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Co-Op Program

We are breaking boundaries as one of the first life sciences co-ops in the country.
Join us in building a diverse generation of leaders in all areas of the life sciences industry.

The School of Biological Sciences Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program at UC San Diego is up to one year of paid work experience open to undergraduates of all majors at one of our partner companies.

The Co-Op Program merges hands-on professional experience with concurrent career development coursework, preparing students to transition from college to a meaningful career pathway with a strong sense of belonging in the life sciences community.

Through BioCAP (Corporate Affiliates Program), we partner with leading life science companies to connect UC San Diego’s future leaders with hands-on job experience. Together, this dynamic collaboration develops a diverse, future-ready workforce and enhances community engagement in San Diego's life sciences ecosystem and beyond.

Students

Power your career path with real-world experience.

  • Earn While You Learn: Get paid for work experience
  • Skill-Up with Credits: Top-tier professional training plus academic units
  • Meet Industry Pros: Network with industry leaders and peers
  • Blaze Your Trail: We're your compass in the life sciences community
  • Launch Your Career: Build your profession with meaning and impact

Corporate Partners

Empower tomorrow's life sciences leaders today.

  • Access UC San Diego Excellence: Students from one of the world's consistently top-ranked universities
  • Gain Workforce-Ready Talent: Students from diverse backgrounds with competitive scientific and soft skills
  • Lead Your Community: High-level exposure across campus and the life sciences industry
  • Give Back: Make a positive, life-changing impact on UC San Diego students
Group of current students

Some students from the 2023-2024 Co-Op Cohort at their Fall 2023 Co-Op Symposium, from left to right: Claire Andolina, Alina Ho, Katie Kertis, Ryan Sassower, Melinda Thai, Justin Liang, Ray Rogers, Nathan Fang, Annika O’Rourke, Ashley Sedgwick, Kelly Peng, James Chang

Group of current students

Students from the 2022-2023 Co-Op Cohort giving poster presentations at the Annual BUMMP (Biological Sciences Undergraduate and Masters Mentorship Program) Student Symposium (BASS) in Spring 2023, from top left to right: Manya Awal, Kelly Yeung, Emely Rocha, Nolan Tseng, Justin Liang, Claire Andolina

Thank you to our current Co-Op corporate partners!

Logo for Catalent
Logo for Erasca
Logo for Excellos
Logo for Specialty Enzymes and Probiotics
Logo for Thermo Fisher

General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a co-op program?

A co-op program is a partnership between a university and companies that hire students for paid work experience that typically last 6-12 months. It differs from an internship program because the time commitment is usually longer, providing increased quality and quantity of skills, knowledge, and professional relationships.

What makes our co-op unique?

Our Co-Op Program is unlike most other co-ops because we provide professional development training through a required course students take while working at their Co-Op company. Students receive academic credit (2, 4 or 6 units) for that course, BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis. And we are one of the first life sciences co-ops in the country!

How to Apply

Positions are posted on this webpage year-round as they become available under the "Apply Now" sidebar. To view these positions, scroll to the bottom if you’re on your phone, or go to the call-out-box on the left if you’re on your laptop or desktop.

FAQs by Prospective Co-Op Students

Am I Eligible To Apply?

Undergraduate students of all majors are eligible to apply to the Co-Op Program. You cannot apply if you are graduating this year because Co-Op positions start in summer. Each position has specific eligibility requirements, so read individual job descriptions to determine your eligibility.

How Do I Apply?

Co-Op positions are posted year-round on this website. Check this website frequently throughout the academic year for new positions. Click on the job posting and follow its instructions to apply.

If I’m Not Hired The First Time, Can I Apply Again?

Yes. You can apply to an unlimited number of Co-Op positions as long as you are not graduating this year because Co-Op roles start in summer.

Can I Apply To More Than One Position At A Time?

Yes

What Is The Time Commitment?

