Life Beyond the Redwoods
Class of 2023: One Year Later
The achievements of our alumni reflect their academic excellence and their unwavering commitment to positively impact the world. They continue to embody the spirit of innovation, compassion, and community that defines UC Santa Cruz. We eagerly anticipate the transformative contributions they will continue to make to society.“
Cynthia K. Larive, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor
About the Undergraduate Class of 2023
By the numbers
4,460
graduates in 2023
1,622
transfer students
328
international students
33%
first generation graduates
38%
Pell Grant recipients
Class of 2023 Alumni
Celebrate the unique journeys and achievements of our graduates as we spotlight individuals from the Class of 2023 who are making strides in various fields, from research and academia to start-ups and nonprofits. Each profile exemplifies the diverse talents and aspirations fostered at UC Santa Cruz, showcasing the impact our alumni have on their communities and beyond.
Guneet Hora (College Nine)
B.A. Intensive Psychology, B.A. Legal Studies
Current Occupation: Paralegal in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Virginia
In her role as paralegal, Guneet Hora helps provide legal representation to individuals who were accused of federal crimes. Her responsibility is to ensure that the client’s defense is as effective and comprehensive as possible.
In the future she hopes to continue to fight for the rights of indigent clients and attend graduate school.
UCSC helped me build a solid foundation for my career. My coursework helped improve my ability to analyze legal issues and communicate effectively.”
Miguel Tamayo (College Nine)
B.S. Computer Engineering
Current Occupation: Flight Controls Engineer at the Aerospace Corporation
As a flight controls engineer at the Aerospace Corporation, Miguel Tamayo is responsible for maintaining simulation tools, including creating new features to test different parameters and variables, and creating tools for launch.
He plans on staying at the company for the foreseeable future, but hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the coming years.
The classes that I took in my junior and senior years at UCSC helped me a lot. They focused on what I wanted to do and taught me things that I actually use in my career.”
Nailah Smith (Stevenson College)
B.S. Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
Current Occupation: African American Studies Department and Chicana and Chicano Studies Department Coordinator at San Jose State University; Master’s Student at San Jose State University
Nailah Smith has a passion for amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. One of her long-term goals is to advocate for and support women, especially women of color in tech.
Nailah was recently accepted into SJSU’s Human Factors Ergonomics User Experience Program. She will pursue a master’s in science while continuing her full-time role with the university.
Being involved in diverse spaces at UC Santa Cruz opened my eyes to truly unique perspectives. I am now following my passion of being a voice for the underrepresented and working to make tech more accessible for all!”
Ozzy Bagno (Cowell College)
B.S. Molecular, Cell and Developmental (MCD) Biology
Current Occupation: Ph.D. Student in the Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology Program at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Going into his second year as a medical student at the John Hopkins School of Medicine, Ozzy Bagno has chosen Dr. Luisa Cochella’s lab as his permanent thesis lab, where he studies how microRNA-mediated gene regulation contributes to cell-type specification in the nematode C. elegans.
He plans to earn his Ph.D. and pursue work in the biotechnology industry or become a postdoctoral fellow, and eventually a professor. He wants to help make science more accessible to underrepresented groups by mentoring undergraduates and disseminating science to broad audiences.
UCSC’s MCD Biology Department strongly inspired me to pursue graduate school. My classes were taught by awesome faculty who were always approachable and answered any of my questions about science and life.”
Ryan Loyola (Stevenson College)
B.A. Politics, Legal Studies Minor
Current Occupation: News Assistant and Fill-in Assignment Editor at ABC7 Los Angeles
As a news assistant and fill-in assignment editor with ABC7 Los Angeles, Ryan Loyola pitches stories, follows up on story leads, interviews sources, and reports on breaking news.
In the future, Ryan hopes to become a news producer for a major television market.
Because of the opportunities I’ve had, I’ve evolved into a journalist who now focuses on the intersection of policy, underrepresented communities, and the Gen Z experience.”
Samantha Moore (Merrill College)
B.A. Politics and Government
Current Occupation: Master’s Student in International Relations at Geneva School of Diplomacy
Samantha Moore knew her interests would one day take her to the East Coast or Europe. Now, a year after graduation, Samantha lives in the home of the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, and recently completed an M.A. in International Relations.
In the future, Samantha hopes to create an NGO that advocates for human rights, raises awareness of international issues, and advises and enhances U.S. government policies.
UCSC helped me tremendously in pursuing my career path. Before attending, I was unsure about what I wanted to pursue, but it was here that I discovered my passion for international relations.”
Sarah Xia (College Nine)
B.S. Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
Current Occupation: Research Associate in the Genetics Department at the Stanford University School of Medicine
As a research associate in the Genetics Department at Stanford University, Sarah Xia collaborates with a team to develop new technology designed to study the effects of different DNA variants.
In the future, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D.
My education at UCSC not only helped me develop the necessary technical and professional skills required for my career, but also provided me with valuable experiences that reshaped my self-perception and encouraged me to pursue more ambitious goals.”
Vann Jones (Merrill College)
B.A. Feminist Studies, B.A. History of Art and Visual Culture
Current Occupation: Freelancer and Activist, Transgender Rights and Palestinian Liberation
Vann Jones uses his UCSC education to advocate for others. As a freelancer, Vann worked with several nonprofit organizations to update gender affirming informational materials, advocate for the needs of current and former sex workers, and support underrepresented small business owners through marketing materials.
Most recently, Vann uses his experience to advocate for Palestinian liberation.
My time at UCSC made me aware of what I want and gave me the tools I need to go after it.”
Yehan Weersuriya (Cowell College)
B.A. Business Management Economics
Current Occupation: Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Associate at PwC
Yehan Weerasuriya’s role model was his grandfather, who ran his own accounting and audit firm in Sri Lanka. Inspired by his grandfather, Yehan pursued accounting and finance at UC Santa Cruz. Now, a year after graduating, he continues to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.
As a consultant and associate in the Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory group at PwC, he works with client projects, as well as internal work.
UCSC’s accounting department made a notable impact on my academic tenure during undergrad. It helped prepare and qualify me for the CPA exam, while honing in on my technical fundamentals.”
Where are they now?
Among the Class of 2023, an impressive 96.2 percent have chosen to continue their careers and further education within California, contributing to the state’s vibrant and innovative landscape. Many have pursued further education at prestigious graduate schools, including NYU, USC, and UC Berkeley. Professionally, they are making significant strides in diverse industries, including healthcare, education, and publishing.
Top Career Destinations
- Education
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Hospital and Healthcare
- Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
- Publishing
Top Graduate Schools
The UC Santa Cruz alumni community numbers nearly 150,000, and their diverse range of achievements both within academia and beyond reflects the depth of their impact on the world. As the class of 2023 ventures forth, they carry with them the ethos of UC Santa Cruz, poised to make meaningful contributions and a positive influence in society.