Learning through practice, problem-solving, and applying concepts.
"My peer educator really made us think about the steps and angles of developing a solution. At the same time, I was enrolled in an ECE course and my instructor for that course was having us think this way too. I’m realizing this is engineering and how engineers think about problems and solutions."
- 1st year Electrical Engineering Student
by IDEA Engineering Student Center
Having trouble signing up for a section?
About Engineering Learning Communities
Engineering Learning Communities are formal study groups that bring engineering students into a supportive environment where they can develop confidence, strengthen study skills, and learn the value of collaborative study. This small academic environment seeks to increase student mastery and motivation by eliminating the intimidating large classes that engineering students experience particularly in the freshman year. Learning Communities at other institutions have proven effective in improving grades, motivation, and learning over the past 2 years.
What you can expect from the Engineering Learning Communities program:
- Weekly problem solving sessions with a Peer Educator(Current engineering student).
- Collaboration with other participants, teaching and learning from each other.
- Tips and guidance on how to prepare for examinations, how to best study, and how to best use course books and materials.
- Additional academic support through office hours held by each Peer Educator.
- Read an article about the Engineering Learning Communities here.
Engineering Learning Communities are offered throughout the academic year to provide academic support for core engineering pre-requisite classes. Schedules vary each quarter in conjunction with Calculus/Physics/Chemistry courses offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a scheduling conflict, how can I still participate?
We try our best to find times that work with our peer educators schedule and don't overlap with the schedule of classes but aren't always successful. You can attend a portion of the section or connect with the Peer educator of the section separately to join the discord.
Is it okay if I miss a few sections?
Absolutely! We understand the quarter looks different for everyone, and sections are a more informal support system for students.
I'm still on the waitlist, will I get off?
You can still attend if you are on the waitlist! (Yes just show up at the scheduled time!) We try to clear our waitlists by week 3, but if you are the waitlist please reach out to elc-assistant@ucsd.edu to ask about getting added!
Is there a deadline to sign up?
No deadline! Maybe you feel comfortable with the material now, but as the quarter progresses, things get a bit challenging, feel free to still join!
How are ELCs different from SI?
ELCs are just another resource for students if it works better for their schedule or learning style. Peer Educators are also current engineering students who also connect with students about all things engineering and not just the subject they teach. Sections promote community and learning through content review and practice problems :)
Location of Learning Communities
ELC Classroom (Jacobs Hall B805)
To get to the IDEA Engineering Learning Communities, take the stairs from Warren Mall (closest to Bioengineering Building) to the Jacobs Hall basement courtyard, where main entrance to the IDEA Engineering Learning Communities is located.
IDEA Center Classroom (PFBH Basement 003)
Meet Our Peer Educators
Emerson Parker | Chemical Engineering | Eleanor Roosevelt College
(he/they)
Hi! My name is Emerson and I am a third year studying chemical engineering in ERC. I am from Santa Rosa, CA and I have two cats named Luna and Juno. Outside of school, I love swimming, playing board games, and backpacking. I am currently working in a lab researching solar cells and in a project team focused on removing phosphorous from wastewater, and I hope to do something with a sustainability focus after I graduate. In ELCs, I hope to be a resource not just for class help, but also for class schedules and campus involvement. I'm looking forward to meeting you in ELCs!
Fourth Manaanuntakul | Chemical Engineering | Warren College
(she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Fourth, and I’m (fittingly) a fourth-year Chemical Engineering student from Warren College. I’m originally from Bangkok, Thailand, but over the years I’ve grown to love the sunny San Diego coast just as much as home.
Outside of tutoring, I’m involved with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and our Chem-E-Car team—so if you’re a ChemE or from another major interested in joining, feel free to reach out! My academic interests center around sustainable energy, and I’ve done research on lithium-ion battery recycling optimization.
This year, I’m also working on staying active—whether that’s badminton, a 5K, or the gym. As a peer educator, I’m here to help with class content, scheduling tips, or even food recs. See you at ELC!
Jordan Brazill | Structural Engineering | Warren College
(he/him)
Hey! My name is Jordan, and I'm a fourth year Structural Engineering student in Warren. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, but I am definitely enjoying the weather here! In my free time I love to listen to and record music (I play bass), play video games, surf, and eat out with friends. Also, I help out at Seismic Outreach, a club that inspires younger kids to try out engineering. I have been tutoring students of all ages for more than 5 years now, and I am available to help anyone who needs it. Excited to see you at ELC!
Kaitlyn Lavarias | Mechanical Engineering| Warren College
(she/her)
Hello! My name is Kaitlyn and I’m a Mechanical Engineering major. I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA and have fallen in love with San Diego! Outside of ELC, you might find me working with my Project in a Box people (a very cool engineering student org), doing robotics research in the Morimoto Lab, or triathlon training (running is my fav and I am atrociously slow at swimming, so if you have advice lmk lol). I am also a big fan of mint chip ice cream, taking naps, and trying new things. As a Peer Educator, I hope to create a welcoming environment for everyone to learn and connect with each other. Feel free to talk to me about anything whether it’s about class, research, life, or anything random that comes to mind. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!