For most positions, it’s one year, minimum. Co-Op students start their positions in summer and end the following June, with the exception of positions at Catalent. Catalent positions start soon after they are posted during the academic year. Sometimes Co-Op companies offer the student to continue working in their Co-Op position after one year.

Co-Op students work full-time (close to 40 hours per week) during summer and part-time during the academic year. You and your supervisor determine your schedule each quarter to accommodate your academic schedule. Most Co-Op students work 10-20 hours per week during the academic year. In addition to working, you will take the required Co-Op course, BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis, during fall, winter, and spring while working at your Co-Op company. This class meets in person three times per quarter on Mondays of Weeks 1, 5 and 10, usually at 5:30-7:00 p.m., and includes weekly assignments. Attendance is required and Co-Op students need to fit this class into their schedule.

What Will I Gain?

Co-Op students gain paid work experience, usually for about one year, as well as course credit for the required Co-Op course, BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis. Through this course and work experience, students will gain an expanded professional network, a mentor in a leadership role at their Co-Op company, and soft skills, including science communication, leadership, and public speaking.

What Course Do I Need To Take?

Co-Op students are required to enroll in BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis during fall, winter, and spring quarters. You can take the course for 2, 4 or 6 units. The workload complements the number of units. The course has weekly assignments and meets in person on the UC San Diego campus three times per quarter on Mondays of Weeks 1, 5 and 10, usually at 5:30-7:00 p.m. Attendance is required and Co-Op students need to fit this class into their schedule.

This course provides an in-depth overview and hands-on application of career development skills, soft skills, and leadership development skills. Topics and assignments include resume and cover letter development, networking, informational interviewing, mock interviewing, behavioral interview skills, science and research communication skills, diversity and inclusion in the life sciences industry, and mentorship. Students will apply the skills learned in this class while working at their Co-Op companies. Students will build community with life sciences industry professionals, UC San Diego faculty and staff, and with Co-Op cohort peers.

Will I Be Paid? Do I Get Course Credit?

Yes, Co-Op positions are paid by the company. Yes, you will receive 2, 4 or 6 units for taking the required Co-Op course, BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis, during fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Can International Students Apply?

Some Co-Op companies hire international students. Each company has a different sponsorship policy.

How Can I Strengthen My Resume Before Applying?

Make an appointment on Handshake with a career coach at the Career Center to review your resume and cover letter.

FAQs by Prospective BioCAP Corporate Partners

What Will My Company Gain From Joining BioCAP and the Co-Op Program?

Your annual BioCAP membership includes access to diverse, workforce-ready talent from one of the world’s consistently top-ranked universities. Our team will work with you for a personalized, targeted marketing approach where we promote your Co-Op positions directly to the student populations you want to hire. Your brand will gain visibility across campus with your company logo used in all of our program materials. You will be invited to exclusive events on campus to interact with faculty, students, and leaders across the life sciences community.

How Does My Company Join?

Email biocap@ucsd.edu to become a BioCAP/Co-Op partner.

What Are Deadlines And Timelines For Joining?

There are no deadlines to join BioCAP. Your membership covers one year starting when we receive your membership payment. Once you become a member, your company can begin recruiting for Co-Op positions that start in summer. Co-Op partnership means companies will be members for at least two years because the first year covers recruitment, while all of the following years cover recruitment and Co-Op students working at the company.

What If Our Company Already Has An Internship Program?

All companies can join BioCAP and the Co-Op Program, even if you already have an internship program.

  • Option 1: Internship programs can be rolled into the Co-Op Program, meaning that you would keep your internship program running as is. If your company has a summer internship program that you roll into the Co-Op Program, the student would work full-time during summer and would take the required Co-Op course during fall. If your company has an internship program that is longer than a summer internship, the student would work full-time during summer and part-time during the academic year, and would take the required Co-Op course during the quarters that they work at your company. As a BioCAP partner, your company would gain all BioCAP benefits, including invitations to participate in exclusive BioCAP events and programs that have access to UC San Diego talent and faculty.
  • Option 2: Your company can extend summer internships to last six months or one year. Students would work full-time during summer and part-time during the academic year, and would take the required Co-Op course during the quarters that they work at your company.

