UC Riverside’s growing Cosmetic Chemistry certificate program took a major step forward on May 5, 2026, with the launch of its first Cosmetic Chemistry Career Fair & Industry Panel—a collaborative effort that brought together students, alumni, faculty, and industry leaders for a day of connection, insight, and opportunity.
At the center of the event were two key figures driving the program’s momentum: Kerry Hanson, Ph.D., Cosmetic Chemistry Program Coordinator, and Ryan Kudla, Ph.D. ’16, UCR Chemistry alumnus, industry professional, and program instructor. Together, they represent the program’s dual strength—academic leadership and real-world industry integration.
“Our goal is to create a direct bridge between students and the cosmetic chemistry industry,” Hanson said. “This is a growing program, and we’re seeing increasing interest not only from students, but from industry partners who want to engage with and support our students.”
That growth is reflected in both enrollment and visibility, as well as in the program’s expanding network of alumni and collaborators.
“I didn’t set out to work in cosmetics—I just wanted a job in R&D,” Kudla said. “I thought I’d try it for two years, and that was ten years ago. That’s the reality of this industry—many people discover it along the way and stay because they love it.”
Now working in the field while teaching in the program, Kudla has become a key connector between UC Riverside and the broader cosmetic science community.
“It’s gaining a lot of traction and recognition in the industry,” he said. “Students are getting hands-on experience and practical skills that help them hit the ground running.”
A Growing, Industry-Aligned Program
Developed through a collaboration between UCR’s Department of Chemistry, UCR Extension, and the California Society of Cosmetic Chemists (CaliSCC), the Cosmetic Chemistry certificate program is the West Coast’s educational program in cosmetic science and the only lab-based program of its kind in the region.
Cosmetic science is an inherently interdisciplinary field, drawing from chemistry, biology, materials science, and engineering to develop safe, effective, and innovative products for skin, hair, and personal care. As the industry continues to evolve, it increasingly blends scientific rigor with creativity and product innovation.
The 12-month certificate combines online coursework with hands-on laboratory training, equipping students with the skills needed to develop market-ready cosmetic and personal care products while gaining experience in formulation, ingredient analysis, and regulatory considerations.
The program’s growth is not only measured in enrollment, but in outcomes.
“It worked out perfectly for me,” said Naedeen Aquino, a graduate of the program’s first cohort and now an R&D chemist. “It gave me the foundational knowledge and helped me see where I could go in the industry. It confirmed that this is exactly where I want to be.”
Fellow alumna Kelly Vu highlighted the program’s interdisciplinary approach.
“It gave me a lot of insight into the industry,” Vu said. “From understanding skin and hair biology to actually creating products in the lab, you get both the science and the real-world experience.”
Together, these experiences reflect the program’s core strength: preparing students not just academically, but professionally.
Alumni Engagement as a Catalyst for Growth
A defining feature of UC Riverside’s approach is the active involvement of alumni—many of whom now serve as mentors, instructors, and industry ambassadors.
Kudla’s continued engagement exemplifies this model, as he balances his industry role with teaching and mentorship.
“It’s about giving back and helping create opportunities for students,” he said. “The more we connect them with real-world experiences, the more successful they’ll be.”
That cycle of engagement—students becoming professionals and returning to support the program—was evident throughout the career fair, where alumni interacted directly with current students, offering guidance, sharing career paths, and building professional networks.
Partnership with the California Society of Cosmetic Chemists
Central to the event’s success is UC Riverside’s growing partnership with the California Society of Cosmetic Chemists, a leading professional organization in the field.
“This is about building meaningful, long-term relationships,” said Jeremy McWells, Director of Development for UCR’s College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS). “We want to position UC Riverside as a hub for cosmetic chemistry and ensure our students are connected to these opportunities.”
The partnership includes scholarships, mentorship, and industry engagement, as well as opportunities for philanthropic and in-kind support.
“From scholarships to donated equipment, these partnerships help us expand what we can offer students,” McWells added.
This alignment between academic programs and industry organizations is helping to elevate UC Riverside’s profile while expanding access and opportunity for students.
Industry Insights: Many Paths, One Field
Following the career fair, which ran from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., students reconvened for an industry panel from 12 to 1 p.m., moderated by Nasrat Hamid, a senior chemist, offering a deeper look into the wide range of careers within cosmetic chemistry.
“Where am I going? What am I doing? How am I going to get there?” Hamid said. “It’s not a straight path—it’s a journey.”
Panelists reinforced that message through their own experiences.
“I didn’t know this was going to be my path,” said Kelsey Riley, a senior formulating chemist. “I just wanted to work in a lab, and I fell in love with it along the way.”
“Every day is a different adventure,” added regulatory consultant Dan Kohloff. “If a product doesn’t pass regulatory approval, there’s no point in developing it.”
Panelists also emphasized the broader impact of the field.
“It’s not just an industry of vanity,” said Raymond Sullivan-Bojorquez, M.S. ’17 a UCR alumnus and business development manager. “You’re creating products that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Cosmetic Scientists
For students considering a future in the personal care and cosmetic industry, the panel concluded with practical advice grounded in experience.
“If you already have a background in chemistry or science, you’re in a great position,” said Amanda Lam, a development chemist. “From there, it’s about building connections and learning how to apply those skills in the real world.”
“The biggest thing I look for is someone willing to work and learn,” added Neal Harris, a fragrance industry professional and business development leader. “If you’re open to learning, there are opportunities across every part of the business.”
For Kudla, the advice reflects both his own experience and what he now sees in students entering the field.
“My path into this industry wasn’t linear,” he said. “But the combination of scientific training and real-world experience is what ultimately made the difference.”
At UC Riverside, that journey is no longer abstract—it’s taking shape in classrooms, labs, and connections that are opening doors to an industry many students are only just beginning to discover.
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