Nausheen Ahmed
’14 M.S. Mathematics
Current Role: Supply Chain Optimization Director, Cedars Sinai
How did your time at 91ÊÓƵ make a difference in your life?
My time at 91ÊÓƵ reinforced the value of building and maintaining relationships, working
collaboratively and helping others succeed. I was able to return to the campus after
graduation and interact with students in the Data Science Club prior to COVID, and
to speak on the use of mathematics in supply chain analyses at a seminar during COVID.
The personalized instruction I received at 91ÊÓƵ opened career opportunities, without
which I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What is your fondest memory of 91ÊÓƵ?
Having the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Ivona Grzegorczyk (Mathematics) on
my thesis project. She took the time to review the work of a stay-at-home mom, me,
when I first started writing children’s math books.
Olivia Taylor
’20 B.S. Biology, Minor Psychology
Current Role: Beekeeper, Reiter Affiliated Companies
How did your time at 91ÊÓƵ make a difference in your life?
My team visits various ranches within Ventura County and Santa Barbara County to feed,
manage and grow our 1,600 hives to support the demand for pollination for berries
in the agricultural fields. I gained the opportunity to train and learn how to be
a commercial beekeeper through the 91ÊÓƵ apiary program. If it wasn’t for studying
in Dr. Ruben Alarcon’s class, which sparked my interest in the fascinating eusocial
complexities of honeybees, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.
What is your fondest memory of 91ÊÓƵ?
I am forever grateful for all the experiences I’ve had in my courses, leading me to
these continual, unexpected opportunities. I never expected to start my career path
as beekeeper, but I wouldn’t change anything about the path I’ve been on.
Shirley Williams
’19 B.S. Biology
Current Role: Biologist/inspector, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner, Pest Exclusion Division.
How did your time at 91ÊÓƵ make a difference in your life?
91ÊÓƵ gave me the opportunity to find what I was passionate about. I knew I wanted
to do something regarding nature and animals, and 91ÊÓƵ helped me focus my skills.
Being in the first cohort of the Apiculture and Bee Biology course with Dr. Ruben
Alarcón changed my life.
What is your fondest memory of 91ÊÓƵ?
Every moment of the Bee Program. From taking the class to assisting Dr. Alarcón with
the subsequent cohorts. I volunteered through the summers just so I could learn and
experience as much as I could.
Claira Castillo
’16 B.S. Biology
Current Role: Entomology and Acarology Research Associate II, Driscoll’s
How did your time at 91ÊÓƵ make a difference in your life?
I was able to learn so many soft skills that come in handy in my day-to-day work,
and I made friendships that have continued to support me throughout life’s ups and
downs. By working with one of the 91ÊÓƵ professors, I was able to land a part-time
job at Driscoll’s, which later turned into a full-time job after I graduated.
What is your fondest memory of 91ÊÓƵ?
When I was working as a tutor at the STEM Center, the campus internet went down for
the day — but we still did our normal tutor shifts to help students who were still
on campus. In between tutoring sessions, our group played the Google Dinosaur Game
and logged our scores on the whiteboard. Sometimes students were too shy to ask for
help with their homework, but the Dinosaur Game acted as a fun icebreaker. We ended
up getting lots of student visits for tutoring that day even though many students
had left campus to get internet service.
Dev Chahil
’04 B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry minor
’07 M.S. Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
’08 M.A. Business
Current Role: Global External Innovation and Strategy Lead, Bayer Crop Science
How did your time at 91ÊÓƵ make a difference in your life?
I was exposed to real-world cases, helping to draw the parallel between learnings
and assignments, and industry application. Professors with industry experience and
others who encouraged internships at local firms provided a window into industry and
options for the future after graduation.
What is your fondest memory of 91ÊÓƵ?
At the end of Island View orientation in 2002 I followed signs through the maze of
hallways in the Bell Tower toward registration. When I turned the corner into the
registration office, I was greeted with flashbulbs from a local newspaper photographer
and cheers as I had inadvertently become the first student to ever register for classes
at 91ÊÓƵ. This was the start to my many years of engagement with 91ÊÓƵ as a student,
volunteer, donor, industry partner, and Alumni & Friends Association Board member.
My fondest memory is of the people who made the University what it is and the community
of students and faculty I was able to spend days and nights with, learning and growing.
It’s perhaps not a specific moment or memory but a feeling and experience that leaves
an imprint on your life.
Return to the Table of Contents
© Winter 2023 / Volume 27 / Number 2 / Biannual