The OC STEM Alumni Association is filled with impressive past students who are outstanding representatives of Oxnard College, the STEM community, and their professions. We’re a very pleased to recognize the following alumni as STEM Stars.
October 2024
Ariana Magana ’20
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I transferred out of Oxnard College in 2020.
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I completed my Biology degree at UCLA.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I have continued to live in Oxnard, but I work in Los Angeles County. I am a field biologist in the Natural Resource Department for California State Parks and Recreation Agency. Part of my job is also being the nursery plant manager for the district.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory at Oxnard College was learning and building 3D model sets with our 3D printers and gifting them to all my friends.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I see myself working as a Biologist for California Fish and Wildlife studying/researching wild animals. I hope to find answers to questions scientists have about the ecology between people and animals and everything in between.
Transfer Tips
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- Never give up. We all have goals we want to achieve and if it means taking it one step at a time then so be it. The point is, never give up on what you truly want to accomplish.
- Ask for help when you need it. Being afraid or being too prideful can prevent a lot of knowledge you can gain. It’s not worth it when it’s one step closer to your success story.
- Remember that you’re human. You’re bound to experience some hardships academically but don’t be hard on yourself for it. It’s good to have a driven mindset but remember that your experience as a student transferring should be joyful and not miserable.
March 2024
Miguel de la Cruz ’19
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I transferred out of Oxnard College in 2019.
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I transferred to UC Santa Barbara.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I’m working as an engineer part time at a local company strand products and working on getting my PhD at UC Santa Barbara.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
Studying at the stem ceter with friends.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I see myself graduating with my PhD and inventing new innovative things to help people.
Transfer Tips
- Make friends.
- Work hard.
- Enjoy the ride.
January 2024
Miguel Herrera ’21
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I transferred out of Oxnard College in 2021.
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I transferred to Cal Poly SLO.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I’m currently finishing up my last year here at SLO. I love to hit up local restaurants and hang out with my roommates when we’re not stressed about assignments.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
Yes! One of my memorable moments back at OC was the tournament we hosted in collaboration with FYE. It was awesome seeing both faculty and fellow students get together and hang out outside the usual academic environment.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I see myself working an embedded engineering role, hopefully local to Ventura County but as long as it’s still within California it’s all good.
Transfer Tips
- Take advantage of the time you have at OC and have some fun! Get to know some people, reach out and make some friends, join some clubs, get involved. When you transfer out, someone you meet might be heading out to that university as well.
- Don’t stress over not having any internships/work experience by the time you transfer out of OC. It’ll all work itself out over time as you move up towards your degree.
- Make sure you talk to an academic advisor at least twice a semester. Also make sure the classes you are taking are aligning with the Assist.org catalog for your school. The last thing you want is to not be considered for admission because you didn’t take a class the university was asking for.
December 2023
Justin Nam ’18
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I transferred from Oxnard College in 2018.
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I transferred to UC Santa Barbara.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I work for NAVSEA Port Hueneme and provide engineering support in the Integrated Logistics support for surface warfare combat and weapon systems. I also work with LiDAR to support the Navy in wartime readiness.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory was getting food with my friends at the Condor Cafe after morning physics class. Food tastes so much better after lecture and lab.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I want to help navigate others as they transition from community college/university to working full-time. I know how formidable the transition can be and I myself had a difficult time.
Transfer Tips
- It starts now, don’t wait till you transfer. Research different learning techniques (SQ3R,Retrieval Practice, Space technique) and find the best way to learn. Put in the effort to develop a good study routine now and the university will be manageable. You will be challenged, but know you can handle it.
- Learn how to manage stress, and take care of your mental and physical health.
- Transfer with enthusiasm and carry that enthusiasm with you throughout your academicand professional endeavors. Find a new social circle, step out of your comfort zone, and enjoy the process.
August 2023
Jacqueline Marquez ’20
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I transferred from Oxnard College in Spring 2020.
