Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA, Program Director and Assistant Professor for Health Information Technology and Management, was recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with the prestigious Leadership Award.
We are excited to share the members of Generation Hope's California Presidents Circle, the first in a new national initiative designed to equip higher education executives with tools, data, and peer support to truly champion parenting students and their families.
Women’s volleyball at Mesa College is on a spike. In the spring, the Olympians won the state beach volleyball title after winning the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title for a fourth straight year.
October 22, 2025
From his first semester at San Diego Mesa College in 2021, Nami Rajaei has embodied curiosity, perseverance, and purpose. As one of the first students in the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP), Nami’s journey reflects the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity.
Through MIP, Nami served as a Research Intern at Scripps Research in the Weiss Lab from September 2022 to September 2024, where he gained hands on experience in situ hybridization and neuroscience research. The experience became a turning point in his academic and professional path.
“The internship at Scripps Research changed the trajectory of my career more than any other single event,” Nami shared. “The Mesa Impactship Program guided me through every step of the process and connected me to valuable funding and resources, an experience I will always be grateful for.”
Nami’s contributions were recently highlighted in a published study with Professor Hermina Nedelescu on the effects of alcohol exposure on the brain, a milestone that underscores the depth and impact of his work. Read the publication here.
“Having this publication represents the culmination of an incredible learning journey,” he added. “It reflects the hands-on research experience I gained through the Mesa Impactship Program and the Weiss Lab, and the mentorship and support that guided me every step of the way. This achievement validates the value of these opportunities in shaping my academic and career path.”
Now pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology and Neurosciences at UC San Diego (2024 to 2026), Nami continues to lead with purpose. He serves as President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at UCSD, championing awareness, advocacy, and support for mental health in the student community.
With aspirations to enter an MD/PhD program focused on the treatment and care of Multiple Sclerosis, Nami is paving the way for future scientists and changemakers. His story is a powerful reminder that access, guidance, and belief can spark limitless potential.
Nami exemplifies the mission of the Mesa Impactship Program, transforming lives, fostering leadership, and inspiring others to reach higher.
Tags: Mesa Impactship Program
Anabell Pulido
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759
From his first semester at San Diego Mesa College in 2021, Nami Rajaei has embodied curiosity, perseverance, and purpose. As one of the first students in the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP), Nami’s journey reflects the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity.
