2026 CBC Graduation Students Photos and Testimonials
Congratulations to the University of Arizona Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate class of 2026!
You can find photos of our CBC graduating students below.
(Note: not all graduating students are featured.)
Dana Alsahli - "My favorite CBC class was BIOC 462A. My advice would be to not just scroll through your course's slides and hope for the best. Write your own notes, explain things in a way that actually makes sense to you, and don’t be scared to ask for help when you need it (big on that one). After graduation, I plan on going to medical school, and my dream job is to become a cardiovascular surgeon. I’d also like to shout out Professor Vicente Talanquer for being such an incredible source of support throughout my past four years."
Cole Bellomo - "My favorite CBC class was Chem 380 with Dr. Monti. My advice is to join a research lab as soon as possible; it’s the most eye-opening to what chemists do and motivates me to continue along this path. For post-graduation, I am going to pursue a PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Arizona. My dream job would be to work in industrial businesses that manufacture materials, like Intel. I’d like to shout out Dr. Jeffrey Pyun for giving me the opportunity to succeed in a research environment, as well as Sam Durfee for being a fantastic graduate mentor. Quote: If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door."
Anna Campbell - "I'm a senior majoring in biochemistry. I originally came to Arizona for the chance to observe reptiles, especially the venomous ones, in the wild. Since moving here, I've learned that spider venoms might be even more interesting from a chemistry standpoint and have gotten the fantastic opportunity to learn some of the biochemistry lab techniques used to study venom toxins in the Cordes lab. I've also really enjoyed CBC's excellent classes in organic chemistry and NMR spectroscopy along with the hand-on experience in these areas I've received working in the Jewett group. Now I'm hoping to continue studying these topics during a masters year here and then ultimately use what I learn to study the small molecule toxins in venoms."
Lainey Caswell - "Double majoring in Biochemistry and Veterinary Sciences has been an intense but rewarding experience and has both challenged the way I think and allowed me to stay curious. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Tara Archuleta for her mentorship and to my long-time lab partner and friend Kelsey B. For always cheering me on and pushing me to grow! My advice to others is to stay curious and dive into getting to know yourself and your journey; life isn't a race. This August, I'll be starting my DVM as a part of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine C/O 2029 , moving toward my dream of becoming a Mixed Animal Veterinarian. Bear Down!"
Elizabeth Cashwell - Favorite CBC class: "Analytical Chemistry Lab". Advice for future students: "Be true to yourself and prioritize the things that are important to you. Always be kind to others and find joy in the little things." Plans after graduation: "Taking a gap year (or two) before applying to medical school." Dream Job: "Emergency Medicine physician". Mentor Shout Out: "Thank you to Steve Nick for being both an incredible TA and an amazing research mentor." Quote: "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." - Marie Curie.
Henry Davis - "Grateful to everyone who supported me through my undergraduate journey. I plan to apply to medical school and take a gap year. Even after four years of studying life's machinery, the inner workings of nature never cease to impress me."
Adrian De la Peña - "My favorite class: BIOC462A with Dr. Cordes cemented my love for structural biology and biochemistry. You come to learn that biology is beyond complex, but biochemistry provides a path to understanding it; it is a wonder we came to be at all."
Kylie Ernst - "I am a third-year biochemistry major with a minor in French. I enjoyed many of the classes I've taken through CBC, and I've loved my time conducting research in the Paek lab. I will be studying abroad in the fall before I officially graduate in December. After that, I will go to graduate school to get a PhD in molecular or cancer biology and pursue a career in research."
Luke Fasse, Chemistry BS - My name is Luke Fasse, and I am a senior chemistry major graduating this spring. During my freshman year, I joined Dr. Thomas Gianetti’s lab in the CBC department, where I have spent the past few years conducting research in low-energy photoredox catalysis. Being involved in undergraduate research has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has taught me so much both inside and outside the classroom. Next year, I will be attending the University of Minnesota to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. I have been part of the CBC department since I first stepped on campus in 2022. In my sophomore year, I joined the department’s Peer Mentor and Ambassador programs. Through these roles, I’ve had the opportunity to share my experiences with first-year students, lead recruitment sessions for prospective students, and volunteer at a variety of meaningful events. One of my favorite experiences was participating in STEAM Camp in partnership with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona.
