Graduated Scholars

Robin is a junior majoring in Natural Resources with an emphasis in the Ecology, Management, and Restoration of Rangelands and minoring in Plant Sciences. They are originally from Flagstaff, Arizona. After graduation, they plan on attending graduate school and entering the field of rangeland management and ecosystem restoration. They work in the Arnold Lab at the UA, where they study the influence of fungi on native and invasive grasses in southern Arizona. They enjoy hiking, painting, and playing Dungeons and Dragons in their spare time.

Joshua Dusek is a senior at the University of Arizona from Yuma, Arizona double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychological Science. He currently works as an undergraduate researcher in the Dr. Brian McKay Lab within the UA Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science and plans to attend optometry school after graduation. Outside of academics he is very big on fitness and athletics. He works as a personal trainer at campus recreation and as a coach for high school basketball and track & field. In his free time he loves playing basketball with his team Family Oriented, writing poetry, and making pancakes.

Eva Orozco is a junior from Barra de Navidad, Jalisco. She is double majoring in math and biology as she hopes to become a research physician. She has always had a strong passion for science. She believes we should never stop learning because who knows what great discoveries await those with inquisitive minds. She is the secretary of the Be the Match on Campus club that dedicates itself to linking blood cancer patients with donors. She also loves to paint, watch comedy movies and go hiking with her friends.

Genevieve Craven is a junior from Phoenix, Arizona. She is currently pursuing two degrees, a BA in Applied Humanities (Public Health Emphasis) and a BS in Physiology and Medical Sciences, as well as minoring in ASL. After graduation, she plans on attending medical school and continuing her journey towards becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. Genevieve is passionate about people, and she is hoping to translate that passion into her care for patients. On campus, Genevieve is involved in Physiology club and Flying Samaritans. Genevieve’s second passion is dance. She currently dances with Ardor Dance Company on campus, as well as in Automatic Response, a phoenix based dance company. She also serves as the social media and marketing chair for Ardor (@ardordancecompany).

Abby Conn is a junior from Flagstaff, Arizona majoring in Cellular and Molecular biology and minoring in Spanish. After graduation Abby plans to apply to Medical school. On campus, Abby is involved in preceptoring for Chem 151 and various clubs. She also coaches high school swim team. Outside of academics, Abby enjoys river trips, camping, swimming and spending time with family and friends.

Shruti Attreya is a junior from Tempe, Arizona double majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science as well as Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, she plans to apply to medical school, and her dream is to open her own medical practice and work with patients from medically underserved communities. On campus, Shruti is involved with the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students, Flying Samaritans, NSCS Ambassadors, and Honors College Ambassadors. She also works as an undergraduate research assistant for the Koshy Lab and conducts research on a unique brain parasite. Outside of academics, Shruti enjoys volunteering in her community, spending time with friends, watching movies, cooking, hiking, traveling, and exploring all that Tucson has to offer.

Martina Borquez was raised in the small town of Dudleyville, Arizona, and later attended high school in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Martina is a junior at the UA and is majoring in Law, as well as pursuing a minor in Mexican American Studies. Post-graduation, Martina plans to attend law school and acquire a Juris Doctorate (JD). On-campus and via Zoom, Martina is a tutor at the SALT Center, tutoring a range of science, math, English, and humanities courses. Outside of academics, Martina enjoys painting, volunteering in the community, thrift shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Dorothy graduated in Spring 2022 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science - Cognition Emphasis and a minor in Biochemistry. During her undergraduate career, she was actively involved in Epic Movement, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students, and the Undergraduate Biology Research Program. Her favorite college memories include studying abroad to Greece and Italy and participating in the Honors Alternative Spring Break program. She is a Class of 2026 M.D. candidate at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. In her free time, Dorothy loves to cheer for the Phoenix Suns, write food reviews, and spend time with family and friends.

Maxton Wilkinson is a senior from Prescott, Arizona majoring in Computer Science. Maxton recently finished up his 7-month internship with Tesla Motors on the Autopilot Simulation team and hopes to join the same team post-graduation. He loved contributing to the advancing technology of autonomous driving and global sustainability. If you can't find Maxton at school or working on self-driving cars, he is probably spending his time exploring the outdoors with family and friends.

