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Bianca Aram MBA 27
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Profile

Bianca Aram MBA 27

I chose UC Davis to stay close to family while pursuing an MBA connected to the biotech and biopharma industries. With a life sciences background, I was drawn to the Biotechnology Industry Immersion to explore the business side of an industry I love.

Professional Experience

  • Research Associate, Pediatric Neurology, Ionis Pharmaceuticals 
  • Clinical Researcher, Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Group, Ark Clinical 

Student Leadership Experience

  • Vice President, Biotechnology and Healthcare Association
  • Marketing and Product Management Club 
  • Women in Leadership 

Previous Education

  • B. S. in biology, UC Irvine

Fun

Gunraj Singh MBA 27
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Profile

Gunraj Singh MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because the Biotechnology Industry Immersion was a great fit for my goal of building a career in biotech.

Professional Experience

  • Venture Strategy Intern, Aggie Venture Accelerator
  • Strategy Intern, Paramag Bioscience
  • Partnership Business Advisor, Nucleate Bay Area

Student Leadership Experience

  • Founder and President of the Biotechnology and Healthcare Association

Previous Education

  • B. S. in neurobiology, UC San Diego

Fun Facts

  • I love photography. I saw the Yosemite Firefall.
  • I love cooking. My biryani is to die for.
  • I enjoy trying new food places in Bay Area.
Abdullah Kazi MSBA 24
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Abdullah Kazi MSBA 24

I chose UC Davis to bridge the gap between knowing how to build tech and knowing how to communicate its business and monetary value. The MSBA program provided the framework I needed to turn technical solutions into measurable business results.

Current Position

  • Forward Deployed Engineer, Google

Previous Work Experience

  • Senior AI/ML Engineer, Pacific Dental Services Health

Previous Education

  • M.S. in computer science, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • B.S. in biomedical engineering, San Jose State University

Fun Facts

  • I am a cooking enthusiast.
  • I am a sci-fi aficionado.
  • My passion is driven by healthcare and
Rachel Johnson B.S. 27
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Rachel Johnson B.S. 27

I chose UC Davis because it is academically competitive, but also a friendly and collaborative environment. Another key factor was my major, managerial economics, because it is more analytical and lets me explore subjects outside the scope of a regular business major. 

Beyond academics, I noticed during my campus tour how much the campus and the town had to offer. The campus scenery and the variety of things to do on and off campus made Davis feel like a natural fit for me.

Student Leadership Experience

  • Davis Women in Business
  • ASUCD Pantry

Work Experience

  • Depop Seller, Depop

Fun Facts

  • I enjoy
Maria Ahumada MSBA 22
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Maria Ahumada MSBA 22

I chose UC Davis because of the program’s location in San Francisco, fast-paced curriculum and the ROI post-graduation.

Current Position

  • Senior Data Analyst, Amazon Games Studios

Previous Work Experience

  • Security Analyst, Goldman Sachs, Fixed Income Operations Division

Previous Education

  • B.S. in petroleum engineering, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Fun Facts

  • I enjoy traveling and I have visited more than 30 countries so far.
  • I love everything related to wellness, health and fitness.
  • I used to play competitive tennis in high school, and then at on point, I was a tennis coach here in San Francisco.
     
Jeremy Twumasi Ampofo MSBA 25
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Jeremy Twumasi Ampofo MSBA 25

I chose UC Davis because of its prestige and location. The ability to go school in the startup capital of the world is incredibly appealing, and the connections I have made along the way have overwhelmingly validated my decision.

 

Current Position

  • CEO, HerdSense

Previous Work Experience

  • President of the Invicta Actuarial Society, University of Kent

Previous Education

  • B.A. in actuarial science, University of Kent, Canterbury

Fun Facts

  • I speak four languages: English, French, German, Twi (Akan).
  • I love Formula 1 and everything that comes with it. In fact, there's a good chance I'm reading an F1 article
Ashlee Cervantes Thomas MBA 17
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Ashlee Cervantes Thomas MBA 17

I chose UC Davis for its respected MBA program and strong Sacramento business connections. The Part-Time MBA let me advance my career while deepening my skills in finance, operations, leadership and strategy. Exposure to diverse professionals broadened my perspective, boosting my confidence and ability to lead at a higher level.

Current Position

  • CEO, Guardian Protection Force Inc.