Both options mean that your company would gain all of the benefits to joining BioCAP/Co-Op, including:

  • Students you hire will have advanced soft skills and science communication training through our required Co-Op course and they will give presentations on the work they do at your company at large-scale symposiums on campus throughout the year
  • A personalized, targeted marketing approach where we promote your Co-Op positions directly to the student populations you want to hire
  • Brand visibility across campus with your company logo used in all of our program materials
  • Invitations to exclusive events on campus to interact with faculty, students, and leaders across the university and life sciences community

How Does Our Company Hire Co-Op Students?

Sign up for a Handshake account if you don’t already have one. Post the position on Handshake and then email the link to biocap@ucsd.edu, along with the majors you’d like to recruit. We will promote the position across campus marketing channels, including in newsletters and social media for student organizations and academic units. Your company will oversee the interview and hiring process and will update us at biocap@ucsd.edu when students have been hired.

What Is My Company Investing In?

Your BioCAP/Co-Op Program annual membership invests in the career development and professional advancement of UC San Diego students. Your membership supports the BioCAP (Corporate Affiliates Program) and Co-Op Program’s operations and basic program expenses, including staffing, events, and communications. The funding also supports programming for some School of Biological Sciences career development courses. BioCAP and the Co-Op Program are self-sustaining programs that rely on philanthropic giving for support. We are deeply grateful to our BioCAP and Co-Op partners for their support and the hands-on training and professional opportunities they afford our students.

Can My Company Join BioCAP If We Don’t Hire Co-Op Students?

Yes, all individuals and companies can support or join BioCAP, regardless of whether or not they hire Co-Op students.

  • Option 1: Your company can become a BioCAP member and gain brand visibility across campus with your company logo used in all of our program materials, and invitations to exclusive events on campus to interact with faculty, students, and leaders across the life sciences community.
  • Option 2: Your company can provide philanthropic support to BioCAP and the Co-Op Program without becoming an official BioCAP member.

Can I Contribute as an Individual?

Yes! First, thank you for your generosity and support of our students and these career development programs. You can make your gift at any time here. Your gift invests in UC San Diego students and the Co-Op Program are self-sustaining programs that rely on philanthropic giving for support. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support and the hands-on training and professional opportunities that this support affords our students.

Meet Current Co-Op Students

  • Claire Andolina
    Claire Andolina '24 (she/they/their)
    Informatics Project Specialist, Informatics at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Neurobiology major, Computer Science/Engineering and Chemistry minors
    Connect with Claire to learn about their Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Claire Andolina LinkedIn

    Claire is a senior undergraduate who assists with software development and data analytics using primarily Structured Query Language (SQL), Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and C#. They chose a career path in technology out of interest in creativity and problem solving, as well as for its stability. Some of their accomplishments include being on Provost Honors, earning 1st place at a school Speech & Debate tournament, and being an active volunteer for the San Diego Science Alliance. Outside of work and school, Claire's hobbies include singing, video games, exercise, and spending time with their dogs outside.

  • James Chang
    James Chang '25 (he/him/his)
    Assistant Scientist at Catalent
    General Biology major
    Connect with James to learn about his Co-Op experience on LinkedIn James Chang LinkedIn or at jcc003@ucsd.edu

    James is a third-year student who assists Catalent scientists in creating solutions and running samples. He worked in the Hao Lab at UC San Diego and was an instructional assistant for courses including human physiology and organic chemistry.

  • Ashley Einhorn
    Ashley Einhorn '26 (she/her/hers)
    Laboratory Assistant at Catalent
    General Biology major

    Ashley is a second-year student who conducts experiments at Catalent to assess the feasibility and efficacy of various oral drug formulations and performs bulk tapped density analysis to determine properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients and blends. She is proficient in the precise measurement and blending of pharmaceutical excipients and ingredients to create optimal formulations for oral drug delivery. At Catalent, Ashley gains hands-on experience in tablet and capsule manufacturing processes, including large scale capsule profiling and tablet compression. She executes disintegration testing to evaluate the solubility properties of oral drug formulations.

