A new chapter begins for the Class of 2026! 🎉 We can't wait to see the incredible impact they'll make as #UNLVMedGrad resident physicians.
🔗 Learn more about our graduates at unlv.edu/medicine/graduating-class
Sayla Daily saw firsthand how the power of saying “yes” can add up to a worthwhile college experience. Graduating this spring with a bachelor of science in mathematics, her long-term goal is to pioneer new discoveries in the aerospace industry and to solve challenges in fluid dynamics, renewable energy, and space exploration.
Looking back: "One of my favorite experiences here was simply being involved across campus and seeing how far those opportunities took me. From student government and research to leadership organizations and conferences, every experience introduced me to new people, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Honestly, looking back it’s amazing to see how saying “yes” to involvement opportunities helped shape my confidence, leadership, and future goals. UNLV became a place where I discovered what I was capable of accomplishing."
Faculty who made an impact: "One of the most impactful mentors during my time at UNLV has been Dr. Neda who helped cultivate my interest in mathematics, fluid dynamics, and research. Because of her guidance, I was able to explore fundamental theories of mathematics, and how to apply it to engineering concepts. This ultimately helped shape my academic and career goals."
#UNLVGrad Paloma Maité Marcos first stepped onto campus in 2001 as a pre-k student. Now, she’s graduating with a Bachelor of Geology: Earth and Environmental Science, calling it a true full-circle moment. Here are some of her favorite memories from her time as a Rebel:
First impression of UNLV: “I attended the UNLV Pre-school as my mother, Elizabeth Mercedes Krause, completed her Bachelor of Education. I remember loving the campus when she would walk us around between her classes. I loved the trees on the north side of campus where AEB now resides, and I remember playing in the leaves and picking up acorns in the fall semesters.”
Organizations: “I am a part of @nasaunlv and UNLV Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society. I have been able to attend and present my research at various university symposiums, like the UNLV Geosymposium, and national conferences, like the Ecological Society of America National Meetings and AISES National Chapter Meeting. I have been able to travel as far as Alaska with the Indigenous Geoscience Community Meeting to represent my tribe and UNLV.”
Favorite memory: “Creating the Annual UNLV Powwow and Mx. Native UNLV Pageant with UNLV Native American Student Association.”
Mentorship was the core of James Sarmiento’s UNLV experience. As a peer mentor, Sarmiento provided other students the guidance he once sought, while the mentorship he received through the Kerestesi Center and Gamma Iota Sigma ultimately led to the start of his career.
🎓 Now that #UNLVGrad season is here, he’s reflecting on his time at @unlvleebusiness and the people who shaped his time as a Rebel.
What he’ll remember most: “It’s hard to choose just one favorite memory because UNLV gave me so many meaningful experiences. What stands out most is the people I met and the opportunities I had to grow, especially through the Kerestesi Center, Gamma Iota Sigma, and the mentors who supported me along the way. Those experiences helped me find my career path and made me feel like I was contributing to something bigger than myself.”
After spending his first years as an undergraduate trying to do it all — juggling three jobs while taking classes full-time — Sarmiento’s turned his focus to the Kerestesi Center, where he built his relationships and skills outside the classroom. Those experiences opened the door to his job offer as an Associate Broker in Construction & Infrastructure at Aon after graduation.
Advice: “Get to know the people around you, whether they are classmates, professors, mentors, staff, or professionals you meet along the way. You never know how much the person next to you can impact your life or how much you can impact theirs. At the same time, do not spend so much time worrying about the future that you miss what is in front of you. Focus on doing what you can with the opportunities, people, and moments you have right now.”
Read more of his story at the link in our bio.
Photo credit: Alise Ferrante
With a resume full of experience and a bachelor’s degree from @unlvjournalism , #UNLVGrad Maria Ghiasi is ready for a future in media. She says she will miss everything about her time at UNLV, describing it as a truly bittersweet moment.
Outside of the classroom: “During my time, I’ve been able to cover several stories for Studio G. I’ve met so many people inside of UNLV and also people outside campus to cover important stories that relate to our students and school.”
Class she’d like to teach at UNLV: “Any class related to journalism. I’ve learned so much that I feel extremely confident going into the workforce. I’d love to help prepare students for the future so they can graduate feeling the same level of confidence I feel as well.”
Advice to future students: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your professors. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and they care about your success. Lastly, don’t ever give up on your dreams.”
Photo credit: Layla Ghiasi