Sara Franco-Duque - "Some of my favorite CBC courses were Inorganic Chemistry lecture and lab (CHEM 404A, CHEM 410, and CHEM 412). They helped me see how chemistry connects structure, bonding, and spectroscopy through both lecture and hands-on work, but more importantly, they deeply shaped my interest in inorganic and materials chemistry, which has become the direction I want to pursue in graduate school. After graduation, I plan to attend Rice University to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry, with a focus on inorganic materials chemistry. My dream job is to become a research scientist at NASA. My advice to future students is to put yourself in situations that may feel uncomfortable in the moment. Some of the most important parts of my undergraduate experience came from moments when I felt unsure at first, but chose to ask questions, learn from others, and keep going even when it felt almost impossible. Those experiences helped me grow not only as a scientist, but also as a person. I would like to shout out my undeniably supportive family, the Duques, my current PI, Dr. Andrew Wessman, from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Dr. Daniel Rios, my long-standing mentor at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Their encouragement throughout the years has helped me build confidence in myself and my future as a chemist. I am excited to see what the future holds! Quote: “If it doesn’t open, it’s not your door.”
Marc Garcia - "My favorite CBC class was without a doubt biochemistry. Although the content was challenging, I really enjoyed learning how the complex metabolic reactions in our bodies work around the clock to keep us alive and well. One piece of advice I would give to students just starting their degree is to find the study method that works best for you early on, while also recognizing that not all classes are structured the same way. Developing the ability to adapt and adjust your approach depending on what lies ahead is a skill that everyone should leave with after earning their degree. After graduation, I plan to take some time away from school to continue strengthening my application before applying to MD/PhD programs in the near future. My dream job would be one at the intersection of oncology research and patient care. Lastly, I would like to shoutout Dr. Katrina Miranda and Dr. Joyce Schroeder for their support and mentorship throughout my journey."
Jaxon Goddard-Westland - "My favorite class here at U of A was CHEM 480B, physical chemistry, with Prof. Sanov. Looking to the future, I will be taking a gap year to work as a medical assistant while I apply to med school. I would like to thank Dr. Oliver Monti for being a great research advisor. Thank you to anyone and everyone else who helped me along the way. "Resist much, obey little" - Walt Whitman."
Stephanie Gonzalez-Knott - "I am a first-generation college student graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Spanish. I have had the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research with the Gianetti Group, where I worked on photocatalyst synthesis and characterization under inert atmosphere. I joined the Chemistry and Biochemistry Ambassador and Peer Mentor program during my junior year, where I enjoyed participating in outreach events for high school students considering a major in chemistry or biochemistry. I am planning on working in industry after graduation before pursuing either a PhD in Chemistry or law school. I met amazing people in the CBC department, students and faculty alike. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I was offered throughout my time at the UA, and I hope to return to academia soon!"
Mariella Gunther - "After graduation I plan to go home and work as an EMT before applying to physician assistant school. My favorite part of CBC was the senior thesis because I learned so much and met amazing mentors! My advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity because it genuinely goes by so fast."
Leah Harroun - "My time here has been defined by curiosity, and Einstein put it best: "The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know." I am so grateful to my research advisor Dr. Oliver Monti and my mentor Sam LaMotte for pushing me to think harder and be a better researcher. After a gap year I will be pursuing a PhD in physical chemistry, and to anyone still figuring out their path, follow what excites you, even if it feels intimidating."
Leah Herring - "I am thrilled to share that I will be attending the University of Chicago in the fall to pursue my Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health and Epidemiology. After my Masters, I aspire to conduct public health research abroad analyzing how healthcare systems differ across the world. Two of the most influential experiences I have had at the University of Arizona include the opportunity to study abroad in between my freshman and sophomore year as well as serving as a College of Science Ambassador. Not only did these experiences spark my love for travel and show me that I am not limited by physical borders, but also allowed me to engage with incoming students and share my love for the University with future generations and families. Bear down for life!"