  • Nathan Fang
    Nathan Fang '24 (he/him/his)
    Gel Manufacturing Quality Control Intern at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    General Biology major
    Connect with James to learn about his Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Nathan Fang LinkedIn or at njfang@ucsd.edu

    Nathan Fang is a fourth-year student who conducts various tests on select gels received from manufacturing at Thermo Fisher to ensure product quality and consistency. He finds the idea of manipulating life on the cellular and molecular levels fascinating. Nathan enjoys playing guitar, working out, and creating content for his social media accounts.

  • David Goodheart '25 (he/him/his)
    Process Engineering Intern at Catalent
    Chemical Engineering major

    David is a third-year who is pursuing chemical engineering because he is very interested in energy and processing operations. He is highly driven and thrives in new environments due to his adaptability and work ethic. He is inquisitive and is always looking to grow, and is intrigued by a challenge.

  • Alina Ho
    Alina Ho '24 (she/they/theirs)
    Lab Assistant (Intern) at Catalent
    Chemistry major
    Connect with Alina to learn about their Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Alina Ho LinkedIn or at alho@ucsd.edu

    Alina is a fourth-year student who analyzes data and runs routine experiments at Catalent for tablet formulation. They worked at BASF as a summer intern. Their passions include anything chemistry-related. They want to use their knowledge to understand the universe and solve prevalent problems. Alina enjoys volunteering for Tzu Chi and singing in their a capella group, the Trebles.

  • Kathryn Kertis
    Kathryn Kertis '24 (she/her/hers)
    Process Engineer Assistant (Intern) at Catalent
    Chemical Engineering major, Business minor
    Connect with Katie to learn about her Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Kathryn Kertis LinkedIn or at kkertis@ucsd.edu

    Katie is a fourth-year student who assists the Process Engineering team at Catalent with the research, development, and optimization of early-phase oral solid dosage formulations. Her responsibilities range from performing laboratory characterization tests, operating on large, complex equipment, and working alongside engineers, scientists, and other teams while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. Katie is passionate about helping and supporting others through her work, whether with her team, peers, or beyond. She hopes to carry her strong work ethic and amiable personality into whichever career she enters.

  • Vivi Nguyen
    Vivi Nguyen '24 (she/her/hers)
    Cell Therapy Manufacturing Technician at Excellos
    Mechanical Engineering major, Supply Chain minor
    Connect with Vivi to learn about her Co-Op experience at ntn005@ucsd.edu

    Vivi is a fourth-year student on the Cell Therapy team at Excellos where she assists the manufacturing process by running samples to see which blood packs are usable. She also assists the Excellos process engineer with equipment management and validation.

  • Kelly Peng
    Kelly Peng '24 (she/her/hers)
    Scientist I Antibody Manufacturing at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    General Biology major
    Connect with Kelly to learn about her Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Kelly Peng LinkedIn or at kxpeng@ucsd.edu

    Kelly is a fourth-year student working at Thermo Fisher in antibody purification. Her main responsibility is to purify and isolate IgG antibodies from various supernatant cultures. She is passionate about the wide variety of applications there are in the life sciences industry, and her goal in the Co-Op Program is to learn more about the industry and establish skills that will be applicable in the future. Kelly enjoys swimming with friends and traveling back home to Taiwan to see family.

  • Kelly Peng
    Kelly Peng '24 (she/her/hers)
    Scientist I Antibody Manufacturing at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    General Biology major
    Connect with Kelly to learn about her Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Kelly Peng LinkedIn or at kxpeng@ucsd.edu

    Kelly is a fourth-year student working at Thermo Fisher in antibody purification. Her main responsibility is to purify and isolate IgG antibodies from various supernatant cultures. She is passionate about the wide variety of applications there are in the life sciences industry, and her goal in the Co-Op Program is to learn more about the industry and establish skills that will be applicable in the future. Kelly enjoys swimming with friends and traveling back home to Taiwan to see family.

