Casiana Gonzalez
Year Graduated: 
2018
Graduate Student Researcher
University of California, Davis

Job description

Following graduation from HSU, I completed the HSU CIRM Bridges 2.0 Post Baccalaureate program and was then hired to work as a Junior Specialist at UC Davis. I am now preparing to begin my Ph.D. in the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology program at UC Davis, Fall 2021.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose HSU as it was a relatively small school, with great coursework and faculty for a biology major. The intimate size of HSU allowed me to create connections with the faculty, as well as provided many opportunities for hands-on laboratory and research experience.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

This program helped me prepare for my current position as my first-hand experience in research made me an excellent candidate in job applications. I gained experience working with CRISPR in the Cell Biology course and I learned how to culture stem cells in the Stem Cell course, both skills that I continue to utilize daily. Additionally, HSU's CIRM Bridges program provided me with valuable networking opportunities that have helped my career development during my training.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

One aspect that I really enjoyed was the wide variety of opportunities that HSU has to offer. Since I was interested in research, I applied to the Moonstone Crossing scholarship provided at HSU. This allowed me to work in the lab of Dr. Amy Sprowles over the summer and continued into my research course units for the remainder of my time at HSU. Opportunities like these allowed me to supplement my coursework and stand out as a student in my applications for both career and graduate school.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

I initially struggled with my studies at HSU. However, the intimate nature of HSU enabled me to connect with the faculty and instructors and provided me with alternate routes to be successful. The experiences gained because of this have allowed me to stand out in applications, despite a non-competitive GPA. My advice to prospective students would be to have open and honest conversations about your experiences with advisors or faculty you feel comfortable with. They are there to help you be as successful as you can be.

Christian Brown, 2017 »
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University of South Florida, Integrative Biology

Casiana Gonzalez, 2018 »
Graduate Student Researcher
University of California, Davis

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Michael J. Boyle, 2003 »
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