Gabrielle Russell is a senior from Sahuarita, Arizona majoring in Microbiology with a minor in Public Health. After graduation, she plans to apply to graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. in Infectious Diseases or similar area of study in public health. On campus, Gabrielle is involved with the Honors College Ambassadors, Partnerships Through Honors (PATH) mentoring internship, and Sigma Alpha (a profressional agricultural sorority). She works as an undergraduate laboratory technician at the University of Arizona's Food Products and Safety Lab where she performs a full range of food product safety and testing services for the food industry and consumers. Gabrielle also serves as the Business Manager fellow for Center for Community Campus Connections (C4) to aid in the cultivation of community-campus relationships between Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities. Outside of her academics, Gabrielle loves spending time with family and friends, hanging out with her cat Stormy, eating sushi, and working her way through her Netflix watch list.

Shubhangi Awasthi is a senior from Phoenix, Arizona. She is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and plans to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, Shubhangi is involved in Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and works as a tutor for THINK TANK. She also works as a research assistant for two different labs, quantifying carotid artery plaques in one lab and performing Parkinson’s research in the other. Outside of school, Shubhangi loves to volunteer, dance, hike, cook new recipes, and spend time with friends and family.

Kailie is a senior from Tucson, Arizona majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Korean Language. On campus, she has been Rocket Lead for the UArizona branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, was a Camp Counselor for Summer Engineering Academy, is a member of Mortar Board Senior Honorary, and is entering her third year as an Engineering Ambassador. Her junior year, she was a NASA/Arizona Space Grant Intern and has continued research in the UArizona Subsonic Wind Tunnel studying laminar separation bubbles. After graduation, she will be attending graduate school and hopes to earn her Ph.D. In her free time, Kailie loves spending time with friends and family, studying Korean, volunteering, walking her dogs, and going to concerts.

Eddie Vargas is a senior from Tucson, Arizona majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (Neurobiology emphasis) with minors in Biochemistry and Spanish! After graduation, he plans on applying to medical school. On campus, Eddie is a College of Science Ambassador, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Ambassador, and volunteers with a mobile health unit in collaboration with the College of Public Health. Eddie is very passionate about teaching, mentoring, and working in the local Tucson community. He is an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Julie Miller's lab in the Department of Neuroscience and uses the zebra finch songbird to study the vocal symptoms of Parkinson's disease. One of his favorite things is to do lab tours and show the community what research looks like! In his free time, Eddie loves to volunteer at his church, explore Tucson's best restaurants (ask him about his favorite Mexican food places!), and spend hours on Netflix!

Zack is from Flagstaff, AZ and is in his third year at UofA. He is majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and minoring in Biochemistry. Following graduation in May of 2021, Zack hopes to attend medical school and become a physician. Outside the classroom, Zack is a Lifeguard Supervisor at the UA Campus Recreation Pool and is a member of the UA Ramblers Hiking Club. Zack also works as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Barnes Lab, studying the mechanism for spatial, cue-based navigation in rodents. In his free time, Zack enjoys running, hiking, skiing, hunting, and photography.

Albiya Thomas is a Junior, majoring in Physiology and minoring in Public Health and Health and Human Values. After graduation, she plans on pursing medical school and hopes to provide aid and awareness about onset of cancer symptoms to the underserved here in Arizona. She is part of Physiology Ambassadors, Patient Experience Ambassadors, Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research Club, and Physiology Club. She is also a research assistant at Dr. Funk's lab, which focuses on studying bone lesions in relation to breast cancer. Her hobbies include traditional Indian dancing, watching movies, gardening, and learning new languages.

Lauren Herrmann is a graduate student enrolled in the Accelerated Master’s Program for Molecular and Cellular Biology, having graduated in Spring 2020 with a B.S. in MCB with a minor in Mathematics. She is working in the Dr. Van Doorslaer lab at the BIO5 Institute, researching HPV and its oncogenic effects. Lauren is currently applying to biomedical Ph.D. programs and hopes to work in a lab that paves the way for novel viral and cancer treatments. Her favorite pastimes are video gaming, playing the piano, and playing with her two geckos and parakeet named Moony.

I graduated from UA in May 2020 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and Law. At the UA, I was involved in Greek life, the Daily Wildcat, ASUA, and the UA Refugee project. This year, I’m a 1L in the Harvard Law School class of 2023

I graduated from Scottsdale Preparatory Academy in 2016 and graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2020. Currently, I am attending University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and will graduated in 2023. I hope to use my background in engineering to study patent law after I graduate. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and playing ultimate frisbee. Feel free to connect with me on Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-bernhardt-70ba00122.

