford, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the Cleveland Clinic. Honjol also prototyped her own medical innovation, SuturE CURE, designed to revolutionize postsurgical recovery. She published work at Oxford, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and a Global Metaverse gallery.
One of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars, chosen from 105,000 applicants nationwide, she maintained a 4.73 GPA and swam competitively, qualifying for international open-water swim series Oceanman in Thailand and representing Dubai in London. As founder of two nonprofits and a global health education initiative, this future physician-scientist aspires to revolutionize precision medicine.
Bruno Rodriguez Diaz, University H.S.
Stanford University: Public Policy
As one of the 150 Coca‑Cola Scholars chosen from 105,000 applicants nationwide, Diaz received a $20,000 merit scholarship. He served as president of University’s Model UN and VP of his Mock Trial team, winning numerous public speaking awards, all while maintaining a 4.43 GPA. He was also Associated Student Body treasurer and executive editor of the school’s newspaper. His successes, alongside his debate coaching, position him well for a legal career. “I’m particularly interested in labor and immigration law, and their intersection,” says Diaz, who plans to do policy work on related issues.
Lily Ye, Northwood H.S.
UC Irvine: Political Science
A career in law is a natural fit for this Associated Student Body president and former clubs commissioner. Ye founded Northwood’s parliamentary debate team, served as a judge for middle and elementary debate tournaments and played cello in the philharmonic orchestra. As a Chinese immigrant, she’s committed to understanding international relations, policymaking and giving back to the community that helped raise her. “I’m proud of fostering the next generation of leaders at Northwood,” Ye says. “I wish I had more time with ASB to see the great things they’re going to achieve.”
Ayla Kailiponi, Beckman H.S.
Brigham Young University: Mechanical Engineering
As student director for Beckman’s Medical Certificate Program, Kailiponi connected more than 600 students with medical professionals to learn practical skills. The future engineer qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship, having competed since fourth grade. She swam on Beckman’s varsity team all four years, winning the league’s championship, placing first in freestyle and securing Athlete of the Week, all while maintaining a 4.7 GPA. Kailiponi hopes to apply her aptitude for math and physics to create innovative designs and empower women in STEM, she says. “I’m proud to help build a lasting legacy with my teammates.”
Malaika Fawzi, Portola H.S.
UCLA: Political Science and Economics
Fawzi, Portola’s Student-Athlete of the Year, served as varsity captain for three sports (soccer, lacrosse and flag football). She helped her teams to four league championships and several CIF playoffs. Fawzi also competed for the Egyptian national soccer team in the World Cup Qualifiers. In her downtime, she coaches young athletes. As executive sports director for the award-winning Portola News Network, Fawzi acted as filmmaker, producer and storyteller. “Sports have been a transformative part of my high school experience.”
Amy Kwak, Irvine H.S.
Johns Hopkins University: Public Health
Kwak maintained a 4.6 GPA while volunteering in hospitals, nursing centers and child care facilities and serving as a section leader in Irvine High’s marching band. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of compassion, early diagnosis and equitable access to care,” she says. Those experiences inspired Kwak’s pursuit of a career in medicine. She also researches brain scan alternatives and how technology and policy can improve early diagnosis and support underserved communities. “My goal is to make health care more accessible and human‑centered.”
Lauren Ahn, Northwood H.S.
UC San Diego: Human Biology and Finance
“Step out of your comfort zone and be open to new experiences,” Ahn suggests to incoming freshmen. She practices this advice. The triathlete played tennis, flag football, basketball and lacrosse – a sport she’d never tried before high school – and was captain of Northwood’s varsity lacrosse and basketball teams. Off the field, she participated in debate and coordinated the Economics Olympiad Club. She’s also adept at Spanish and ASL and plans to study additional languages alongside her medical degree. “Trying new things creates some of the most memorable and rewarding experiences.”
Justine Roussel, Woodbridge H.S.
McGill University: Linguistics or Education
Roussel loves learning new languages. Fluent in French, and a student of Spanish and now German, Roussel plans a gap year in Germany to study the language and culture. She hopes to someday teach in an elementary multilingual school. Her work on stage at South Coast Repertory also built her confidence. “Thanks to acting, I have learned to be more empathetic,” she says, having played Martha Cratchit in SCR’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” She advises freshmen to use clubs to find their passions and community.
Ally Kim, University H.S.
UCLA: Psychology
“Growth often starts when someone feels truly understood,” says aspiring psychologist Kim, who cultivates a wellness culture. Her monthly events raised awareness of mental health issues on campus, and her video series reached over 2,300 students. As concertmaster of the Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, president of University’s Orchestra Student Organization and first-place winner of the American Protégé International Music Competition for three consecutive years, Kim is also an accomplished violinist. “I want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, one conversation at a time.”
Ishaan Gaikwad, Irvine H.S.
