Celine Galliguez (she/her) - UCI '18
Career Goal: Bioprocess Manufacturing Technician (at Genentech for 2 years, now currently at BioMarin in the Gene Therapy Downstream Department)
Major: Biological Sciences
Introduction: Hi there! My name is Celine Galliguez. I was in the UCI chapter of MEMO from 2015-2018, then I was on the Non-Profit BOD from 2018-2019. I was an intern during my third year, and I was the Webtech-Historian on board during my fourth year. On Non-Profit, I was the Service Coordinator, but I also worked closely with the two Executive Directors, and was pretty much their VP, since we were good friends. I also went on 12G and 13G. While I was at UCI, I majored in Biological Sciences and entered thinking I would become a doctor (like most of us do) but found out it wasn’t for me, my grades weren’t the best either by the end of second year, so I transitioned to being pre-dental. I was studying for the DAT and working as a dental assistant during my post-grad year, but right before I was supposed to take the exam, I realized I was in it for the wrong reasons (money lol). It took me quite a bit longer to get to where I am now, in the Biotech industry, but I love my career and how I got here, and I still earn quite a good amount of money without being a doctor lol. Hope to hear from y’all!
MEMO: 2015-2018 (see details above)
Pre-Dental Society: 2016-2018
Delta Delta Sigma Fraternity (DDS), Pre-Dental Professional Fraternity: Beta Class; Volunteer Coordinator (Apr. 2017 - Feb. 2018)
Research Assistant for Dr. Joseph Wu (Jan. 2017 - Jun. 2017); analyzed TBI scans for patients on trial
Research Assistant for Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith & Dr. Thair Takesh (Oct. 2017 - Jun. 2018); clinical trials for dental research, specifically for the effects of dental products on the oral cavity
{Post-Grad/Work Experience}
MEMO: 2018-2019 (see details above)
Dental Assistant for Dr. Phuong Tran (Sept. 2017 - Nov. 2019)
Bioprocess Manufacturing Technician at Genentech (Mar. 2021 - Jan. 2023)
Downstream Bioprocess Manufacturing Technician in Gene Therapy (Aug. 2023 - Present)
Extracurriculars: The fun stuff: I love music! I collect vinyl records and have over 200 at this point. My favorite k-pop group is TWICE (bias line is Momo, Jihyo, Sana 👀). I enjoy film and tv. My dream is to one day pursue a masters and career in music as a sound engineer/song master/composer. I’m just working hard now to save all that nice biotech money. Sound equipment is expensive! I love spending time with my friends by watching movies, grabbing food and dessert, going on a hike, etc. My Instagram is (cgzzz_) (feel free to follow me! I post stories more so than actual posts lol
What kind of advice would you be giving? You DO NOT have to have your life figured out, especially at your young age! I know the filial piety is intense, but make sure you enjoy your college days! You may not get the chance to be in this special environment again. Yes, grades may be important for grad school, but it is also important to learn how to treat people! You never know who will be your boss in the future! I had a whole plan of my life, and how I thought I wanted it to turn out. Trust me, my life is nowhere near that but I am so happy and I love my life :)
Best piece of advice you've received? Listen to the lyrics of Vienna by Billy Joel 😌
Preferred method(s) of communication: Phone Number (text/call), Email, Instagram