KCGIP Alumni Share Their Pathways to Success

“Be sure to meet with your academic advisor frequently, as they are your best resource in to support your graduation timeline. Also, perform undergraduate research for professors in fields you would like to contribute in someday, as this experience is invaluable . Don’t be shy to ask around – many professors appreciate having students assist in their research and even with little to no research experience, there are a myriad of different positions to start from. Finally, attend every office hour available. This is the best opportunity you will have to ask questions, understand material nuance, and verify your problem-solving methods.”

Andy Mendoza

My Pathway to becoming a Sr Research Assistant at CEDAR OHSU

Community College Start: Blue Mountain Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Biochemistry
KCGIP Master’s Track: Molecular Sensors and Biotechnology
Master’s Internship: Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) Center, Portland, OR

“Community colleges offer affordable small-sized classes, which makes them a great place to focus on fundamental math and science classes. Take advantage of the sense of small and tight communities, start building your network with your peer students and professors.”

Yao Qian

My Pathway to becoming a Process Sustaining Engineer at Wolfspeed

Community College Start: Front Range Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Chemical Engineering
KCGIP Master’s Track: Semiconductor & Photovoltaic Device Processing
Master’s Internship: Wolfspeed (formerly known as Cree), Charlotte, NC

 

“Three tips I would like to share with community college and transfer students include: 1) Get involved in clubs that interest you. They are a great opportunity to network and simultaneously improve your resume. 2) Look for summer internship opportunities as a way to explore STEM – many engineering companies offer these for undergrads. 3) Take advantage of the smaller cohorts at a community college – building a more personal relationship with your professors will allow you to get letters of recommendation that really stand out.”

Malachi Kuhse

My Pathway to becoming a Microelectronic Packaging R&D Engineer at Intel

Community College Start: Umpqua Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering
KCGIP Master’s Track: Optical Materials & Devices
Master’s Internship: Intel, Hillsboro, OR 

Note:Malachi has a full-time job offer from Intel which will begin in Oct 2023 after completion of his 9-month internship.

“Don’t let your environment limit your personal, academic, or career goals. Persistence and patience will help you overcome barriers which can lead to more opportunities for growth and to be successful.”

Juyoung Lee

My Pathway to becoming a Computational Biologist at CEDAR OHSU

Community College Start: Lane Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Biology
KCGIP Master’s Track: Bioinformatics and Genomics
Master’s Internship: Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

“Believe in yourself and your ability to persevere, overcome and achieve in new and intimidating situations.“

Haleigh Patten-Trujillo

My Pathway to becoming an Organic Production Scientist I at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Community College Start: Chemeketa Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Biochemistry with minor in Women and Gender Studies
KCGIP Master’s Track: Polymer Science
Master’s Internship: WR Grace Fine Chemicals, Albany, OR

“Use school as an opportunity to explore your interests. Take advantage of internships and research opportunities, that is what helped me decide what I really enjoy doing”

Jessica Waymire

My Pathway to becoming an Opto-mechanical Systems Engineer at Onto Innovation

Community College Start: Lane Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Physics
KCGIP Master’s Track: Semiconductor & Photovoltaic Device Processing
Master’s Internship: Onto Innovation, Bend, OR