Jeniffer Morfin ’23
Current job: Project manager, City of Stockton
Major: Engineering management
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
Extracurriculars: Gamma Alpha Omega, SHPE, MESA

Jeniffer Morfin, a graduate of Pacific’s engineering management degree program, is a project manager with the City of Stockton. We spoke with Morfin about her experiences, her Cooperative Education (CO-OP) internship, her capstone project and how Pacific readied her for the job market. The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.  

What made you decide to study engineering management at Pacific?  

I actually decided to enter the program when I was already at Pacific. In my high school I was always conflicted between engineering and science. And I tried that, but it wasn’t for me — the science path. And so I wanted to give engineering a chance. I spoke to — I believe it was Abel [Fernandez] or Mehdi [Khazaeli] — and I really loved what they had to say about the program.  

I felt like it was a really good balance between a lot of things. I mean, I’ve taken business classes. I’ve taken an economics class. I’ve taken a mechanical engineering, an electrical, a civil engineering class. I feel like the program allows you to be very well rounded.  

Why did you decide to study at Pacific in particular?  

What drew me to Pacific was the small faculty-to-student ratio. That made my mom very happy. She was also happy because there was tutoring offered. That was something I knew I was going to be needing. Knowing that I had all those resources was great.  

All of these resources made it a great fit for me. I knew I was going to need that additional support, and I felt like UoP was gonna give it to me, and help me succeed and learn. And I’m from Sunnyvale, so it was a good space from home but I could also go back.  

Can you talk about how you customized the program to fit your path? 

At first I was taking electrical engineering classes. My dad’s an electrician so I was like, “Ooh, let me take these classes.” But no. I learned the basics, but I wanted to learn something else. That’s when I started Civil 15, where you do AutoCAD and I was like, ‘this is fun!’  

And then I heard there were mechanical classes where you learn different programs. There’s Revit. I like to play the Sims and build stuff, and I found those classes so exciting — especially Revit and rendering.  

You have a lot of group projects. In every class I was in, you had some group projects. I feel like that also helps you with your communication skills, working with different personalities, different people. Really emphasizing that everyone has their own strengths in different things, but that’s what makes a team great.  

I can go on about the classes. You learn about the projects, timeline, budgets, scopes, all of that stuff. I feel like everything I learned has been very helpful to my career path.  

I was wondering If I could learn a little more about what you and your team did for your capstone project? 

I helped with the [School of Engineering and Computer Science’s] student success building. So they were like, “How can we convert this space to be beneficial for the students?” That’s what we worked on. We got to have outreach with the students, speak with the faculty.   

You might think renovating something is easy, but no. You have to fit everybody’s needs and wants into one space. And then also thinking about the budget. We had to make it into phases. Phase zero was no money: “Hey, let’s rearrange the furniture we have.” And we were actually able to do that.  

It involved a lot of outreach with the students and faculty. It was a really great experience. Like I mentioned, working in a team has really helped tremendously. It’s a real-world type of experience you get. It helps prepare for scenarios and situations that you can be in.  

Can you talk about what you did for your CO-OP? 

I loved my CO-OP! I went to Abbott, and I was a systems engineer. I would say, before my CO-OP, I was very shy. The CO-OP pushed me above my limits in the sense that I became a more confident individual in my work. Things that I had seen as weaknesses in myself became strengths.  

I had the chance to work with a cross-functional team. I had the chance to see the whole V&V — which is validation and verification — of the devices that they have. It was pretty much a project that I got to be in charge of: setting up for it, who are going to be the testers, how many hours does this take?  

A lot of my classes did come in handy in the sense of: “OK, you have a timeline. How long does this take, right? What are some risks? What are things you can think of?”  

I would say I learned a lot. I got pushed out of my comfort zone but not in a bad way. In a really, really good way. It made me become more confident in myself.  

I have nothing but great things to say about being able to do a CO-OP. It was a great experience. When you apply to jobs when you graduate, a lot of people are looking for some kind of experience. So it does help a lot.  

I was going to ask if you thought the program prepared you for your field.  

It definitely does. I actually didn’t end up doing anything in the biomedical field, but project management — you can apply that to a lot of things. Some people might be like, “oh, you’re engineering management. That might not apply to this and that.” But if you think about it, it does apply to many things.  

I worked at Bay Cities [Paving and Grading] my first year out of college, as a project engineer, where I was able to apply the things I learned at school. At my first big kid job, right? Even my CO-OP experience, it all helped out a lot.  

Now I’m a project manager for the parks division [at the City of Stockton], I find myself thinking, “Oh, this is the stuff that I learned back when I took these classes at UOP.” I would say it’s all tied together nicely.  

Were you involved in on-campus extracurricular activities at Pacific?  

Yes, I was. And I will tell anybody and everybody: if you are scared your freshman year to join something, do it.  

