Graduates of the Last Decade
We are proud UC Davis College of Engineering alumni who have graduated in the last decade. Serving as liaisons between young alumni and the college, we provide insight back to the college, rally recent graduates to stay connected, serve as a voice for recent engineering graduates, and spread the word about exciting opportunities to support current students and fellow alumni.
Meet the GOLD Board
Our diverse board contains a range of people in different stages of their career.
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.
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.
General Board Members
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!
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.