Alumni Spotlight: Kristina Reyes

Stability Project Coordinator for Fujifilm Irvine Scientific (FISI).

Major & Concentration:

B.S. in Biological Sciences: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 2011

What are you doing now?

As a Stability Project Coordinator for Fujifilm Irvine Scientific (FISI), I support our stability program by creating stability Standard Operating Procedures with the help of our marketing team, collaborating with production to retrieve samples for testing and long term storage, and initiating testing by our QC technicians. This collaborative effort helps determine product shelf life for any new products or any custom products requested by our customers.

What were you involved with at Cal State Fullerton?

During my time at CSUF, I was a member of the University Honors Program. This allowed me to explore more courses outside of my major, and gave me the opportunity to present my project in Dr. Johnson’s lab, titled “Surface Orientation Affects the Direction of Cone Growth by Leptolyngbya sp., a Likely Architect of Coniform Structures Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park).” I was also a member of the women’s choir for a couple of years.

How did you choose your career and what role did CSU Fullerton play in finding your career? 

I recently joined FISI’s Quality Control team to support their stability program as a result of multiple elements aligning: my previous job experience - which was centered around quality, key tasks that I enjoy performing such as protocol drafting and inter-departmental communication, and my search for a specific type of company structure. My time at CSUF, especially in Dr. Johnson’s lab, paved the way for my career. Not only did I gain enough knowledge to prepare me for the real world of biotechnology, it also gave me the hands-on experience I needed to succeed in this profession.

What are the pros and cons of your career?

Pros:

I personally enjoy a rigid structure with a very clear path, which working in a Quality Control environment entails.

Cons:

Someone who craves creative freedom might not enjoy the routine tasks in a Quality Control environment.

What was your work/life balance like at Cal State Fullerton and what is it like now?

My life while I attended CSUF was centered around school and my research. However, my friends in the Johnson lab helped make the experience enjoyable. I definitely enjoyed being in the lab with such a fun team. My work/life balance now is much more equally divided. I’ve learned over the years that this is not easy to find--it is so easy to get buried in work and forget to take time for yourself. I feel fortunate to be at Fujifilm, where work stays at work, thereby allowing me to have the peaceful home life I’ve always wanted.

What advice would you give current CSUF Biology students?

My advice to biology students is to always be one step ahead. So many biology grads have a difficult time getting their foot in the door because entry-level jobs already require a significant amount of hands-on experience. Work in a research lab, apply for an internship, volunteer--the real world will be much less scary with these tools in your arsenal.