Science+Math Alumni Stories
Read more about ÌÇÐĹÙÍø math and sciences alumni, including what sparked their curiosity, why they chose ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, and what they’re doing today.
Jacob Beckmann
As an undergraduate at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, Jacob Beckmann was researching the impact of AI in medicine while the concept was still in its infancy. Today, the physics and electrical engineering double major who graduated in 2020 works at Kansas City National Security Campus, which produces non-nuclear components for national defense systems.
Chaz Childs
Chaz Childs, a 2017 biology graduate, chose to attend ÌÇÐĹÙÍø specifically for its science offerings. While in high school, Childs attended the Operation Catapult summer STEM camp and found the projects and the professor heading it up opened his eyes to the world of biology. Today, Childs is a principal scientist with Eli Lilly and Company, working as a protein biochemist focusing on bioconjugation and synthesis of antibody drug conjugates.
Paige Darnell
When she looks back at her time as a biology major at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, Elizabeth "Paige" (Stewart) Darnell, a 2011 alumna, appreciates how the college encourages students to strive for excellence, avoid stagnation, and pursue continuous improvement. Those ideas are especially true when it comes to problem-solving skills she has applied throughout her career as a pediatrician.
Val Grafton
As a physics major and math minor at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, 2018 alumna Val Grafton found opportunities to engage in projects that she says she wouldn't have gotten as an undergraduate at larger universities. Today, she works as a senior mechanical systems design engineer for Collins Aerospace.
Lauren Gutgesell
Lauren Gutgesell thought she wanted to be a physician. But her experiences at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø steered her in a direction she hopes will allow her to make an even greater impact on treating and preventing disease as a scientist, conducting experiments that could pave the way to more effective medicines for fibrosis of the lungs and liver.
Tim Harris
A 2021 biochemistry graduate, at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø Tim Harris was able to combine his love of science with his passion to continue to play basketball. He earned a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of California, Irvine, and now is a clinical chemistry fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Elisa Hartman
Elisa Hartman, a 2021 biology and biochemistry/molecular biology graduate, believes the critical thinking skills acquired as part of a ÌÇÐĹÙÍø degree are an invaluable part of any future career path. The Kalamazoo, Michigan, native puts her science degree to work each day as a quality assurance specialist III, production and operations, and before that, as a safety officer at Ossium Health.
Raj Hoshing
Raj Hoshing, a 2017 chemistry graduate, first used a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø. Today, he works as an applications specialist for Oxford Instruments in San Francisco, where he uses an NMR spectrometer to demonstrate to scientists how it can help them improve their research.
Cobi Illian
For Cobi Illian, a deep dive into statistical analysis during his coursework at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø was the catalyst for exploration that led to his future academic and career pursuits. Illian, a math bachelor's (2019) and engineering management master''s (2020) alumnus, combines the technical expertise and curiosity sparked during his undergraduate work with the management skills of his graduate degree in his role as senior technical consultant for an information technology service management software company.
Anna Weber
With specially courses offered at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, 2025 alumnus Ben Lyons felt empowered to uncover new angles for studying math and physics. Today Lyons is pursuing doctoral work and teaching at the University of Texas, drawing on the experiences of his professors at Rose.
Sarah Shibuya
Sarah Shibuya, a 2025 biochemistry/molecular biology and biomedical engineering alumna, now is conducting grant-funded doctoral research in neurobiology. It's work that she hadn't even considered when she began her undergraduate studies at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø.
Rita Strack
A 2005 alumna, Rita Strack majored in biology and biochemistry while minoring in literature. She earned a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Chicago before completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University. Today, she serves as chief editor of <em>Nature Biomedical Engineering</em>, where she puts her Rose degree to work on a daily basis.
Anna Weber
Anna Weber graduated in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. She began her career as a microbiologist at Powers Health Community Hospital before advancing to clinical laboratory manager. She oversees the laboratory's daily technical and operational functions, ensuring equipment and processes meet regulatory standards.