I attended the University of Arizona for my pharmacy school prerequisites (2017-2020). During my time at the university, I was involved in the pre-health honorary society (AED) and worked as a tutor at Think Tank. I am currently a PharmD student at the University of Michigan with interest in the areas of informatics, medication use policy, and new drug research/development.

I graduated with a B.S. in Physiology and a minor in Care, Health, and Society from the University of Arizona in 2018. Afterwards, I took a gap year and worked as a 4th grade Instructional Aide, STEM, and Sex-Ed instructor at a local, Title I school while applying to medical school. I am now a second-year medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and have been active in reproductive rights activism and women's health research. My specialty interests lie in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine - women's health. I encourage Baird scholars to reach out to me with any questions they may have!

I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2018 with a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and minors in Biochemistry and Spanish. I matriculated straight into medical school to the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson where I am currently a third-year medical student (MS3). I am actively involved in the commitment to underserved people (CUP) program where I volunteer as a senior medical student and teach MS2s and MS1s history and physical exam skills, research centering around novel therapeutics to help individuals who have Parkinson disease, and the Resuscitation Education and CPR Training (REACT) group which teaches chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCO-CPR) to the community. I am interested in geriatrics, palliative, general internal medicine, or infectious diseases. When I am not studying medicine, I enjoy playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, catching up with my family, or pursuing my hobbies of architectural or nature photography.

I attended Rio Rico High School and completed my undergrad at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management in 2018, majoring in Finance. At the U of A, I was a part of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity and had the opportunity to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic summer before my Junior year. After graduation, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona to work for Intel Corporation as a Financial Analyst. This fall, I began my Master's degree in Business Administration at Arizona State University WP Carey School of Business.

Alison Comrie received her BS in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science at the University of Arizona, where she was involved in Nu Rho Psi, Mortar Board, the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, and a semester of research abroad at the University of Oxford. She completed her Honors Thesis with Dr. Carol Barnes, and continues to pursue her interests in learning, memory, and decision-making as a PhD candidate at the University of San Francisco, CA in Dr. Loren Frank's lab. Outside of the lab, she runs Brain Camp, a summer program for underrepresented high schoolers, produces The Fog at Bay, a podcast about mental health and identity in academia and medicine, and enjoys hiking, climbing, and sunshine.

I attended Chandler High school and graduated in 2010 and went the the University of Arizona and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's in Physiology and a minor in Religious Studies. I then went to the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix where I received my Medical Degree in 2018. I am currently in Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of Kansas in Kansas City and will be completing my training in 2022, at which point I will continue in subspecialty training and apply to Fellowship in Family Planning.

I grew up in Fountain Hills, AZ, a small suburb of Phoenix, and went to Fountain Hills High School. While at the U of A I obtained a dual degree in Italian and Psychiatry with a Pre-Health minor. While in undergrad I was involved in many honorary clubs and also served as the Executive Director of the ZonaZoo. I went on to medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine and returned back to Tucson for my residency training at the University of Arizona. I'm currently in my final year of training serving as Chief Resident at the University of Arizona South Campus Emergency Medicine Residency program. I plan to go work in the community as an ED physician next year.

I graduated with an Industrial Engineering degree from the U of A in 2012. While on campus, I was involved in Engineering Ambassadors, IISE and Greek Life. Post Graduation, I have been working at WL Gore as an engineer and now in manufacturing leadership.

Abraham Itty grew up in Arizona and graduated from Gilbert High School. At UofA he pursued a dual degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Physiology while minoring in Business. He subsequently attended dental school at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and then completed his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry. Abe is a currently a board certified pediatric dentist and part owner at Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Scottsdale, Arizona (https://www.smilesbyapdo.com). Outside of work, Abe enjoys sports, traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife, family and friends.

I was awarded a Baird scholarship in 1999, and graduated from UA in 2003 with a major in Accounting and minor in Sociology. While working at PwC, I obtained my CPA license before transitioning into a variety of Finance and Strategy roles including working as a CFO. After the birth of my 2 beautiful daughters, I realized I was very unfulfilled in my Finance career, so I made yet another change into entrepreneurship! Currently, I'm the Los Angeles and Orange County Area Developer for SPENGA, an emerging boutique fitness brand that combines spin, strength training, and yoga into a 1 hour workout. I'm also a managing partner in a hospitality company located in Downtown Los Angeles in which we own and operate a variety of businesses including a private social club, fast casual restaurant, coffee shop, and co-working space. In addition to these business ventures, I'm currently in the process of starting a real estate holdings firm in Florida. I reside in Los Angeles and in my spare time I coach girls basketball, enjoy traveling and trading stocks.

