Alum Spotlight

December 2024 ABI Alum Spotlight: Sasha Montero-De La Torre

My name is Sasha Montero-De La Torre and I graduated from UC Davis in Spring 2017
with a B.S. in Animal Biology and Minors in Psychology and Music. From a very young age, I
have always wanted to help, learn more and conserve animals, especially endangered species.
I knew I wanted become a researcher and obtain a post-graduate degree to achieve those
goals. When beginning my journey at Davis, the ABI major was a no-brainer as it provided me
with the tools to learn how to conduct research and write a practicum! It was a rigorous 4 years,

November 2024 ABI Alum Spotlight: Jamie Nakatani

My name is Jamie Nakatani, and I graduated from UC Davis in 2012 with a major in Animal Biology and a minor in Entomology. After college I worked in the zoo field for several years, starting as an animal care volunteer, progressing to a paid zookeeper, then earning an Associate of Science degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management from Moorpark College in 2016. During my time in that program, I realized I was primarily drawn to the older animals or those with interesting medical issues and spent as much time with the veterinary staff as I could.

October 2024 ABI Alum Spotlight: Tahmina Tasmim

My name is Tahmina and I graduated from UC Davis in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Biology and was also in the University Honors Program. I am a first generation college student, and having to navigate higher education was a significant challenge for me. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work with animals and eventually become a veterinarian. I chose to pursue the Animal Biology major because I wanted to challenge myself to participate in research and form connections with my peers and faculty.

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.

January 2024 ABI Alum Spotlight: Lauren Ober

My name is Lauren Ober. I graduated UC Davis with a B.S. in Animal Biology in Fall 2021 and an M.S. in Nutritional Biology in Spring 2023! When I found ABI, I felt I could truly explore my passion for Animal Nutrition and share the experience with other undergrads with similar passions.

November 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Madison Cornish

I am part of the graduating class of 2022 with a Bachelor's in Animal Biology and Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. I am originally from Stockton, CA, and I at first chose UC Davis because I wanted to be a veterinarian (while sticking close to home). However, over the course of my undergraduate experience, I learned more about the world around me and what kind of research opportunities are available with an Animal Biology degree.

October 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Nayeli Echeverria

Hi everyone, my name is Nayeli Echeverria. I am first generation and a child of immigrant parents :) and I just graduated! Woot woot! I transferred to UC Davis in the Fall of 2020, during the pandemic. I was lucky to begin my first quarter working at the 

September 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Kimberly Aguirre

Hello ABI Majors! My name is Kimberly Aguirre, I graduated from UCD in spring 2022 as an Animal Biology major with a minor in Public Health Sciences. As part of my practicum, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Alda Pires in her Food Safety and Urban Agriculture lab, under the Department of Population Health & Reproduction at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. My project was on comparing fecal microbiomes in grazed and ungrazed sheep, and seeing if there were any associated changes in food-borne pathogen-shedding.

June 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Lisa Pacumio

Hi everybody! I'm Lisa from the c/o 2021. After all the time I've spent being so deeply involved in this major as a student and peer advisor I can't express enough how grateful I am for the meaningful opportunities I have been given through this program, and how it has shaped my undergraduate years to be a truly unique and unforgettable time.

May 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Kylee Wong

As an Animal Biology alumna, I can look back on my experience with major satisfaction. Although I constantly went back and forth on whether or not I should change my major, I’m very happy that I chose to stay with the Animal Biology curriculum. Since graduating from UC Davis, I moved back home to the Bay Area and currently work full time as a Veterinary Assistant. I work with many animals and have learned how to practice Fear Free handling techniques.