Previous Education

  • B.A. in liberal studies, Azusa Pacific University 

Fun Facts

  • I lived and studied abroad in South Africa. 
  • I completed my MBA while working full-time in the security industry.
  • My husband and I have a small
Vedika Shetty MSBA 26
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Vedika Shetty MSBA 26

I chose UC Davis MSBA to augment my management consulting background with data science & analytics. The program is fast-paced and intentional, setting a solid foundation to adapt to the ever-changing AI landscape. Being in San Francisco serves as the ultimate catalyst, providing direct access to industry leaders through guest lectures and mentorship.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • AI Product Lead at NewCo Advisory (MSBA Practicum Project)
  • Graduate Student Analyst (MSBA) and Reader for four courses in UC Davis GSM
  • P&G Emerging Leader, 2020 (awarded during MBA at IIM Calcutta)
  • President, Language
Priyanka Nayyar MSBA 26
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Priyanka Nayyar MSBA 26

UC Davis felt right. The STEM-designated MSBA offered the analytical depth I needed to pivot from pharma and product into data, without losing the business focus. The San Francisco campus sealed it. Being close to companies shaping AI and life sciences, alongside a collaborative cohort, faculty and real-world practicum, made this the place to build.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Data science / machine learning
  • Program management 
  • Product management and marketing
  • AI / generative AI

Previous Education

  • MBA, Singapore Management University

Previous Work Experience

  • Digital Marketing Manager (Scrum
Shruthi Khurana MSBA 26
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Shruthi Khurana MSBA 26

Honestly, UC Davis chose me, and I’m glad it did. The MSBA program’s mix of technical rigor, applied analytics and Bay Area access helped me pivot from banking into data and AI. What stands out most is the collaborative, supportive cohort. People share opportunities and show up for each other, making this experience both impactful and real.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Project Manager, Lagunitas MSBA Practicum Project
  • Treasurer, Annual Cultural Fest
  • Team Member, Alumni Relations Society 

Previous Education

  • MBA, Marketing & Operations, Xavier School of Management (XLRI)
  • BE, Computer Science, SGS
Andi Casner MPAc 25
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Andi Casner MPAc 25

I chose UC Davis because I started my accounting journey here during my undergraduate studies. It only felt right to finish that journey at the Graduate School of Management!

Current Position

  • PwC Audit Associate

Previous Work Experience

  • AATC Writing Tutor, UC Davis
  • Graduate School of Management Teaching Assistant, UC Davis

Previous Education

  • Bachelor's in economics and minor in Accounting, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • I was a cheerleader for 13 years, including at UC Davis. 
  • In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. 
  • One of my favorite things to do in new places is to try local coffee shops.
Tim Keller MBA 08
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Profile

Tim Keller MBA 08

I chose UC Davis because, as a winemaker, I wanted a business school with faculty focused specifically on the wine industry.

Current Position

  • Executive Director, Inventopia / Managing Partner, Gunrock Venture Studio

Previous Work Experience

  • CEO, VinPerfect

Previous Education

  • Viticulture & Enology, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • Living in Davis, I have logged more than 6,000 miles on a one-wheeled skateboard.
  • I enjoy learning new technical disciplines and am self-taught in CAD, CNC machining and industrial automation.
  • I am also a housing activist, co-founding PlanDavis to help the city expand affordable housing.
Brett Smith MBA 24
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Brett Smith MBA 24

UC Davis is a prestigious university with a top-notch Online MBA program.

Current Position

  • Regional Vice President, Hinge Health

Previous Work Experience

  • Regional Vice President, Sales, Oshi Health
  • Regional Vice Presdient, Sales, Teladoc Health
  • Associate Benefits Consultant, Health and Pension Consulting, Segal
  • Market Director, Sales, Vision Service Plan

Previous Education

  • Bachelor's in business administration, Cal Poly SLO

Fun Facts

  • I train martial arts as a hobby including Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
  • I recently relocated from Northern California to Boise, Idaho.
  • I have two kids.
Farah Shartaz MBA 22
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Farah Shartaz MBA 22

Choosing UC Davis was one of the best decisions of my life. As a marketer passionate about food and CPG, I gained real-world exposure, strategic thinking and the confidence to lead, growing both professionally and personally.