Duke University: Economics and Public Policy
“I dream of a better future and world and see economic policymaking as the way to accomplish this.” After building an economics challenge team from scratch, Gaikwad took his school to national finals and helped Irvine’s Model UN club win numerous awards. He also volunteered with the Irvine School Board, OC Board of Supervisors, World Affairs Council and the United Nations Association of Orange County. That sets Gaikwad up well for his future plans to work in an organization like the World Bank to implement international trade policies.
Miles Hexun, University H.S.
Stanford University: Human Biology
Steeped in science throughout his high school career, Hexun’s accomplishments are vast – Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar; USA Brain Bee finalist; Congressional Gold Medal Award recipient; and National Merit Finalist (to name a few). This Eagle Scout maintained a 4.5 GPA while working as a technician in two UC Irvine labs. That success paves the way for a career in neurology. “If I answer questions about the brain, it can lead us to solutions for the philosophical, psychological, ethical and legal problems commonplace in our society,” Hexun says.
Noah Villanueva, Northwood H.S.
DePaul University: Film and TV Production
Villanueva already boasts several productions on his resume. “At Northwood I had the opportunity to spend three years in our advanced film and broadcast program. I was able to learn about filmmaking, make new connections with others who share my passion and get experience making short films, commercials and other projects.” Villanueva tackled his first big project as a sophomore, directing Northwood’s submission to a short film festival within a 48-hour time frame. By his senior year, the self-described writer, director and cinematographer was named the county’s 2025 Artist of the Year in Film and TV by the Orange County Register.
Aishwarya Ramasubramanian, Northwood H.S.
Rice University: Social Policy Analysis and History
As an intern for an assemblywoman, Ramasubramanian proposed a Youth Advisory Board program to amplify young voices at the state level. It will soon be implemented. “I hope to work at the intersection of public policy and law,” she says. Passionate about South Asian-American history, she founded the South Asian Solidarity Project, bringing together over 200 students from 20 states. She also launched the “Voices of the Diaspora” podcast and EmpowerExchange, a program to bridge the generational gap and deliver the wisdom of elders to young people.
Kimberly Tsai, University H.S.
University of Washington: Biology
Tsai’s love of writing and storytelling pulled her through AP Biology, where she once struggled to keep up. She enjoys biology and plans a career in medicine, so her teacher made a suggestion. By creating a character to narrate her notes and teach herself the material through stories, Tsai’s grade soon soared. She hopes to pursue a career as an OB/GYN and keep her novelist dreams alive on the side. “Don’t be afraid of failure,” Tsai says. “Step outside your comfort zone. You never know what you might find out there.”
Sashan Umashankar, Portola H.S.
Princeton University: Computer Science and Finance
As the founder/CEO of CodingToAll, an international nonprofit offering free computer science tutoring and equipment to underserved communities, Umashankar plans to leverage his background in technology and quantum computing to launch a startup. Umashankar’s research skills led him to MIT, USC, UC Irvine and Chapman, publishing several papers in international journals. He also regularly competed in physics and math contests, becoming an American Invitational Mathematical Examination qualifier. He hopes to “bridge the digital divide and make technology more accessible to all.”
Preetha Thirunavukkarasan, San Joaquin H.S.
UC Berkeley: Integrative Biology
As co-founder of AutasticlyMe, a nonprofit supporting children on the spectrum, Thirunavukkarasan turns math and reading lessons into interactive games. She also volunteers with autistic adults, helping improve their social skills through conversations. A skilled flutist, holding a Certificate of Merit, and former member of the San Jose Youth Symphony, she uses her talent to connect with hospital patients. She plans a career in oncology. Her advice to freshmen: “Keep a positive outlook and focus on growth instead of mistakes. It helps you make the most out of every experience.”
Top of the class: Irvine Valley College
Xasive Espinosa
UCLA: Political Science
Espinosa is inspired by a passion for law, advocacy and the power of words. “I learned that true advocacy and justice were centered on rehabilitation,” she says of her internship at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, where she worked in the Mental Health Unit. At IVC, she presented her legal research at conferences and became a national finalist on the Speech and Debate Team. She also volunteers at the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles. “IVC is an amazing institution where you have the opportunity to fall in love with academia and find your own passions,” she says. “These experiences can change your life – as IVC did for me.”
Tymen Koetsier
UC Berkeley: History
“Especially nowadays, with our tumultuous and ever-changing world, it is crucial that we look back at those who have come before us,” Koetsier says. His goal: to become a university history professor and share that passion with future generations. At IVC, he found academic success and community. He thrived in the Honors Program and became a standout on the Speech and Debate Team, earning medals at national and international tournaments. He also volunteered with the Dutch language school in Tustin and helped reboot Irvine High’s Quizbowl program. A trilingual student with a love for soccer and language, Koetsier leaves IVC with honors and associate degrees in both history and French.
