Contact Us
Pakou Thao, M.S., P.P.S.
Manager of SSHA Graduate Services
Pakou is from Fresno, California, and has been commuting to UC Merced since Fall 2019. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Student Affairs and College Counseling, along with the PPS credential at Fresno State University. As a first-generation college student and the first in her family to attend college, Pakou’s passion for higher education and student services stems from her own experiences navigating the educational system without knowing how to access campus resources. As UC Merced continues to grow, she hopes to bridge institutional gaps by streamlining processes and enhancing support for students throughout their educational journey. In her free time, you can often find Pakou exploring scenic beaches or hiking along the coastlines of the Bay Area and Northern California.
Juliann Clear, M.A.
SSHA Graduate Services Coordinator
Originally from Southern California, Juliann Clear is a UC Merced alumnus with a BA in Psychology and a Natural Sciences Education minor, and also earned a Master’s in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. Her passion for higher education and student services is inspired by the incredible administrators and staff who supported her throughout her education. As a professional, Juliann aims to provide holistic student support and ensure that each student feels they are working toward their betterment, well-being, and happiness. Outside of work, Juliann enjoys spending time with her dogs (Oli & Cyrus), trying new restaurants, and starting new arts and crafts (they will get done eventually!).
Tom Martinez
SSHA Graduate Services Coordinator
Tom, a Merced native, has been part of the UC Merced community since 2006—first as an undergraduate and later as a staff member beginning in 2010. He has supported faculty and students through roles in Natural Sciences, International Affairs, and now SSHA. Passionate about helping others, Tom is dedicated to enhancing the graduate student experience. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family in the mountains and along the coast.
Ashley Lo
SSHA Graduate Services Student Assistant
Ashley is a senior majoring in Psychology at the University of California, Merced, and is expecting to graduate in Spring 2026. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new hobbies such as learning different languages, painting, creating digital art, and reading. Lately, Ashley has been learning how to embroider, and it’s quickly becoming one of her favorite hobbies.
