WSU LSAMP Student Leaders

Our student WSU LSAMP Student Leaders serve as mentors and leaders on the WSU campus in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

WSU LSAMP Student Leaders help LSAMP Scholars at community colleges. They also mentor WSU incoming first-year and new transfer students plus current WSU LSAMP students. In addition, they:

Connect with research opportunities and resources.
Assist in the planning and implementation of workshops and events for the WSU LSAMP program.
Serve as mentors to summer Bridge Workshop participants.
Create a comfortable, welcoming community for all students in WSU LSAMP.

LSAMP Student Leaders are expected to:

Regularly communicate with community college scholars and incoming first-year and new transfer students.
Co-coordinate WSU LSAMP activities such as workshops and social events.
Participate in weekly meetings with the director on leadership topics.

Jo Castaneda cheers on a bridge workshop participant as she jumps to a platform using a rope swing. A group of other bridge participants also look on and cheer. — WSU LSAMP Student Leader Jo Castaneda joins with students in a team building activity at the summer Bridge Workshop event.

Meet Our Student Leaders

2025-26 LSAMP Student Leaders

Noemi Barajas holds a bouquet of yellow flowers as she leans against an old pickup truck parked at the edge of a farm field.

Noemi Barajas, Construction Management

Hi! My name is Noemi Barajas, and I’m from Grandview, WA. I’m studying Construction Management with a minor in Business here at Washington State University. I’m also a proud member of the sisterhood, Kappa Delta Chi. In my free time, I love baking, reading, and taking naps (when I can).

Jo Castaneda stands in front of a wheat field and wears a Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity jacket.

Joan “Jo” Castaneda, Chemistry and Molecular Biochemistry

Hello, I am Joan “Jo” Castaneda, I am currently a senior on my five-year track majoring in chemistry and molecular biochemistry. Aside from being involved in LSAMP, I am a part of the WSU NIH MARC Program, Multi-Cultural Greek Life, Palouse Discovery Science Center, and more. I plan on attending graduate school after undergrad to pursue my PhD in organic chemistry and eventually lead my own research lab at an institution while also mentoring the next generation of scientists. Some of my favorite things include anything horror (movies, books, etc.), movies, music, sunsets, science, hiking, and going on walks.

Diego Mercado stands in front of a stream in an evergreen-tree forest.

Diego Mercado, Civil Engineering

Hello, my name is Diego Mercado. I am from Yakima, and I am currently a transfer student studying to become a Civil Engineer. I hope to one day be able to say I was able to improve welfare and transportation standards. Outside of my studies, I enjoy photography, traveling, gaming, and spending time with friends and family. I am a part of the WSU Gaming Community as well as attend American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Meetings.

Cody Stevens, Biology Pre-Med

Hey, my name is Cody Stevens. I am a pre-med biology major in my senior year. I love to snowboard, I’m currently working on some projects in the Driskell Lab, studying Spanish, and I am a certified HCA and working on getting my CNA credentials. I also love to study the intersection of physiology, pharmacology, and biomechanics as they relate to athletic performance. I’m always down to talk anything from science to life in general.