Andy Ruiz Jimenez is majoring in Neuroscience, where he plans to explore psychological brain development through the Undergraduate Research Associates Program at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute. He expects to focus on how early experiences shape neural and significant pathways, an interest rooted in his own childhood memories.
Andy graduated from Manual Arts Senior High Visual and Performing Arts Magnet. While in high school he learned English as a second language and became part of a tight-knit community where he was able to develop critical leadership skills. His senior year he served as the Associated Student Body President. He also participated in Gear Up for LA Peer Mentors Program and led the Spanish Honors Society Club as the 2024–2025 President. He participated in college preparatory programs such as USC TRiO and the Early Academic Outreach Program at UCLA. Outside of academics, he has completed the Los Angeles Marathon three times, earning a medal each year—an experience that taught him discipline, resilience, and the value of long-term goals through the intensive Students Run LA training program. He most enjoys spending time with close friends, hiking to new places, going to Six Flags, and night runs through Los Angeles as part of a local running club.