Professional Staff Bios
Chloe Gamboa (She/Her)
Resident Director
Personal Bio:
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Economics from UC Santa Cruz in 2019 (Go Banana Slugs!!!). During my undergrad I found a growing spark for higher education and supporting others in finding their passions of life. Following that I became the Residence Director for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles; where I learned valuable skills for networking, community resilience, and program development. During this time, I gained my Master's of Science in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Capella University graduating in June of 2021. I arrived at UCLA in July of 2021 and this will be my 3rd year serving as a Resident Director and am truly excited to be working in Hedrick Hall. I am an Advocate (INFJ) who thrives in a deep sense of idealism, integrity, and creativity. I am a California native who enjoys yoga, board games, running, painting, and all things outdoors. I am a huge foodie, always looking for new places to try. Some personal goals I have for this next year is to maintain my athletic goals, volunteer monthly in the local community, and make moments intentional with everyone. I am an open book and always looking to engage in conversations about theory, politics, and social justice.
Bianca Barcelo (She/Her)
Assistant Resident Director
Personal Bio:
My name is Bianca Barcelo (she/her/hers) and I currently work as an ARD at Centennial Hall but I am excited to be working in Hedrick Hall next year! I was born in the Philippines but moved to Norwalk, CA when I was 3-4 years old and have lived there ever since. I graduated this past June at UCLA with a B.S. in Psychobiology and a minor in Global Health. During my time in undergrad, I enjoyed learning more about my Pilipinx culture and advocating for access to higher education not only within my own community but also marginalized populations in general. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare and work with underserved communities! Some of my hobbies include exploring different restaurants, trying out different coffee shops, running, and hiking!
Veronica Gomez (She/Her)
Masters of Student Affairs
Personal Bio:
My name is Veronica Gomez (she/her/hers) and I am an incoming MSA Assistant Resident Director. I am super excited to be joining the team this year! My hometown is South Central Los Angeles and I am a Latina and first-generation college student. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University, May 2023 with a B.A. in Sociology and minors in Peace and Justice Studies and Political Science. The majority of my time at LMU was dedicated to the First To Go Program and Ignacio Student Support Services serving first-generation college students through my roles of lead administrator, peer instructor, and peer outreach specialist. I have also conducted research on the first-gen experience through the McNair Scholars Program. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in higher education administration or non-profit organizations to ensure that all students are supported throughout their educational journeys. Some of my hobbies include exploring new places with my friends, watching shows on Netflix, and spending time with my nephews.
Dr. Suzanne Seplow “Seppy” (Pronouns)
Faculty in Residence
Personal Bio:
Born in Newton New Jersey, where my parents still live. I have 2 siblings - Margery and Daniel who both live in NJ with their families. I live with my two kids, Tesfanesh and Elsae. We have 8 wonderful nieces and nephews (Jordan, Adam, Sarah, Rachel, Max, Jocelyn, Jakeb and Catherine).
Interests/Hobbies: Sports - particularly Women’s and Men’s College Basketball, WNBA, Football (any!!), golf and tennis. I also enjoy playing cards and other board games. I love going to Theatre, particularly small productions or musicals and I appreciate spending time on my own personal growth and spiritual journey.
Professional Bio:
Dr. Suzanne L. Seplow (aka Seppy) is a fellow Bruin, receiving her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership here at UCLA. She is currently the Executive Director, Residential and Student Life. Focusing on learning communities and environmental influences, Dr. Seplow specializes in maintaining living/learning communities that foster positive impacts on student learning. Suzanne earned her Bachelors degree in Natural Sciences and Biology, with a concentration in Education, from Muhlenburg College in Allentown, PA. She completed her Masters degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City, studying Higher Education and specializing in Student Affairs. Dr. Seplow teaches an honors service-learning class focusing on citizenship, leadership and service. She also participates in the Fiat Lux series and has taught for many years a class on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition to these undergraduate courses, Dr. Seplow teaches identity development theory to graduate students in the Masters of Student Affairs program within the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. Suzanne, her partner Robin, and their two children love being part of the residential community and opening up their home to students. They enjoy participating in student programs, open discussions, cultural experiences and other learning adventures. Her hobbies include anything sports (particularly fantasy football), card games, spending time with family and watching The Voice!
Dr. Rana Khankan (Pronouns)
Faculty in Residence
Personal Bio:
I'm a first-generation Bruin originally from Bakersfield, CA. I earned my B.S. in Physiological Sciences at UCLA in 2004 thinking that I would go on to a career in medicine. After volunteering in at the ER for a couple of years (I've got plenty of stories to share), I got bored and decided medicine wasn't the right fit for me. The problem was, I was graduating and had no idea what was the right fit for me. I worked various jobs for 2 years before joining the Physiological Sciences M.S. program at UCLA. During this time, I realized my true passion teaching and research. I applied to the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology IDP PhD program at UCLA so I could continue working on spinal cord injury. During my PhD, I developed a fascination with glial cells (these are brain cells that have been largely ignored by neuroscientists) and then went on to do glioblastoma research at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. After my post-doc at Semel, I joined the Life Sciences Department and now teach LS 7A and 7C. I love a good dad joke and sometimes will play devil’s advocate just to keep things interesting. When I'm not working, I like to stay active, usually in the great outdoors, or spend time with friends and family. You might see me around campus with my two nieces, who love to bike/scooter at the sculpture garden and play hide-and-seek in south campus. I enjoy meeting new people and traveling, sometimes just to visit places like the X-men mansion in Victoria BC.
Professional Bio:
Originally from central California, Rana Khankan is a True Bruin through and through. She earned her B.S. in Physiological Sciences at UCLA in 2004 after which she considered pursuing a medical degree. She alternatively found her passion for teaching and research after obtaining her M.S. in Physiological Sciences and then PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology also at UCLA. Following a postdoctoral training at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, she joined the department of Life Sciences Core Education where she teaches LS 7A and 7C and assesses the new curriculum aimed at decreasing achievement gaps and promoting student-centered teaching.