Nathaniel Co, '22
Medical Student
UCR School of Medicine
Nathaniel arrived at UCR in Fall 2019 and graduated in Fall 2022 with a B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. He lived on-campus in Pentland Hills for the first two quarters of his freshman year, back home in San Gabriel during the pandemic, and then in an on-campus apartment when campus re-opened. His leadership experiences as a UCR undergraduate included being an undergraduate course assistant for BIOL-020 (Dynamic Genome), organizing K-12 science outreach through the CNAS Science Ambassadors and Little EINSTEINs Project, and serving as community outreach chair for the San Bernardino Free Clinic. Nathaniel participated in the Dynamic Genome Summer Scholars Program (a sub-component of the Research in Science & Engineering program) and worked in the Dehesh lab for about 3 years. He also worked as a medical scribe 16 hours a week for a year before starting medical school this past fall. Outside of academics, Nathaniel played in the UCR orchestra for four years. His favorite hobbies lately have been pickleball, playing piano/violin, and trying new restaurants with friends.

Stephanie Dingwall, M.S. '08, Ph.D. '16
UCR Associate Professor of Teaching
Biochemistry Department
Stephanie Dingwall is an Associate Professor of Teaching in Biochemistry.   She received her B.S. in Neuroscience with a French minor at UCLA, and completed both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UCR.  Although her graduate research involved characterizing metalloenzymes using biochemical and biophysical techniques, her current work focuses on biochemical pedagogy.  Her former students have contributed to the research by creating course material that has now been incorporated into her classes, thus having students directly participate in curriculum development in biochemistry. Dr. Dingwall is also a UCR Honors Faculty Fellow, a Distinguished Teaching Fellow of the Academy of Distinguished Teaching, and the Statewide Coordinator for CAMP-NSF (California Alliance for Minority Participation in Research).

Lyan Ly '22
Medical Intern
Internal Medicine Clinic
Lyan graduated UCR in 2022 with a B.S in Neuroscience. She  held various leadership roles in the Student Alumni Association, was involved in CNAS Science Ambassadors, and mentored first year students as a Peer Academic Leader. She explored different career routes and committed to the pre-PA track during her last year after meeting an incredible first generation PA mentor that she is still in contact with today. Lyan has worked a number of jobs in healthcare to continue exploring her diverse interest in medicine. She is passionate about higher education, mentorship, and physical/mental health education. She has experience as a front desk receptionist, back office medical assistant, scribe, and ophthalmic technician. She has worked in internal medicine, pediatrics, rheumatology, and ophthalmology.

Josh Tejada, '23
Medical School Applicant
Mi Doctora Foundation
Josh is a 23-year-old Biology graduate on a mission to become a physician. Currently, he's knee-deep in MCAT prep and navigating the medical school application maze. When he's not studying, you'll find Josh practicing martial arts, playing video games, trying new foods, or out on wild adventures with friends. Beyond his  personal interests, I'm deeply involved in growing the Mi Doctora Foundation and gaining experience in the medical field.

Ginny Winters '22
Geochemistry Ph.D. Student
UCR Earth & Planetary Sciences
Ginny Winters received her bachelors in the Geosciences from UCR in 2022 after transferring from Riverside City College (RCC), and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the Earth & Planetary Sciences Department (EPS) at UCR. Ginny is a strong advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration, a strong work ethic and career mentoring. She participated in the CNAS Transfer Connections Peer Mentor Program (Lead STEM Peer Mentor) and the CNAS Science Ambassadors (VP of Professional Development) during her undergraduate studies. Looking to pursue research on ancient nutrients using various methods of geochemistry, she completed a senior thesis through the Research in Science & Education (RISE) Summer Bridge to Research and the Louis Stokes California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) Summer Scholars program. As a graduate student, Ginny currently acts as a grad student mentor for the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), supporting students in writing personal statements, developing interview skills, and applying for NSF, Dean’s, and CAMP fellowships. During summer quarters, she oversees CAMP undergraduates working in EPS laboratories, training them on laboratory procedures, discussing scientific articles, and helping them to prepare research presentations. Last summer, Ginny ran the first School of Rocks program for UCR’s summer Camp Highlander, where campers (K-9 students) are introduced to the geosciences through hands-on activities and lecture discussions.

Charles Woods '21
Data Scientist
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Charles Woods majored in Physics is a Data Scientist at NSWC Corona under the Department of the Navy. With just under 5 years of work experience, Charles has gained knowledge and expertise in data analysis, data management, and project management. Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Charles has achieved various milestones and accomplishments, including becoming the President of the UCR chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) during his last year at UCR, to now leading a major project for his division. Charles is also continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow, and his dedication to self-improvement has contributed greatly to his success. When he's not working, Charles enjoys reading, playing basketball, spending time with family, and playing the drums. Charles believes that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to achieving long-term success and fulfillment.