  • Raymond Rogers
    Raymond Rogers '25 (he/him/his)
    Scientist I Antibody Manufacturing at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Human Biology major
    Connect with Ray to learn about his Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Raymond Rogers LinkedIn or at rlrogers@ucsd.edu

    Ray is a third-year student who creates antibody products at Thermo Fisher to be used in medical and biological research applications. He leads co-curricular clubs at UC San Diego that align with his philosophy and boxing passions. He highly values medical professionals and believes firmly in the power of the biotechnology industry to improve the human condition.

  • Ryan Sassower
    Ryan Sassower '24 (he/him/his)
    Laboratory Assistant (Intern), Quality Control at Catalent
    Chemistry major
    Connect with Ryan to learn about his Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Ryan Sassower LinkedIn or at rsassowe@ucsd.edu

    Ryan is a fourth-year student who supports chemists at Catalent where he makes solutions and runs tests on drug products using cGMP procedures. He was the valedictorian at his high school and was Seventh College Student of the Year in 2022 at UC San Diego. He enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Ashley Sedgewick
    Ashley Sedgewick '24 (she/her/hers)
    Laboratory Assistant (Intern), Quality Control at Catalent
    Microbiology major
    Connect with Ashley to learn about her Co-Op experience on LinkedIn Ashley Sedgewick LinkedIn or at absedgwick@ucsd.edu

    Ashley is a fourth-year student who assists with common solution preparations, dissolutions, and HPLC tasks at Catalent. She tests water content, friability, hardness, and disintegration times of samples. She wants to work in biotech or research and development for medicine because she is passionate about helping improve the health of others. She enjoys doing gymnastics, reading fantasy novels, and attending music festivals.

  • Andrei Sheydayi
    Andrei Sheydayi '25
    Process Engineering Intern at Catalent
    Chemical Engineering major
  • MElinda Thai
    Melinda Thai '25
    Intern at Catalent
    Biochemistry major

    Melinda is a third-year student who supports developmental activities at Catalent, including the preparation of buffers, reagents, and assays, instrument calibration, HPLC/UPLC setup, physical characterization, and dissolution. She employs good documentation practices by recording experiments contemporaneously. She troubleshoots and runs assays under the supervision of a pharmaceutical chemist. Melinda also conducts the physical characterization of molecules, including polarized light microscopy and powder x-ray diffraction.

Meet Co-Op Program Alumni

  • Manya Awal
    Manya Awal '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Human Biology (Cognitive Science minor)
    Former Lab Assistant Lab Assistant, Quality Control at Catalent
    Human Biology major, Cognitive Science minor
    Connect with Manya to learn about her Co-Op experience at maawal@ucsd.edu or Manya Awal LinkedIn

    After graduation, Manya landed a role as Research Technician and Scintillon Institute where she designed and performed experiments to study the cerebellum’s role in food intake utilizing neural manipulation, deep brain imaging and food-related behavioral tests (e.g., induction of binge-like eating) in mice models. She performed stereotaxic surgeries in mice for targeted viral injections to support research objectives and hypotheses. She also managed the mouse colony, handled breeding and established and maintained a computerized database of the colony. She coordinated data analysis with clinical researchers conducting functional imaging in subjects with eating disorders. At Catalent, Manya was responsible for performing experiments for quality control (QC) chemists for drug samples they are testing.

  • Annabelle Bode
    Annabelle Bode '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
    Former Quality Assurance Administrative Assistant at Catalent
    Connect with Annabelle to learn about her Co-Op experience at abode@ucsd.edu

    Annabelle is currently the Veterinary Receptionist at Aliso Beach Animal Clinic. At Catalent, she organized, filed, and archived documentation, including equipment files and lab notebooks, and ensured everything ran in order. She reviewed certificates of analysis and test method packets, and filed them in an organized manner.

