2025 CBC Graduating Students Photos

Josi Hewitt - Chemistry BS. "After graduation, I plan to work in industry before applying for graduate school. Throughout my undergraduate career I had the opportunity to participate in research in the Wälti Lab during my senior year. I also worked as a chemistry content tutor for THINK TANK on campus for three years."

Makaela Valencia - Biochemistry BS. "I worked here at the UofA in the Carini lab for three years. I plan on working at a biomedical company that focuses on cancer research or infectious diseases."

Madison Grams - Biochemistry BS. "I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and double minoring in Spanish and Marketing. Being a CBC peer mentor and ambassador has been such a fun and rewarding experience. I've made great connections—not just with my mentee, but also with fellow peer mentors who’ve become wonderful friends. It’s been meaningful to share my college experiences and help welcome the next generation of chemistry and biochemistry students. After graduation I am planning on doing stem cell research for liver reproduction in industry. I have learned a lot through CBC, not just as an academic student but also in life that I can put to whatever the future holds. I am excited to see what is next!"

Sebastian Pimental - Biochemistry BS. "I am currently in the GEMM Core research lab where I work with CRISPR-Cas9 technology on mouse models. After graduation I will be part of the FRONTERA Summer internship where I will be involved in health sciences research and medicine in underserved communities. I will be taking a gap year to get ready for my medical school application, and I will be volunteering as a biology tutor in San Miguel High School, will be working in the emergency department, and getting prepared for my MCAT. I will also continue to serve my community by volunteering in free medical care institutions in Tucson and border towns. As a U of A CBC student I had a wonderful time, I really enjoyed my major and the many opportunities it gave me. My instructors were amazing (shoutout to Dr. S!!!) and I felt extremely ready when going into my research lab. I was terrified when I became a biochemistry major because I was unsure if it was going to be for me, it only took one day in class for me to realize I was in the right path!"

Moorea Gailloux - Biochemistry BS, Minor in Public Health (W.A. Franke Honors College). "I am thrilled to share that I will be attending Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a physician! In my time spent at the UA as a CBC student, I have grown tremendously as a learner and got the opportunity to be a class preceptor under the mentorship of Dr. Sacoman—a wonderful experience spent welcoming the incoming freshman class. Meeting my biochemistry best friends early on in my courses made the challenging classes much more enjoyable and I love the conversations we shared, fostering so much growth! I joined the Food and Resources Expanded to Support Health and Type 2 Diabetes (FRESH-T2D) research lab two years ago under the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Melanie Hingle, Ph.D., striving for clinical exposure and lab experience which would challenge me to expand my interdisciplinary lens. I conducted my honors thesis on “Clinical Impacts of Food is Medicine (FIM) on Hemoglobin A1c for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes”. Today, I am honored to be a contributing member to research aimed at increasing the collaboration between patients and their healthcare system through a study addressing health disparities."

Samantha Thomas - Biochemistry BS. "After graduation I am taking a gap year and continuing my work in the Chignalia lab studying Protein Expression of Sepsis Induced Lung Edema in Syndecan-1 Knockout Mice. During this year I also plan to study for the LSAT in preparation for law school. I would like to pursue a career in patent law for pharmaceuticals or biotechnology. The CBC department was the backbone to my college experience. With the multitude of opportunities to get involved with the department and the kindness I felt from the staff and students, I credit this department with truly shaping my college experience."

Felicia Escalante - Biochemistry BS. "I worked in the Matzkin lab for about 2 years. After graduation I am taking a gap year before applying to dental school. I also attacked one of my graduation photos."

Haley Vanhof - Biochemistry BS, Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. "During my time here at The University of Arizona in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department, I have met so many great peers and mentors and who I am extremely grateful for! My biochemistry friends made along the way helped keep me sane and will always be cherished as one of the best parts of this experience. My time in the Walti Lab also helped establish my wet lab skills, scientific writing, and presentation skills with the help of my amazing mentors there. In the coming fall, I will be attending Arizona State University to pursue my Masters in Biochemistry (Bear Down forever)."

Christian Viramontes - Biochemistry BA. "I plan on finding a job as a scientist someday after graduation. I've had a great time being a CBC undergraduate student. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Jacob Fredman - Biochemistry BS. "I greatly enjoyed my time here at UA and I found that being a Biochemistry major opened up many opportunities for me. After graduation I will be moving to New Hampshire to attend Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine."