Edward L. Abeyta, PhD is Director of K-16 Programs at UC San Diego (UCSD) Extension. Prior to joining UCSD Extension in 1995, Edward began his service at UCSD as a counselor for the Early Academic Outreach Program serving underrepresented students in San Diego high schools and later assumed the role of Registrar and Director of Academic Services at UC San Diego Extension. In 2010 he established the UCSD Extension K-16 Programs & Outreach division where he currently serves at the Director.
Dr. Abeyta has a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, a M.A. from the University of San Diego and his Ph.D. in Post Secondary Adult Education from Capella University. Edward has been recognized from UCSD and the UC Office of the President for his involvement in staff diversity and development initiatives. In 2008 Edward was selected to a two year term as the Staff Advisor to The Regents where has served on the UC Diversity Commission, Post-retirement Task Force, and The Regents UC Commission on the Future.
Josh Shapiro, PhD is the Director of Research and Evaluation at UC San Diego Extension, and a current member of the team working under a grant from the National Science Foundation on the role social and cultural dynamics play in regional innovation. He also leads Extension’s market research team, which focuses on assisting educational programs conduct market research and curricula development. Among his prior work, Dr. Shapiro was one of the core evaluators on the effectiveness of the Department of Labor’s $500 million WIRED initiative, which involved 15 regions across the United States. He has been an instructor for the Academic Connections Summer Enrichment Program, worked in the Conflict Resolution field in Washington D.C., was a public school teacher in South Carolina, and built homes with Habitat for Humanity in Louisiana. Dr. Shapiro holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego and a B.A. in Social Thought and Analysis from Washington University in St. Louis.
Sandra Bauler is a seasoned workforce development specialist who serves as the lead job developer for the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Sandra provides one-to-one career counseling and workshops to a diverse cross section of individuals in the San Diego region. Sandra is well known for her ability to work with at risk young adults, foster youth, and first generation students across the lifespan. Her courage and drive to make a difference is just as evident as her personal life.
Outside of work Sandra is a NASCAR Driver and national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Years ago, Sandra made her way back to the race track after a near-fatal crash. Doctors told her she would never walk again, but they underestimated the grit and determination that defines Sandra. Her courage, drive to get to finish line first, and warm hearted approach to all is what any job seeker would want in a career counselor. She has the drive to help others reach their life and career goals.