  • Chynna Doremus
    Chynna Doremus '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Chemical Engineering
    Former Process Engineering Intern at Catalent
    Connect with Chynna to learn more about her Co-Op experience at cdoremus@ucsd.edu or Chynna Doremus LinkedIn

    After graduation, Chynna began working in process engineering at Tesla. At Catalent, she assisted in experimentation and development activities of active pharmaceutical compounds with the goal of optimizing bioavailability, disintegration, and overall quality of solid oral dosage forms.

  • Paulina Galaz Rosales
    Paulina Galaz Rosales '22 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Human Biology
    Former Quality Control Training Assistant at Catalent

    After graduation, Paulina was hired full-time at Catalent as a Quality Chemist I before being promoted to Quality Control Chemist II.

  • Lizbeth Hoffman
    Lizbeth Hoffman '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Biochemistry and Chemistry
    Former Cell Therapy Manufacturing Associate I at Excellos
    Connect with Lizbeth to learn about her Co-Op experience at lhoffman@ucsd.edu or Lizbeth Hoffman LinkedIn

    Liz began working full-time at Excellos after graduation and is currently Research Technician I at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). As a Co-Op student at Excellos, she isolated white blood cell products used for cancer immunotherapies. She maintained department records, collected data, and assisted with the order and release of critical materials. She adhered to good manufacturing practices (GMP) in a cleanroom environment.

  • Digvijay Jani
    Digvijay “DJ” Jani '22 (he/him/his)
    M.S. Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Bioengineering
    B.S. Chemical Engineering and Biology (Chemistry minor)
    Former Scientist I at Thermo Fisher Scientific (July 2021-June 2022)
    Connect with DJ to learn about his Co-Op experience at djani@ucsd.edu or Digvijay Jani LinkedIn

    After graduation, DJ began working as a Compliance Engineer at Illumina where he contributed to process improvement and optimization in research and manufacturing, and supported new product introduction and project development by ensuring compliance to internal/external specifications. At Illumina, he generated technical documentation, such as process flow diagrams, work instructions, and batch records, and performed root cause analyses associated with non-conformance and corrective and preventive actions. DJ is currently an MSAT Engineer at AGC Biologics. As a Scientist I at Thermo Fisher in the Co-Op Program, he manufactured and performed quality control assays (TR-FRET, radioactive and protein concentration) on various buffers and reagents for use in analysis kits.

  • Alexandra Jeffson
    Alexandra Jeffson '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Neurobiology
    Former Antibody Manufacturing Intern II at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Connect with Alexandra to learn about her Co-Op experience at Alexandra Jeffson LinkedIn

    After graduation, Alexandra landed a role as Manufacturing Associate at Aviva Systems Biology. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Drug Development and Production Management at UC San Diego. As a Co-Op student at Thermo Fisher, Alexandra isolated antibodies from a supernatant culture of a hybridoma cell line and refined the final product to concentration and purification standards in a professional laboratory setting.

  • Rochelle Kang
    Rochelle Kang '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. General Biology
    Manufacturing Research Associate I at Excellos
    Connect with Rochelle to learn about her Co-Op experience at r2kang@ucsd.edu

    Rochelle was a Co-Op student at Excellos, a biotechnology startup that specializes in providing unique full-service contract development and manufacturing that pairs the collection of critical human cells and tissues with manufacturing. She was also a teaching assistant at UC San Diego School of Medicine..

