GOLD Board

Meet the GOLD Board

Our diverse board contains a range of people in different stages of their career.

Natalya Bruner, Co-Chair

B.S. 2015, Biomedical Engineering
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Product Development
Neuropace

I graduated from Davis with a degree in BME in 2015 and I currently work as an R&D Design Engineer doing the mechanical design for a next generation epilepsy treatment device. I loved my time in Davis and I still miss getting to ride my bike everywhere! I'm looking forward to connecting with more COE alumni from Davis and building out a robust professional network, especially for younger engineers at the beginning of their careers.

Abril Topete Castaneda, Co-Chair

B.S. 2020, Computer Science & Engineering
Software Engineer
Solidigm

I am a first-generation bachelor's degree holder. During my time at UC Davis, I was a member of the LEADR program and CALESS. I'm currently working at Solidgm, an SSD manufacturing company. I look forward to seeing the GOLD board grow and connect alumni to each other and current students.

Kostyantyn (Stan) Luferov, Secretary

B.S. 2018, Biochemical Engineering
MSAT Engineer II
Miltenyi Biotec

Hey there, I'm Stan Luferov, your go-to MSAT Process Science Engineer II at Miltenyi Biotec, specializing in accelerating cell and gene therapy products using Miltenyi's technology. With a background spanning Genentech as a Process Engineer, Boehringer Ingelheim as a Manufacturing Associate, and Xytogen Biotech as a Lab Technician, I've mastered the art of process optimization. Back at UC Davis, I was deeply entrenched in ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering), holding multiple leadership roles, and lightly involved with AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineering). But it all started with a pivotal internship, sparking my journey from community college to the forefront of pharmaceutical engineering. Now, I'm all about bridging innovation with compliance, ensuring treatments meet regulatory standards for maximum impact. Reach out anytime if you have any questions about the industry as a whole or need any other help!

Eric Taurone, Engagement Chair

B.S. 2018, Chemical Engineering
Software Development Engineer
Amazon

I am a 2018 College of Engineering graduate with a bachelors in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, I began my career as a Manufacturing Process Engineer at Intel's High Volume Manufacturing plant in Chandler Arizona, operating Rapid Thermal Anneal and Ultra-Fast Rapid Thermal Annealing tools. While there, I specialized in identifying activities technicians and engineers were performing manually, and developing automated solutions to improve efficiency. I am now a Software Engineer at Amazon in their Selling and Partner Support business. I am part of a large network developing automated solutions to help the sellers on Amazon resolve any problems they have.

Negina Ayar, Membership Chair

B.S. 2016, Civil Engineering
Senior Engineer
Carlson Barbee & Gibson

I am currently a senior engineer at Carlson Barbee and Gibson (CBG) responsible for the design and management of land development projects across the Bay Area. I have been at this company since I graduated from davis in 2016. Starting at just an entry level engineer and worked my way up to currently a senior engineer. I was involved with SWE and ASCE on campus. On the side, I also worked closely with a professor in the Water resources department and was introduced to the research side of our industry. I spent a year doing research in his lab. At the time, it did inspire me to want to get my master’s degree, however I ended up going to the industry instead. I started my career at CBG in 2016, just 3 months after graduation. I met them at the UC Davis Engineering career fair during the winter quarter. I was very grateful for the job offer before graduation so I could spend spring quarter focusing on my senior design project.

Minerva Olaya, Philanthropic Impact Chair

B.S. 2020, Biomedical Engineering
Associate Engineer
Genentech

With a background in biomedical engineering, I transitioned to biotechnology with support from a fellow Aggie Engineer at Genentech, where I started in Process Engineering before moving to Purification Development. Currently exploring new opportunities while applying to Medical Scientist Training Programs (MD-PhD), I was actively involved in UC Davis's LEADR program and served as president of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., fostering inclusivity and community engagement. Committed to giving back and empowering others, I'm passionate about making a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond.

Sasha Eckstein, Communications Chair

M.S. 2024, B.S. 2022, Biological Systems Engineering
Graduate Student Researcher
University of California, Davis

I recently completed my master's degree in Biological Systems Engineering, where I explored the development of biobased personal protective equipment. I graduated in 2022 with a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering. I was involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society at UC Davis (BMES), the Engineering Ambassadors program, and the Biological & Agricultural Engineering Graduate Student Association (BAE-GSA).

General Board Members

Kaila Balancio, Membership Committee

B.S. 2015, Electrical Engineering
Assistant Registrar - Compliance
University of California, Davis

I serve as the Assistant Registrar of Compliance for the University of California, Davis. I oversee Athletic Certification, Residence, Retroactive/Grade Changes, and Veteran Certification. I am proud and humbled to work for my alma mater where I received my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. During my undergrad at UCD, I was involved in Pilipino Americans in Science and Engineering (PASE) and Kappa Psi Epsilon. As staff, I am a current board member for the College of Engineering’s Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), the Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA), and the Wellness Ambassadors Program. After some technical and analytical roles, I was offered a supervisor position which made me realize that I wanted to focus on a career in leadership and management. It led me to earn my Master of Science in Leadership and to the career path I’m on today.