After graduating from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy , I worked in retail pharmacy for five years. After completing my Masters in Business Administration degree, I started working for PCS/CVS Health as a manager of Pharmacy services. I worked there for over 20 years, working in sales, operations, new product development, network administration, and Medicare Part D implementations. I also worked for six years as the Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. NCPDP is an ANSI accredited standards development organization In the pharmacy services sector of the health care industry . I’m currently working as an Officer/ Vice President of Managed Care Services for Arete pharmacy Network in Phoenix, Arizona. I am responsible for negotiating Pharmacy contracts with all PBMS /Insurance companies for over 2500 Independent pharmacies across the United States.

Darren Lehrfeld was raised in Tucson, Arizona and attended The University of Arizona's Eller College of Management (formerly, College of Business and Public Administration) and James E. Rogers College of Law, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with a major in Marketing) in 1993 and a Juris Doctor in 1996. Darren is currently the Chief Accreditation Officer and General Counsel of CARF International, an independent, nonprofit organization headquartered in Tucson, that delivers accreditation and quality improvement services to health and human services programs globally. Prior to joining CARF, Darren was Partner in a Tucson law firm that provided business and legal counsel to individuals and international, national, regional, and local organizations.

Originally from Nogales, AZ, I graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems and was commissioned in 1993 in the United States Marine Corps. While at the U of A, I was a member of the Eller College Student Council. I also worked as a tutor helping students with math and computer programming. While not an official member of the NROTC, I worked closely with the Marines and Sailors of the NROTC for my indoctrination into military service. As a Marine, I served as a Logistics Officer for over 28 years and recently retired this September. I was able to deploy all over the world which included numerous combat tours - three to Iraq and two to Afghanistan. I attended Top Level School at the Air War College.

I graduated from Cholla High School in 1989. I started at the University of Arizona not long after that in the New Start summer program. I earned a bachelor’s degree in MIS with a minor in math in 1993. I am proud to have been a member of the Pride of Arizona marching band. Other school activities included being a member of Golden Key NHS, and working on campus at Centennial Hall as an usher. My career path has taken a few turns. I started out at Intuit, worked at the IRS, and I am currently working for Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue as an Accounting Specialist. I have enjoyed giving back to my community through PTA and other local activities when I can. I am honored to have been a recipient of the Baird Foundation scholarship, and proud to be a Wildcat for Life.

Matthew graduated from the University of Arizona in 1992 (B.A. in Education) and again in 2011 (M.A. in Information Resources and Library Science). He has written multiple books, traveled the world, and spent many years working in tech, currently for Grafana Labs (grafana.com). Matthew also teaches LIS/INFO 672 for the University of Arizona as an adjunct professor.

Michael J. Klein, PhD, is associate professor of writing, rhetoric and technical communication at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Dr. Klein holds a doctorate in science and technology studies (Virginia Tech) and master’s degrees in rhetoric and composition (University of Arizona) and technical communication (Rensselaer). Dr. Klein directs the Cohen Center for the Humanities, a university center focused on humanistic inquiry across disciplines and the support of graduate education. He teaches courses in technical communication, scientific and medical communication, and writing in the health sciences. Dr. Klein’s recent scholarship has focused on medical narratives and intercultural communication, and the creation of graphic embodiment memoirs in an interdisciplinary writing course.

Trent graduated from Chaparral High School in 1987 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa as a Psychology major at the University of Arizona. He focused on the sciences as well and received a scholarship to UCLA for Dental School in 1991. He soon discovered that dentistry was not for him as he found himself more interested in the Wall Street Journal than teeth. In 1993, he joined Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor and works for the firm to this day. He was recently named to the Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list in 2019 for the 10th consecutive year. Trent currently lives in Arcadia with his wife, Tricia and two children, Tyler and Tatum. The Longnecker's are Barrow Beyond members, a group of community leaders that raise funds for the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, as well as members of the Phoenix Children's Hospital Leadership Circle. The Leadership Circle supports innovative initiatives - from life-saving tools, to cutting-edge safety equipment and patient-technology.