  • Duy an Duy
    Duy An “Duy” Le '24 (he/him/his)
    Bioengineering: Biotechnology major, General Biology minor
    Former Research and Development (R&D) Intern at MP Biomedicals (July-December 2022)
    Connect with Duy to learn about his Co-Op experience at Duy An Duy Le LinkedIn

    Duy plans to pursue his PhD and is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Mali Lab and Wahlin Lab. As a Co-Op student at MP Biomedicals, Duy was responsible for a variety of projects for product development, product management, and quality assurance. He regularly gave presentations on his products to his team. At UC San Diego, he is involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA)

  • Justin Liang
    Justin Liang '23 (he/him/his)
    Biochemistry and Chemistry major
    Former Manufacturing Intern, Next Generation Sequencing at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Biochemistry/Chemistry major
    Connect with Justin to learn about his Co-Op experience at jul078@ucsd.edu

    As a Co-Op student at Thermo Fisher, Justin’s main responsibility was formulations of chemical and biochemical reagents that were used by departments across Thermo Fisher. His career goal is to find a job that is enjoyable and has a measurable impact on the development of cures for diseases

  • Siara Magee
    Siara Magee '22 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Human Biology (Chemistry minor)
    Former Lab Assistant/Associate Chemist at Catalent
    Connect with Siara to learn more about her Co-Op experience at Siara Magee LinkedIn

    Siara is pursuing her PharmD at University of Southern California (USC). At USC, she is a student assistant for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) where she works for the Southern California Outreach for Pharmacy Education (SCOPE) team to recruit underrepresented high school students into the three pillars of the program: high school outreach, Saturday Academy, and the mentorship program that she co-founded. At SCOPE, she plans large-scale events for groups of more than 200 participants, supports student liaisons for more than 10 of the school’s affinity groups, and spearheads efforts to streamline work to ensure continued success in newly established initiatives. Additionally, Siara is a Pharmacy Intern at Huntington Hospital where she works on a team of more than 20 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide care in a 619-bed hospital. At Huntington Hospital, she collects patient medication history upon intake to the emergency department, relays information from physicians to pharmacists regarding medication choice, communicates with nurses and other healthcare professionals about necessary courses, and compounds and dispenses medications. Siara is also a Health Specialist at Medibles Bio, where she is on the medical advisory board to assist team members with patient inquiries regarding drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, and medication. At Medibles Bio, she works alongside the Chief Medical Officer to tackle new initiatives and technology pertaining to precision medicine. At Catalent, Siara worked on a team of more than 20 scientists to understand and perform analytical development work crucial in early-phase development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. She was able to learn and become competent in techniques such as spectroscopy, liquid/gas chromatography and data-processing using Empower software. She eventually helped train newer interns. Siara says her Co-Op experience provided her with the opportunity to refine her technical skills and develop essential skill sets needed to make valuable contributions in the workplace.

  • Annika O'Rourke
    Annika O’Rourke '25 (she/her/hers)
    Bioengineering major
    Former Intern at Bristol Myers Squibb

    Annika is a third-year student and worked on the Oncogenesis team as a Co-Op student at Bristol Myers Squibb. At BMS, she cultured cells, treated them, and analyzed them using techniques such as western blot. She is passionate about using technology and problem-solving to make advances in the medical field. Some of her values include compassion and creativity, which is why she wants to utilize healthcare to help people. Annika enjoys oil painting and surfing.

  • Emely Rocha
    Emely Rocha '23 (she/her/hers)
    B.S. Pharmacological Chemistry
    Lab Assistant, Analytical Development/Pre-Formulation at Catalent
    Connect with Emely to learn about her Co-Op experience at emrocha@ucsd.edu or Emely Rocha LinkedIn

    As a Co-Op student at Catalent, Emely assisted the Analytical Development/Pre-Formulation team in running physical characterization tests using various machines and instrumentation, including Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). She regularly performed lab inspections, prepared solutions, maintained a laboratory notebook, and wrote reports that were sent to clients. Her career goal is to work as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry and make an impact in discovering new cutting-edge drugs that will save lives worldwide.

