Congratulations to Cecilia Doria, a Citrus College alumna who was recently hired as a microscopist at the Oak Crest Institute of Science!

As an Owl, Cecilia shined in the classroom and laboratory, earning two degrees in biotechnology and pre-allied health, as well as a certificate in biomanufacturing. Within a month of graduating in 2022, she began working in the biotechnology field.

"What I love most about my job is how I am learning new skills and techniques every day," Cecilia said. "I am constantly challenged to think outside the box and find different ways to tackle situations."

In addition to her scientific duties, Cecilia also works with Dr. Paul Webster and Oak Crest's outreach and educational programs, like Pathways to STEM. She said she uses many of the skills that she learned at Citrus College in her job.

"Biotechnology helped me to understand how important current good manufacturing practices are to the company, not just with maintaining a laboratory notebook, but with physical techniques, such as pipetting and handling laboratory equipment," she said.

For students studying biotechnology at Citrus College, Cecilia recommends that they ask questions in order to better understand what they are doing and why. Additionally, she also encourages students to not give up on their journey.

"There will be a lot of ups and downs in every career you have, but it's how you pick yourself up and learn from mistakes that can make you either love what you do or hate it," she said. "Patience is a key factor in science and quality work, so it's best to take things one at a time and don't rush what you are doing."

You make Citrus College proud, Cecilia!