Wildcat Connect Webinar | Career Guidance in Science

Date: Thursday, March 4 | 5 - 6 p.m.

Summary: Chico State alumni will provide insight on the skills you are developing now as a student and how those will help you successfully transition to real world experiences. Our panelists have traveled different paths through entrepreneurship, operations, product development, and so much more. You will have the opportunity to ask questions for guidance and recommendations.

Panelists: Ali Divan, Ph.D (Biochemistry, '12); Oren Asseraf (Microbiology, '12); Ariana Ocampo (Biochemistry, '16)

Ali Divan is the Manager of Operations and Product Development at BioLegend | Proteogenomics | Automation. Divan completed a bachelor's degree in biochemistry at Chico State and went on to finish a Ph.D in medical science at Texas A&M Health Science Center in 2017. Divan has experienced many facets of science ranging from academic research and R&D, to the more commercialized aspects involving consulting, operations, and product development. 

Ariana Ocampo is a Research and Development Manager at Nanotech Energy Inc. Ocampo completed her bachelor's degree in biochemistry at Chico State in 2016. After graduation Ocampo worked as a lab technician at a winery and ended up at startup company that focuses on the development of batteries. "At the end of the day, there are common denominators for being a successful scientist; passion and tenacity," Ocampo said. Her work at Nanotech Energy Inc., has allowed her the opportunity to manage and develop her own projects.

Oren Asseraf is the owner and founder of Home Biotesting, completing his degree in microbiology at Chico State in 2012. After graduation Asseraf worked at Enloe Medical Center as a lift technician before moving back to his hometown of Los Angeles. He started Home Biotesting five years ago and has been growing his company ever since, expanding from the construction industry towards film sets, homeowners, and other businesses with air quality needs.