  • Ashley Thai
    Ashley Thai '22 (she/her/hers)
    Former Drug Discovery Manufacturing Scientist I at Thermo Fisher Scientific (July 2021-June 2022)
    B.S. General Biology
    Connect with Ashley to learn more about her Co-Op experience at Ashley Thai Linkedin

    After graduation, Ashley landed a role as Assistant Product Manager at Med2Lab, Inc., before being promoted to Product Manager. As a Co-Op student at Thermo Fisher, Ashley gained extensive training on the Baculovirus Expression Vector System that focuses on insect cell culture. This process manufactures specific proteins through cell growth, transfection, infection, and harvesting. In addition to gaining lab skills, Ashley gained experience in inventory management projects, BSL-2 aseptic techniques, presenting scientific research, and team communication.

  • Nolan Tseng
    Nolan Tseng '24 (he/him/his)
    Chemical Engineering major
    Former Process Engineer Assistant at Catalent
    Connect with Nolan to learn about his Co-Op experience at nstseng@ucsd.edu or Nolan Tseng LinkedIn

    Following his experience in the Co-Op Program, Nolan landed a role as Process Technician Intern at Exokeryx. As a Co-Op student at Catalent, he assisted in the process of making an oral drug tablet, which included testing and manufacturing drug tablets onsite. His career goal is to become a process engineer in the pharmaceutical industry. He is also interested in exploring areas such as intellectual property (IP), regulatory affairs and project management.

  • Kelly Yeung
    Kelly Yeung '24 (she/her/hers)
    Bioengineering: Biosystems major
    Former Bioinformatics Intern at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Connect with Kelly to learn about her Co-Op experience at kyeung@ucsd.edu or Kelly Yeung LinkedIn

    Kelly is a fourth-year student and after graduation, she will start the Thermo Fisher Leadership Development Program (LDP) in Operations, a two-year rotational program where she will work with a team and manage a project. By the end of the program, she will have worked at two Thermo Fisher sites and in four leadership roles. Upon completion of LDP, she will have the option to choose her role and location as offered by the company.

Contact and Meet the Team

  • Melissa Hoon
    Melissa Hoon
    Director, Corporate Relations and Professional Development
    mhoon@ucsd.edu

    Melissa is the staff director for the School of Biological Sciences Co-Op Program and Corporate Affiliates Program (BioCAP). She engages students, alumni, and industry partners in an effort to prepare students for impactful careers and to build a diverse talent pipeline from academia to the life sciences industry. Melissa has worked in higher education in academic program development, fundraising, and communications for more than 10 years and joined UC San Diego in 2018. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about collaborating with industry partners to bring job opportunities and hands-on training to students of all backgrounds and identities, with the goal of students cultivating their sense of belonging in the life sciences community. The most fulfilling part of her job is having the opportunity to see students and alumni grow into leaders in the life sciences industry and progress through careers that they find meaningful while they also make significant impact.

  • Dr. Joseph Pogliano
    Dr. Joseph Pogliano
    Professor, Molecular Biology
    jpogliano@ucsd.edu

    Joe is a Professor of Molecular Biology and serves as the faculty advisor to the Co-Op Program. He is also the co-founder of Linnaeus Bioscience, Inc. He received B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Honors Biology from the University of Illinois, Champaign. He earned his PhD from Harvard Medical School where he studied cell division, outer membrane stress responses, antibiotic mechanism of action and protein secretion. As a postdoc at UC San Diego, he studied cytoskeletal proteins involved in plasmid DNA segregation. He joined the UC San Diego faculty in 2003 where his research has focused on using cell biological tools to study bacterial cell growth, DNA replication, cell division, outer membrane biogenesis, and the mechanisms by which antibiotics target these essential cellular processes. His lab discovered the phage nucleus, a compartment formed by many bacteriophages that replicate in Pseudomonas. Joe and School of Biological Sciences Dean Kit Pogliano, PhD, developed Bacterial Cytological Profiling (BCP) technology that provides a rapid method for screening for antibiotics against multidrug resistant bacteria and understanding their mechanisms of action.

Ready to get started? Contact biocap@ucsd.edu