Alicia Krusee - "I am excited to be graduating alongside my peers! My favorite CBC course I took during my time at the UofA was BIOC463A (Biochemical Laboratory Techniques) because the course gives students an excellent foundation that can be applied to a research laboratory or other courses. Plus, I am biased, I enjoyed having Dr. Sacoman as a professor! My advice to future students is to take as many classes as you can early so that you can enjoy your last semester(s) as an undergraduate. I am taking a gap year and planning to apply to a PharmD program with the goal of becoming a hospital or clinical pharmacist. For the past two years I have been involved in a project within the Thaker laboratory and for the past year I have been a CBC ambassador. I am incredibly thankful to my mentor, lab members, and PI for all their help over the years!"
Tiffany Luu - "My name is Tiffany Luu, and I will graduate this Spring 2026 with a B.A. in Biochemistry with Honors and a Spanish minor. After graduation, I will attend the Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. Thank you so much to my family and friends, and to all of the professors, advisors, staff, and the Brown Lab at U of A for supporting me as a student and person. I would like to shout out a big "thank you" to Dr. Michael Brown for mentoring me in research, academics, and Honors Thesis, as well as Dr. Matthew Cordes who also mentored me in my thesis. Bear Down!!"
Jacquelyn Lo Bianco - "My favorite CBC class was Biochemistry (BIOC 462). A piece of advice I have is: if times get challenging, then it's time to look at it from a different angle. After graduation I plan on working in the medical field and attending medical school. My dream job is a doctor of medicine. A shoutout I have is for Kaylee Kimbrell and Jordan Schultz for all the study sessions and fun over the years! "I'm going down this road tonight, that's right, it's time, 'cause nothing won't make me change my mind." (Lyric from On the Road by ATEEZ)"
Gwendolyn McKay - "Hi, my name is Gwen McKay, and I’m graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry! I’d like to thank Dr. Katrina Miranda and Dr. Catharine Smith for being amazing faculty mentors, and Michael Arowosegbe for guiding me in my research project. After graduating, I plan to work in environmental analysis and regulatory compliance in Alaska. I hope to contribute to the monitoring of soil, water, and environmental contaminants to help protect natural ecosystems and promote public health! Thank you to CBC and the MARC Program for supporting me throughout my academic journey!"
Berlyn Morrison - Favorite CBC class: "My favorite class is a tie between BIOC 498, with Dr.S and CHEM 450 with Dr. McGrath!". Advice for future students: "Enjoy where you are right now. There’s no need to rush! life isn’t going anywhere. Take time to learn who you are, and you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be, feeling fulfilled along the way." Plans after graduation: "I will maintain my commitment to my many volunteering roles (shoutout RMHC and the VA!!!) and hopefully join the Peace Corps, while also gaining clinical experience in my current lab, and I intend to broaden my direct patient care experience by securing a clinical position in a private practice or hospital setting." Dream job: "Pediatric Oncologist or High school art teacher!". Shout out: "Shout out to Olivia for all her help and kindness during my undergraduate journey and I wish her well on her future endeavors! And shout out to all my peers who aced both semesters of physical chemistry this year; we did it!". Quote: "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Stephen Grellet.
Ethan Ng - "My favorite CBC class was CHEM 400A: Chemical Measurements Lab because it gave me hands-on experience with analytical instruments like HPLC and helped me understand how chemistry is applied in real laboratory settings. After graduation, I hope to work in industry, especially in QC, QA, or laboratory-based roles where I can continue building my skills and gaining experience. My dream job would be somewhere in the energy or fuel sector, where I can contribute to work that has real-world impact. One piece of advice I would give is to not compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone moves through life at different stages, and your path is still meaningful even if it looks different from someone else’s. I am grateful for the peers, faculty, and mentors in CBC who supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow throughout my time here. A quote I would leave with is: “Your story is your own, walk it at your own pace.”
Sarah Nielsen - "During my time at U of A, I have had the amazing opportunities to work on research with Dr. Dante Lauretta and Dr. Kenneth Domanik at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory as well as with Dr. Geoffrey Smelski at the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. After I graduate, I plan on applying to medical school."
Ronald Palmenberg - Favorite CBC class: "BIOC462A - Undergrad Biochemistry". Advice for future students: "Start research as soon as possible! It seems scary, but undergraduate is where you should learn to be a scientist!". Plans after graduation: "Accelerated Master‘s Program in Biochemistry at the UofA". Quote: “Just ‘cause you put syrup on something, don’t make it pancakes” - Shawn Spencer.