Current Position

  • Associate Brand Manager, Laura Chenel | Marin French Cheese

Previous Work Experience

  • Marketing Specialist, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream
  • Marketing Product Coordinator, California Closets Inc.
  • Marketing Specialist, Safeway

Previous Education

  • BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Fun Facts

  • I love traveling and have visited 14 countries
Ahmad Karim Katta MM 25
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Ahmad Karim Katta MM 25

I chose UC Davis for its vibrant student community and the opportunity to join an inaugural cohort on a world-class campus. Beyond academics, I explored diverse clubs, trained at the Equestrian Center, and leveraged its proximity to the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Current Position

  • Program Officer & Project Manager, Avicenna-Studienwerk

Previous Work Experience

  • Product Manager & Senior Art Director, SailyGroup AG VC
  • Art Director, Serviceplan Group Middle East

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering, Hochschule Düsseldorf (HSD) University of Applied Sciences

Fun Facts

  • I speak three languages fluently
Elle Grossenbacher MBA 17
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Elle Grossenbacher MBA 17

Working full time during a career turning point, I needed a flexible, high-quality MBA. UC Davis offered a top-ranked part-time program with the same curriculum, courses and experiences, plus a capstone, Leadership Fellowship and the Big Bang! competition.

Current Position

  • Founder and Host, Product Marketing Adventures Podcast

Previous Work Experience

  • Product Marketing Leader, Cisco
  • Principal Product Marketing Manager, Twilio
  • Market Strategy Consultant, Gartner

Previous Education

  • MBA, UC Davis
  • B.A. in psychology, UC Davis
  • B.A. in design, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • I went skydiving when I was 16-years-old. 
  • I'm a
Sierra Muns MM 26
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Sierra Muns MM 26

I chose UC Davis because it offered the rare opportunity to grow academically while continuing to compete at a high level in gymnastics.

Previous Education

  • B.S. in youth and family sciences, West Virginia University

Fun Fact

  • I moved across the country from New Jersey to California to pursue both competitive gymnastics and my master’s at UC Davis.
  • I’m already thinking about how I can combine my love for gymnastics with business to create something of my own one day.
  • I chose UC Davis because it let me do both: push myself academically and continue competing in the sport I love.
Griffin Mitchell MPAc 18
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Griffin Mitchell MPAc 18

The UC Davis MPAc program was introduced to me by Bob Yetman and Will Snyder. My first impressions were impactful. The professionalism of the faculty extended throughout the program. The facilities were state-of-the-art, and the curriculum was taught by experienced professionals who were also excellent educators.

Current Position

  • Vice President, Azur Associates

Previous Work Experience

  • Senior Associate, PwC (Assurance, Asset Management and Private Client Services, Wine)
  • Senior Consultant, Deloitte (Technology, Media and Telecommunications)
  • Investment Banking Associate, Skyway Capital Markets

Previous

Harcharan Kaur MBA 26
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a black blazer and dark shirt, stands in front of a plain light gray background, facing the camera and smiling.
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Harcharan Kaur MBA 26

I chose the UC Davis Graduate School of Management for its academic rigor, real-world learning and collaborative culture. The Bay Area network and flexible format allow me to grow professionally while continuing my full-time marketing career.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Director of Marketing, UC Davis Graduate School of Management Bay Area Student Association

Previous Education

  • B.S.in molecular, cell, and developmental biology, UC Santa Cruz

Work Experience

  • Lifecycle Marketing Manager, Hero Bread

Fun Fact

  • I love traveling, and my daughter started young—she logged 30+ flights before her first
Katja Gagen MBA 22
A woman with long blonde hair smiles, wearing a black blazer and a light purple patterned scarf, against a plain gray background.
Profile

Katja Gagen MBA 22

I chose the UC Davis MBA for its STEM designation, innovation-driven curriculum, IMPACT learning model and collaborative culture.

Current Position

  • Head of Communications at Bloom Energy

Previous Work Experience

  • Principal and Head of Marketing at Technology Crossover Ventures
  • Head of External Communications at Brex
  • VP Marketing at General Catalyst
  • VP Marketing at Warburg Pincus
  • Senior Manager, Executive Communications at Cisco

Previous Education

  • M.A. in political science, international relations, languages, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Germany
  • B.A. in business management, Berlin University of Applied