KatherineTsang |Chemical Engineering | Revelle College
(she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Katherine and I'm a Chemical Engineer and Linguistics Major in Revelle! I went to high school in West Hartford, Connecticut but I grew up in Alaska and all along the east coast (although I do love it here in San Diego). At UCSD, I am apart of the UCSD pre-dental society and a leadership member in Sprout Up, an organization that teaches elementary school students about environmental science. Outside of class, I love tennis and dancing (currently I am an internal for KADOFF -- an all first-year dance team!), singing, crocheting, traveling, and really anything active and social. I can't wait to be one of your Peer Educators who will support you in both academics and all other aspects of college and life. Always feel free to stop by, ask questions, and say hi!
ManuelOpazo Caballero|Aerospace Engineering | Sixth College
(he/him)
Hey everyone! I’m Manuel, a second-year Aerospace Engineering major in Sixth College. I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, and came to San Diego for college. I’m really into sports, especially tennis and soccer, but down for anything. At UCSD, I’ve been a research assistant, and now I’m on the mechanical team with Triton UAS. Super excited to meet you all, and I’m always happy to help, so feel free to reach out anytime!
Malia Lewton | Bioengineering: Biotechnology | College
(she/her)
Hello! My name is Malia, and I am a third-year Bioengineering: Biotechnology student from San Diego. Outside of ELCs, you can find me helping with events in Sixth College, practicing with the club gymnastics team, and planning The Arcades, UCSD's newest undergraduate music festival! I love good conversation and building community, so please talk to me if you are looking for ways to become more involved on campus!
Mariana Gomez |Chemical Engineering | Muir College
(she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Mariana, and I am a fourth-year Chemical Engineering major from Muir. I was born and raised in Inglewood, CA! I am passionate about sustainability and I'm currently involved with AIChE project teams. I've also participated in internships dealing with water treatment and waste destruction! In my free time, I love to read (in need of book recommendations), travel, listen to new music, and meet new people. As a Peer Educator, I am looking forward to helping you all succeed in your engineering courses and offering any general help outside of ELC's! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!
Selena Cao |Bioengineering: Biotechnology | Muir College
(she/her)
Hi! My name is Selena and I'm a fourth year Bioengineering: Biotechnology major in Muir College :) I'm from West Covina, a city in Los Angeles County, and I love watching Studio Ghibli movies, reading books, and playing video games! At UCSD, I am a part of the Society of Women Engineers board and also work as a laboratory assistant at the Christman and Alperin lab (feel free to ask me any questions if you're interested in biotech/research!) I am extremely passionate about the field of women's health, and am hoping to find a career in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry after college. My goal as a peer educator is to help students succeed with not only their academics, but to provide a friendly and welcoming environment within ELC sections (˵ •̀ ᴗ •́ ˵ ) ✧ I hope to become a resource for you both within ELCs and beyond, so please free to reach out if you have any questions!
Sunny Lee | Chemical Engineering | Eighth College
(she/her)
Hello! My name is Sunny and I am a 2nd year chemical engineering major at eighth college. I was born in Korea and moved to the US when I was 8, and I've been living in SoCal ever since! I love to swim, read, scrapbook, and just spend time with friends and family! ELCs have been incredibly helpful for me, so I'm really excited to be able to give back to the community as a peer educator! Can't wait to meet everyone and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Terri Tai | Computer Engineering | Warren College
(she/her)
Hello everyone! I'm Terri, and I'm excited to be a peer educator for MATH 20D this year. I'm a third-year Computer Engineering major from Warren College. I am part of many engineering organisations, such as IEEE, WIC, and HKN. I am also involved in robotics research in the Existential Robotics Lab on campus. In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, doing magic tricks, and playing rugby. If you ever catch me in the wild, feel free to stop me and ask me to do a trick for you 🪄🃏
Tiger Liang | Electrical Engineering | Seventh College
(he/him)
Hello, my name is Tiger Liang. I am a second year Electrical Engineering major in Seventh College. I am currently a technical lead for Project in a Box (PiB). I am originally from Los Angeles. I am always down to try new things. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Yashil Vora | Computer Science | Seventh College
(he/him)
Hi! My name is Yashil and I'm a a fourth year Computer Science major from Seventh College. I'm from Mumbai, India and love meeting and talking to new people here at UCSD. I enjoy playing the piano, basketball, squash (or any racquet sport!), and exploring San Diego. I'm also a huge foodie and am always down to explore and go to new places. ELC is a great place, not just to learn but also to form a community and I am excited to meet you all and help you in whatever way I can. Feel free to reach out, ask me questions, or just say hi!
Use the calendar below to add your ELC Section to your google calendar!
Questions: Please contact
Sara Eckardt (sleckardt@ucsd.edu)