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I graduated from Cal State Northridge in Spring 2024.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am currently finishing my Bachelors for Electrical Engineering and working part time as an Electrical Engineer Intern for the U.S. Navy at Port Hueneme.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory of Oxnard College are the professors and mentors who pushed me to achieve more than what I was capable as a student.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I see myself in the next 10 years having a family while living in a small ranch home taking care of a horse and some chickens.
Transfer Tips
- Apply to all the schools you want, don’t hold back!
- Get involved in clubs, more brains are better than one!
- Explore all the assistances your school offers: medical, scholarships, calfresh, tutors…etc.
July 2023
Jasmine Rosales ’22
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I graduated and transferred from Oxnard College in 2022.
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I completed my Bachelors in Biological Science from UC Santa Barbara.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am working as a medical scribe for a family clinic, as well as a travel phlebotomist.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory of OC was studying in the STEM center with my peers. It helped me create a likeminded work environment that motivated me to continue pursuing my passion.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself as a family medicine Physician Assistant in Oxnard and working on projects to help bridge the gap of language barriers within the health care system.
Transfer Tips
- Take advantage of resource, such as EOPS, transfer center, and first generation center.
- Visit your campus prior to starting school to get a better perspective of your new campus.
- Keep in touch with your counselor to remain updated on your path towards graduation.
June 2023
Alex Guerrero ’19
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I graduated and transferred from Oxnard College in 2019
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I completed my Bachelors degree at UC Davis in 2021.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am teaching math at Santa Clara High School here in Oxnard.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory was working together with my classmates in the library. Studying right before exams in Linear Algebra.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years I hope to have my masters in math completed and to be teaching at a community college preferably Oxnard.
Transfer Tips
- Make some friends.
- Do lots of exploring.
- Enjoy your time out away from home, it will go by fast.
May 2023
Lazaro Garca ’19
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I graduated and transferred from Oxnard College in 2019
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I completed my Bachelors in Earth Science with an emphasis in geophysics from UC Santa Barbara.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am at Western Washington University completing my Masters degree.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory was seeing my friends, classmates, and myself sporting the university they were transferring to upon banners across campus. We were all excited to move on to something new, yet I knew there was a deep sense of pride for Oxnard College in everyone of those transfers.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself as a geophysicist using seismology to grow our understanding of our dynamic planet and protect those who live in it.
Transfer Tips
- Join clubs and build a network of friends who want to achieve similar goals as you.
- Don’t let classes hold you back from starting a new journey.
- Apply for scholarships, both from the OC foundation and professional organizations.
April 2023
Cassy Ortega ’20
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I graduated in 2020 from Oxnard College
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I transferred to UCSB to complete my Bachelor of Science, General Biology in 2022.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am now currently working as a Lab technician for Labcorp Calabasas.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memories were always during the first week as it really gave the campus life and community feeling.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Hopefully in the next 10 years I’ll be working in research facility geared towards aiding/curing individuals with diabetes.
Transfer Tips
- The resources on campus are included in your tuition so find those resources best suited for your needs, it’s free to you!
- Paths aren’t meant to be linear there will be bumps and obstacles in the road and that’s okay.
- Designate study times into your daily schedule even if it’s a quick 15 minutes to go over notes, it helps avoid burn out and understand material in smaller chunks.
March 2023
Jamie Lopez ’19
What year did you graduate/transfer?
I graduated and transferred from Oxnard College in 2019
Where did you transfer to complete your Bachelor’s degree?
I completed my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Cal State Northridge.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am a Mechanical Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Oxnard College?
My favorite memory from Oxnard College was being in an environment surrounded with like minded people with aspirations of becoming better.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself as a seasoned engineer and as someone who has utilized their platform to advance the community.
Transfer Tips
- Make an effort to know your professors and classmates
- Meet with your academic advisor early and often to create a plan
- Be ready to work hard