Chaparral High School 1979; Graduated U of A in 1983 with an Economics and Political Science Major. Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Kappa Phi; Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. University of California, Davis, Masters in Economics 1985. University of California, Davis, Juris Doctorate 1988. Litigation Attorney: Hill, Farrer & Burrill, California Federal Bank, Ames Financial

I graduated from Casa Grande HS in 1978, Central Az College with AS in 1980; U AZ with BS in 1982; U AZ with MS in Exercise & Sport Sciences in 1985, U AZ PhD in Physiology in 1990 and U AZ MD in 1992. I was fortunate to be U AZ's first MD / PhD student and was supported with a Baird Scholarship 2 years during that time. I've moved forward with academic medicine in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation including clinical care, clinical research, medical and graduate medical education and am currently Professor, Chair and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine / Jackson Health System in Miami, Florida. I am forever grateful to the Baird Foundation for helping to launch my career!

I'm a Tucson native, was raised by a single parent and was the first member of my family to have the opportunity to attend college. Because of the Baird Scholarship Program, I was able to participate in and complete the UA's Honors Program as well as to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1982. After earning my bachelor's degree, I earned two master's degrees (in the UA's Counseling Program and ASU's Master of Social Work) as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (with Student Services specialty) at Northern Arizona University. While working on my graduate degrees, I worked full-time in positions including the Coordinator of Advising for the University of Arizona's Psychology Program, Director of Advising for a small private California college, and as the Assistant Director for Transfer Services Programs at California State University, Fullerton. After living in Southern California for 20 years, I moved home to Tucson a couple years ago and now volunteer as a docent at the Reid Park Zoo. Career highlights--UA, CSUF, CCs Docent at Reid Park

I graduated from the UA with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MD in Medicine. I completely my residency training in dermatology also at the UA. I now run my own free standing research facility providing development services for the skin care industry, as well as for the pharmaceutical industry. I am the "dermatologist tested" and "dermatologist developed" on many currently marketed products!

I attended High School at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. I received a BS in Nuclear Engineering in 1978. I took a full year off from college during 1976-77 to perform in the US Bi-Centennial musical performance of Up With People, which travelled throughout the US and western Canada. For three of my undergraduate years, I worked part-time as an algebra tutor and teacher assistant for the Math Department. After graduation, I relocated to Houston, TX for my first career job as an engineer working on the design of the South Texas nuclear power generating station. I continue to reside in the Houston area, and I'm currently employed as a senior hydraulics engineer in which I construct hydraulic transient simulation models of pipelines and pump stations for municipal water industry and oil transmission industry.

Thatcher High School, Thatcher, Arizona. 1973. | University of Arizona, 1973-1976, BA in Chemistry. | Medical School: Johns Hopkins University, 1980. | Current (2020) Academic Title: Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine/Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. | I am happy to have had the opportunity to endow a graduate-student scholarship at The University of Arizona in 2019. I had previously endowed similar scholarships at Baylor College of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Thatcher High School. I hope past and future Baird Scholars will think about doing the same for the University of Arizona.

Education Background: Sunnyside high School 1972; BS Chemical Engineering, University of Arizona, 1976; MS Chemical Engineering, CA State Polytechnic University, 1983; MS Electrical Engineering, University of Arizona, 1990 with emphasis in Semiconductor Processing; Nuclear Engineering & Shielding Analysis on the job. At the UA I work in the Crystallization Lab one summer. While earning the MS EE degree I work in the in the Microelectronics & Process Lab & performed photography research. At Hanford Nuclear Works, I performed extensive computer modeling, developed operation procedures for air sampling, ventilation & facility design criteria, I organized & directed ‘the department’s’ nuclear/radiological review of new designs, performed nuclear shielding analysis & using 3-D radiological simulation I determined the design parameters for a nuclear waste disposal cast design to hold depleted nuclear fuel rods. At Fluor Engineering my various assignments included, the design of cryogenic gas separation process for a UF6/HF separation pre-treatment facility for the government’s Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Program, the modelled the non-deal solid -gas separation parameters for very low-pressure condition involving a compressor train with various feed-back loop; the dynamic simulation & analysis of complex thermal & structural interaction between the Alaskan Gas Pipeline & the permafrost; and the design of a coal gasification process. During my career at Motorola / Freescale Semicon

I was a Baird Scholar in 1970-72, I believe. I graduated from Tucson High in 1968, and then spent a year in the Netherlands (Amsterdam) working in a Dutch supermarket. I worked my way through the UA, graduating in 1975 in Philosophy. I attended graduate school at Notre Dame, graduating with a Ph.D. in Political Theory in 1986 and worked for two years as an editor at the University of Notre Dame Press. Currently, I have retired form the UA, after working 34 years as director of the Southwest Studies Center and editor of Journal of the Southwest.

