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More About Our Team

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​​Prof. Laszlo Bardoczi

Founder & CEO, Professor of Physics at the University of California
 

  • László Bardóczi, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of California, Irvine, specializing in plasma physics.

  • His research focuses on thermonuclear fusion energy science.

  • Prior to UCI, he was a scientist at General Atomics, and he holds a Ph.D. from UCLA, alongside BSc & MSc degrees from Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

  • Dr. Bardóczi is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Simonyi Károly Award and the Torkil Jensen Award, and is a respected author in top physics journals.

  • At UCI, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors students, and actively contributes to the scientific community through physics journal refereeing and international collaborations.

​​“I believe that every student deserves a chance to fall in love with science the way I did; through wonder and stories, with curiosity sparked and support that says: you belong here.”

​​Andrea Bardoczi

Director of Operations 
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  • U.S. Navy veteran, data analyst, and dedicated community leader. Passionate about using emerging technology to inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages.

  • After serving honorably in the military, today, she serves as a Data Analyst for the Department of the Navy and leads efforts to expand access to transformative technologies.

  • With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and a passion for both data and human experience, she brings a unique lens to community tech education. Drawing on her leadership experience from the Navy and a deep commitment to service, she believes technology should empower, not overwhelm, people.

  • She continues to explore new ways to use immersive tools like VR to build stronger, more connected communities, one meaningful experience at a time.

"In a world where technology evolves rapidly and school acceptance rates grow more competitive each year, strategic use of virtual reality can give learners a powerful edge. VR isn't just entertainment, it's empowerment."

Tony Hwang, Ed.D

Senior Education Advisor

  • Dr. Hwang is a seasoned higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in the University of California system. He has built a career on dual competencies: deep operational expertise in enrollment strategy and student affairs, and a specialized focus on applying emerging technologies (XR/AI) in academic settings.

  • Specializes in the application of immersive technologies (VR/AR) and AI to enhance student engagement and institutional operations.

  • Previous leadership roles include Executive Director of Enrollment Management, Director of Systems and Operations of Undergraduate Admissions, and Director of Upward Bound at UCI, with a focus on serving diverse student populations.

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"If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow." — John Dewey

Emily Crisostomo Wee

Outreach Coordinator
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  • Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, graduating with Cum Laude Latin Honors and Dean’s Honors distinction

  • Her research spans pharmaceutical clinical trials, trauma surgery, and circadian biology —contributing to pharmacokinetic analyses at a clinical research center, leading and presenting a first-author trauma bay study, and investigating molecular circadian mechanisms.

  • As a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (Certified by California State University, Fullerton & the National Healthcareer Association) at Rady Children's Health Orange County (CHOC), she supports pediatric subspecialty clinics, advocates for children who cannot fully advocate for themselves, and translates complex medical plans into language families can understand — ensuring clarity, reassurance, and continuity in care

  • Through research, clinical service, and community leadership, she is committed to building healthcare and education systems that are precise, equitable, and responsive to the communities they serve

"Improve the system. Honor the individual. Let curiosity and compassion guide both."

Sophia Shao

Biology Subject Matter Expert
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  • Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a Minor in Sociology from the UCI School of Biological Sciences

  • Research Assistant in Dr. Olivia Chang’s Women’s Health Lab and Dr. Suellen Hopfer’s Health Communications Lab, developing patient-centered tools to enhance healthcare education and informed decision-making

  • Mentorship Director for Research Outreach at UCI, leading a program using peer mentorship to connect undergraduates with research

  • Learning Assistant for Introductory Physics, Volunteer Educator for Save Our Youth and a self-started Health Education Initiative

"There is the anxiety generated by changing, and the disappointment attendant to not changing."

Katelyn Won

Biology Subject Matter Expert
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  • Katelyn Won, Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UCI Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences 

  • Her research with Dr. Bardoczi explored magnetohydrodynamic modes in tokamaks, specifically determining neoclassical tearing mode onset times using real and complex-valued 3D magnetic sensor array data and neural networks

  • Prior to her physics research, she currently serves as the Assistant Director of Departments for COPE Health Scholars at Kaiser Permanente Irvine, mentoring undergraduate students on hands-on patient care 

  • Prior to UCI, she was an English teacher for nonprofit TASSEL Cambodia, specializing in grammar and conversational dialogue for students in rural Cambodian villages

  • She continues to nurture her passion for learning and enhancing education systems through exploring virtual reality STEM curriculum development for school-aged children in the United States

"Go down that rabbit hole. Amass your curiosity and questions. Embrace the uncomfortable.

Find yourself in the beautiful mess that is science."

Inga Chilingaryan

Biology Subject Matter Expert
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  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UCI School of Social Sciences

  • Research Assistant in Dr. Emily Grossman's Visual Perception and Neuro-Imaging Lab as a trained operator of the Eyelink II eye-tracker device collecting and analyzing eye gaze data in relation to human Theory of Mind ability

  • President of Armenian Pre-Health Society at UCI from 2023-2025

  • Volunteer and trained NICCU Cuddler at Children's Hospital Los Angeles

"First wonder goes deepest; wonder after that fits in the impression made by the first."

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