Kanchan Kaur, Philanthropic Impact Committee

B.S. 2023, Computer Science
Platform Product Manager
Microsoft

I graduated from UC Davis in 2023 with my Bachelor's in Computer Science. I currently work as a Platform Product Manager at Microsoft, with prior experience in software engineering at NASA JPL. Additionally, I am passionate about entrepreneurship, and I am currently participating in a startup studio focused on defense technology. During my time at UC Davis, I participated in several orgs and held various leadership roles, but my favorite was AvenueE, where I participated in career development activities and connected with amazing fellow Aggies. Also, I am an advocate for underrepresented groups in tech and actively engage in speaking and mentorship roles to help foster a more inclusive industry. I am a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador and love sharing my passion for tech with others. With my role on the GOLD Board, I hope to connect with fellow Aggies and empower others to pursue a career in STEM.

Lisa Miklos-Illes, Communications Committee

B.S. 2020, Biological Systems Engineering
Senior Associate
L.E.K. Consulting

I transitioned to life sciences strategy consulting following the completion of my B.S. In Biological Systems Engineering in 2020. Since graduating, I have worked on various projects across all commercially available therapeutic modalities, from small molecule to monoclonal antibody drugs. I am one of the Founders of UCD's BioInnovation Group and was an active member of Alpha Epsilon during my undergrad. You can learn more about me here.

Shaivya Padia, Communications Committee

B.S. 2022, Computer Science and Engineering
Executive Director
Ocean Designograph Pvt. Ltd

I graduated from UC Davis in 2022 with a B.S. in Computer Science Engineering and a minor in Technology Management. During my time at Davis, I founded an entrepreneurship club, growing it to over 100 members and fostering a community of innovation and leadership. I later earned my M.S. in Computer Science from USC in 2023, further honing my technical skills. I now work as the Executive Director at Ocean Designograph Pvt. Ltd., my family's graphic design and printing business in India, where I oversee operations, branding, and growth. I also serve on the board of directors for the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA), where I contribute to strengthening alumni connections. When I'm not working, I'm passionate about travel and reading, which continually inspire my creativity.

Brinda Puri, Philanthropic Impact Committee

B.S. 2023, Computer Science and Engineering
Software Engineer
Watchfire

Hello World! I work as an R&D Software Engineer at a digital billboard company. My role primarily involves working with embedded systems. As an undergrad, I worked part-time at the UCD Conference Center. I was interested in research, so I joined a research group. I consider this the start of my professional career. I served on the board of WICS (Women in Computer Science Club). My time at UC Davis was an experience of a lifetime. Going to the farmers market with my friends is a memory I will cherish forever. Feel free to reach out. Always happy to connect with a fellow Aggie!

Valerie Quiroz, Engagement Committee

B.S. 2020, Mechanical Engineering
Research and Development Engineer
UC Davis Biomedical Engineering TEAM Lab

I have worked as a Research and Development Engineer for over 3 years in private industry and here at UC Davis. My first job out of college was working in new product development for Penumbra where I had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the medical device industry. Most recently, I have been working at a core facility here on campus called the TEAM Lab where I facilitate research and clinical endeavors through comprehensive design, development, and fabrication services of mechanical and electro-mechanical devices. In college, I was most heavily involved with Leadership in Engineering Advancement, Diversity and Retention (LEADR) and Biomedical Engineering Society at UC Davis (BMES). To this day, I continue to volunteer for Alumni-Student Networking events for both of these organizations.

Rishi Sudhir, Philanthropic Impact Committee

B.S. 2024, Biochemical Engineering
ORDP Analyst
Genentech

Hi all! I'm a new-grad (class of 2024) Biochemical Engineer from UC Davis deeply motivated by doing my small part to help make life saving medicines. I am currently at Genentech as an ORDP analyst where I'm on my first rotation in Quality Assurance. During my time at Davis, I became deeply involved at ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering) UC Davis including becoming President my senior year. The passion I felt there from industry folk that would visit Davis is what inspired me to stay connected with my community and give back in any way I can. It also inspired me to reach out to startups near me and get as involved as possible with biotech - which kickstarted my career growth in college. I was also involved in veterinary ophthalmology research at the COVSL lab on campus. Please don't hesitate to reach out!

Man Yu, Engagement Committee

B.S. 2022, Electrical Engineering
M.S. 2024, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineer at Lam Research

I graduated from Davis with a B.S. degree in EE in 2022 and M.S. in ECE in 2024 and I currently work as an electrical engineer, designing the electrical parts for semiconductor wafer fabrication machines. When I was in my master’s, I was an analog circuit design researcher at Lawrence Berkeley Livermore Laboratory. I designed an analog-to-digital converter that many national labs can use to interface their instrumentation devices with. It can achieve 25 megasamples per second (MS/s) with 7-bit resolution with a 2.4 volt swing. During my undergraduate time at UC Davis, the clubs I was in were American Institute of Chemical Engineering (AIChe), Chicanx and Latinx Engineers and Scientists (CALESS), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Nintendo Club at UC Davis. I enjoy working with students, from individually to a large audience, developing academic and career preparation skills as a mentor and an instructor.