Tucson High School, 1969 BS in Civil Engineering, University of Arizona, 1974 - Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi 45 year career in Public Service at both City and County levels (AZ and CA) Registered Professional Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor  Served in high-level management and leadership positions in three cities and three counties over a 45-year local government career  Key positions included: City Manager of South Tucson, Arizona; Assistant City Manager of Tucson; Agency Director for major Public Works entities in both Arizona and California; City/County Engineer  Performed high level administrative, managerial, technical, and professional work related to directing and supervising the provision of a wide variety of public services to citizens  Also worked for private sector consulting firms providing a services to public agencies and am a seasoned organizational and management level peer reviewer

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in English/Secondary Education in 1969. While there, I sang with the Symphonic Choir and was a member of the Baptist Student Center. Since then I have earned two Master's degrees--one in English and the other in School Counseling. I recently retired after teaching high school English for over 30 years, and I miss it.

High School: Gila Bend High School | Undergraduate Degree: B.S. Electrical Engineering, with distinction - University of Arizona - I was a Baird Scholarship recipient. | Graduate Degree: M.S. Electrical Engineering, U.C. Berkeley | Graduate Degree: Ph.D. Industrial Engineering, Stanford University Consult LinkedIn for all work information. https://www.linkedin.com/in/pspagon/

Miami High School, Miami, AZ 1961 | BS Civil Engineering 1965 | MS Engineering Mechanics 1968 | Delta Chi Fraternity, American Society of Civil Engineering | US Army Corps of Engineers 1968 to 1970 | Carollo Engineers PC 1971 to current, Proj. Engr., Partner, Vice President

Attended San Manuel (Arizona) High School from 1958 to 1962 where I was Valedictorian, National Merit Scholar, Student Body President, record setting track athlete, and recruited by both the Air Force and Naval Academies. Attended the University of Arizona from 1962 to 1966 (2 years Engineering College & 2 years Business College) graduating with a BS in Business Administration, a Baird Scholar from 1962 to 1964, varsity track letterman, member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, member of class honoraries, Traditions Committee, and leader in numerous student government committees. Continued college at the University of Southern California in a master’s program in Aerospace Management in the late 1960s. Almost all of my career was working for Lockheed Corporation in the Advanced Development Programs, aka The Skunk Works, in various senior management positions, charter member in the corporate level executive development program, Director of the Company of the Future Program, and pioneered the Product Lifecycle Management concept. Post Lockheed activities have included consulting to Fortune 100 companies in developing high performance advanced technology enterprises and mentoring youth in the scientific and engineering disciplines.

I was born at the South Rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona, in 1942. I attended grade school and my first two years of high school at the small town of Camp Verde, Arizona. I moved to Tucson in 1958 where my father was Superintendent of Saguaro National Monument. Here I attended Catalina High School, graduating in 1960. I attended the University of Arizona graduating January 1965 with a B.Ed in Biology. I was a two sport letterman (track and cross country) a member of Sophos, and Phi Gamma Fraternity. I was selected the Army ROTC Outstanding Cadet my senior year and was a Distinguished Military Graduate. Upon graduation I received a Regular Army commission. I served in Vietnam 1968-1969 in the 101st Airborne Division as a helicopter pilot and Cavalry troop commander. I retired from the army in 1988 and became a member of the National Nuclear Security Administration's nuclear emergency response organization. In 2014 I received an M.A. degree in history from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. My hobbies include endurance running, history, flying ultralight aircraft and writing stories focusing on the history and folklore of the American Southwest. I have always been immensely proud of being a Baird Scholar at the University of Arizona. I have enclosed a very recent picture taken in 1963 at the old Arizona Stadium.

Tucson High School, 1961 | University of Arizona, BS, Chemistry,1964 | University of California, Berkeley, PhD, Biochemistry,1968 | Postdoctoral, National Institutes of Health | Work background: Clinical Lab Director, Dow Chemical- Life Science, Dow Pharmaceuticals, Syva/Syntex, Entrepreneur | Companies started: Visionex, ChemTrak, Oculex Pharmaceuticals, Nuvora, Livionex Foundations: Foundation for Mind-Being Research