Aidan Prahl - " My time as a CBC student at the University of Arizona has been one of both personal and career discovery. It is the support of the faculty and staff at the CBC department that has allowed me to flourish into a young researcher. I want to thank Dr. Brett Colson for his mentorship where I had the opportunity to investigate potential small-molecule therapeutics for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The introduction into biomedical research that the CBC department has allotted me throughout my undergraduate career has led me to pursue a Ph.D.. Following graduation, I will continue my education to earn a Ph.D. In Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin."
Delaney Petruzelli (Ronald Gonzalez Wildcat Spirit Award) - "Being a part of the University of Arizona and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. Through this department I have built meaningful connections with students, faculty, and advisors who genuinely care about my success and the success of every student within the CBC. During my time here, I have grown both as a student and a mentor. I've been fortunate to contribute to this collaborative environment by supporting my peers, engaging in academic and research opportunities, and staying involved within the department. Receiving the Ronald Gonzalez Wildcat Spirit Award is incredibly meaningful to me because it reflects the value of community involvement. It's an honor to be a part of a department where students are encouraged to not only succeed individually but also to make a meaningful impact on those around them."
Natalie Rawlings - Natalie Rawlings will be graduating with a B.S. In Molecular and Cellular Biology and a B.A. In Biochemistry. After graduation, she will be attending Harvard Medical School and pursuing her dreams of becoming a physician-scientist! As a CBC student, she really enjoyed founding the Undergraduate Journal Club and serving as a CBC Peer Mentor and Ambassador. She doesn't have a particular favorite CBC class - she loved them all, especially BIOC 463A with Dr. Sacoman and BIOC 462A with Dr. Cordes, and BIOC 462B with Dr. Tomasiak. Her favorite motivational quote is "squeeze the grape of life!" Her advice for current students is to take advantage of the vast wealth of opportunities and resources that UA has to offer and to try everything you're interested in, even if it's hard, even if it scares you."
Soleil Robinson, Biochemistry BS - My favorite CBC class was BIOC463A because I really enjoyed learning different biochemical techniques and seeing how they are applied in research and real laboratory settings . After graduation, I plan on taking a gap year to gain hands on clinical experience before applying to medical school. My dream job is to become a physician and work closely with patients while continuing to learn throughout my career. I’d like to give a shoutout to all of the professors, mentors, friends and my classmates who made long study sessions and stressful exams more manageable.
Joelle Smith - Fav Class: "Majors Ochem with Gianetti". Advice: "High school feels like it goes by in a month, college feels like it goes by in a week. Appreciate every little moment!!". Graduation plan: "Attend University of Montana for my PhD in Medicinal Chemistry". Dream job: "Establish Psychedelic Medicine". Shout out: "Thank you to Steve Nick, the Jon Lab, the Gianetti Lab, and everyone else who has had a role in advancing my research capabilities!!". Quote: "There are more things in heaven and earth then are dreamt up in your philosophy-horario".
Jocelyn Wong - "My time at the University of Arizona has been a journey of growth, challenge, and reflection that has allowed me to define my goals and find my direction. One of my favorite courses was BIOC 463A (Biochemistry Lab Techniques) with Dr. Sacoman because it challenged me to apply concepts I had learned in previous coursework to actual hands-on lab experiments. It also helped me gain skills that are essential for my future career. If I could give one piece of advice to future students, it would be to take as many extra learning opportunities as you can, whether it be utilization of a professor or TA's office hours, going to exam reviews, or studying with other individuals in the course. It is important to be able to understand the information that is being taught, as concepts always come back and build on each other. After graduation, I plan to apply to PA schools where I will continue my education in science and medicine and find what specialty interests me. I am proud to be a wildcat for life and look forward to what the future holds!"
Audrey Winkle - "Throughout my undergraduate career, I was a member of Dr. Kerry Cooper's lab, where my research focused on the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of Campylobacter. After graduation, I will be taking a gap year to gain some more research experience before applying to PhD programs. Hopefully, all of this will help me transition to my dream job of researching Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. My favorite CBC class would have to be BIOC 463A because I had a lot of fun with the topics and techniques we covered."