Alayna Lay
UC Irvine: Computer Science
At 15 years old, Lay has already earned three associate degrees. A former homeschooler who graduated from high school at 14, she found her passion in computer science and is now considering a future in bioinformatics. “It’s just something fun and applicable in the health care industry,” she says. Lay was drawn to IVC for its flexibility and enrichment opportunities – earning degrees in natural sciences, humanities and liberal arts while taking part in the Honors Program. A proud member of ELEVATE AAPI, she found a sense of community and comfort on campus. Her advice to students: “Find what puts you in your happy state and hold onto it. Joy doesn’t disappear with age, so anybody can find it. Go have fun.”
Aiza Khalil
UC Irvine: Biomedical Engineering
Khalil plans to pursue a dual path in medicine and research, aiming to specialize in prosthetics or microfluidics while working toward an M.D. and Ph.D. “I’d love to leave a positive impact on any person I encounter,” she says. “Being a physician allows me to explain to patients what is happening in a digestible way, give them peace of mind and aid in improving their health – especially since health is wealth.” At IVC, she served as Honors Program president, led multiple student teams and presented her research at national conferences. Outside of class, she volunteered at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, created breast cancer awareness materials for Relay For Life and earned the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award twice. Khalil’s advice: “IVC has the things waiting for you. You need to take the first step through the door.”
David Liu Jr.
UCLA: Philosophy
Liu plans to focus on law and ethics – an academic path that reflects his desire to serve others. “I aspire to treat others as ends in themselves with inherent value and dignity,” he says. At IVC, Liu founded and captained the college’s first Mock Trial team, leading it to national competition. He also served as chair of the Student Success Committee, advocating for students from diverse backgrounds. A volunteer paralegal at a family law nonprofit, he assists in providing affordable legal aid to those facing custody battles, divorce or domestic violence. Born in Brazil and raised across three continents, Liu overcame years of cultural displacement to find purpose in connection. “IVC has many faculty, staff and school leaders who genuinely care,” he says. “Be open to what IVC has to offer.”
Top of the class: UC Irvine
Quincy Barnes
B.S. Aerospace Engineering
The aerospace engineering student led UCI’s Rocket Project as propulsion engineer for its innovative methalox rocket. As president of UCI’s National Society of Black Engineers, he increased the membership from 10 to more than 40, hosting events featuring speakers from companies such as Boeing and Snapchat. Rising at 4 a.m. daily, Barnes balances academics and leadership while promoting events like “The Space Race” documentary screening. The son of two doctors, he chose UC Irvine partly because his childhood beach is Corona del Mar – just 15 minutes away.
Kathleen Powers
M.D. School of Medicine
Before medical school, Powers earned her undergraduate degree from Yale, researching humanities, and then a Ph.D. in rhetoric from UC Berkeley. Those journeys sparked her call to medicine after she studied Greek tragedy’s view of the body as an object of reverence and caretaking. The UC Irvine medical student and co-editor-in-chief of Plexus matched in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University. Powers aims to serve rural and trauma patients – seeing surgery as philosophical caretaking where “your whole self becomes an instrument of caretaking. It’s not just your scalpel; it’s you.”
Anthony Cusimano
B.S. Data Science
An Irvine High School alumnus who will graduate magna cum laude, Cusimano led a machine-learning study with Columbia University – which was accepted at a workshop at the AAAI Conference, one of the world’s premier AI research forums – and advanced cancer-cell detection with the Frederick National Laboratory. “I’ve always wanted to choose a career path that can make a tangible difference, and data science gives me the tools to solve real problems and uncover patterns that were unknown,” he says. A two-year member of UCI’s Information & Computer Science Student Council, he will pursue a master’s degree at UCLA while joining Capital Group in Irvine.
Samantha Quezada
B.A. Business Economics
After transferring from Santiago Canyon College, Quezada excelled at UC Irvine as a business economics honors major. She interned at the local office of a U.S. congressman and through the UCDC program, gaining legislative experience. A graduate of the Stanford Law Scholars Institute, she works at UCI’s Disability Services Center and researches how education funding shapes children’s futures. Her passion stems from personal experience with educational inequity, having attended various Orange County schools with differing resources. Planning a gap year before applying to law schools, Quezada is committed to educational equity. Her involvement in the Campuswide Honors Collegium underscores her drive to create change through policy.
Ky-Vinh Mai
B.S. Data Science, B.A. Language Science
Graduating with dual degrees in data science and language science, Mai pioneered research identifying ambiguous sentences in speech using NPR podcast transcripts. A Regents’ Scholar and first-generation child of Vietnamese refugees, Mai interned at the Santa Fe Institute, presenting “Visual Analogy Making with Large Language Models,” and at Los Alamos National Laboratory, addressing bias in climate and materials science AI models. His work explores the ethical implications of rapidly advancing technology while bridging technical expertise with social responsibility.
