February 2024 ABI Alum Spotlight: Iris Rivas

Hi! I’m Iris Rivas and I graduated from the UC Davis Animal Biology program in Spring 2022. I continue to progress professionally and academically since graduation as a Junior Specialist at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I utilized what I learned at UC Davis and turned my profession into my hobby.

I am a cell culture specialist in the Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory and an operating room technician in the Comparative Oncology Laboratory. My skills in the biosafety cabinet and the operating room are imparable as I mark my one year anniversary of working as a scientist.

My senior practicum turned out to be the best outcome for any Animal Biology student. I found a topic I was interested in and pictured myself practicing this work for years after I graduated. Although my practicum project was interfered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Boaz Arzi DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC, FF-AVDC-OMFS and I collaborated virtually on my proposed hypothesis- immediate intervention of stromal cell therapy in cats with feline chronic gingivostomatitis. With gratitude, I was published this year as first author in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X231185395.

I am in love with my work and extremely grateful for the preparation that journeyed me to who and where I am today with my Animal Biology background. The Animal Biology program catalyzed my professional career by improving my skill set and learning in a research-based environment. With my pre-veterinary background and my huge interest in regenerative medicine research, I will be applying for graduate school next year! In the meantime, I am co-mentoring an undergraduate student with Dr. Arzi and gaining substantial laboratory research experience as a Junior Specialist. The Animal Biology major will continue to support the goals I set in place, and I know that those who love research will gain tremendous opportunities, experience, and knowledge through this amazing undergraduate program