I waited until after I came back from the CO-OP. I started joining all kinds of things, because I still had a year left. I joined Gamma Alpha Omega and I will say: I found my forever friends. I just got married and they were my bridesmaids. They’re like sisters to me. Even my family is always asking about them.  

Another program I joined was SHPE [Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers]. That’s actually where I met my husband. Being a part of that was amazing. I got to meet forever friends, like I mentioned. It gave me a sense of a second home, as well.  

And MESA [Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement] as well, because I worked for MESA and was also a part of MESA. All of those programs were great. And I feel like I’m still connected with all of those people. I see everybody as family, because they have all been crucial in a big part of my life, which I’m forever grateful for.  

Iliana Minervini ’25 
Major: Bioengineering 
Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador 
Awards: Dean’s Honor Roll, Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient 

Pacific bioengineering major Iliana Minervini ’25 is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with medical conditions. Through her internship as a systems development engineer at Genentech, Iliana helps develop medical devices that address biomedical challenges and transform lives. Her journey to this role was challenging, but Pacific’s CO-OP program equipped her with the necessary skills to break into the industry and expand her research in biomedical technology. 

“I love the company. The products are so complex, and the job I’m doing right now, I like a lot,” Iliana said. “You don’t have a routine. It changes every week, and I like that part of the job.” 

Before securing her internship at Genentech’s subsidiary, GenMark Diagnostics, Iliana completed an eight-month CO-OP at Abbott, a health technology company, as a systems engineer. Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) provides students with real-world experience by combining classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training. The program supported Iliana as she applied her academic knowledge and built professional networks. Iliana had already developed her biomedical expertise research at Pacific working alongside Professors Fatemeh Khatami and Varadraj Vernekar on her research. 

“Thanks to the university, I got one of my very first experiences in the medical field,” Iliana said. 

Health care work runs in her family 

Born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador, Iliana was inspired by her parents, who both work in the medical field. Her father, a physician, and her mother, a pharmaceutical sales representative, have supported her from afar since she moved to the United States three years ago. Choosing to major in bioengineering allowed Iliana to delve into the intricate circuits and components of the medical profession. Her dedication and experience in Pacific’s CO-OP program have opened exciting opportunities for her. 

During her CO-OP at Abbott, Iliana’s team ensured that products met all standards before submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This role involved rigorous testing to resolve any issues and ensure products were up to standard. 

“We are like the last line of defense before we submitted our work to the FDA,” Iliana explained. Her Abbott experience was invaluable when Iliana applied for the internship at Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), where she now works as a systems development engineer. 

From Abbott to GenMark 

Iliana started her internship at GenMark Diagnostics in May and works in research and development engineering, creating diagnostic devices to identify the nature or cause of medical conditions.  

“First, we have to come up with a concept or a prototype, like an idea and how to make it into an actual, tangible product. That’s what research and development is, in essence,” Iliana explained. “Right now, the company already has a design, but we’re still making some design changes to it. We are trying to make it more efficient, more compact, and faster.” 

While Pacific’s CO-OP program at Abbott opened doors, it was Iliana’s own efforts that secured her internship at Genentech’s GenMark. “Pacific gives you preliminary knowledge and develops your critical thinking, which are the main aspects you need to be successful in the industry or academia. While school won’t give you all the answers, it provides a good base.” 

Iliana is eager to continue working at a medical company like Genentech after completing her undergraduate studies.  

“It’s a gratifying field,” Iliana said. “I have enjoyed the journey because it’s a way to understand the many ways of contributing to people’s health.”

Mark Castaneda
Major: Engineering Physics 
Graduation Year: 2025 
Transfer: San Joaquin Delta College 
Hometown: Stockton, California 
Extracurriculars:  Small-Radio-Telescope Group, Tau Beta Pi 

Fourth-year engineering physics student Mark Castaneda once faced barriers he wasn’t sure he would overcome. Today, he is employed at NASA. 

Shooting for the stars 

“My journey to where I am now is a huge part of who I am… I am a first-generation, low-income, nontraditional, formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated student,” Mark said. “I’ve had so many doors shut in my face because of my background, but it only takes one open door; keep going until you get that ‘yes.’” 

The door to the world’s most renowned space agency opened for Mark when he was accepted to the highly selective NASA Pathways program—an internship track to employment at the agency.  

After transferring to Pacific during his sophomore year, Mark applied to NASA internships over 30 times, eventually scoring a lower-level internship in 2022 at NASA Goddard. Once his internship at Goddard was complete, Mark kept applying for opportunities at NASA––this time to the highly selective Pathways Program, which would fulfill his CO-OP requirement for Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. 

Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) is a collaboration between the university and a vast pool of employers designed to ensure students learn on-the-job, real-time skills within their industry of study, all while earning a salary and college credit. Each CO-OP must meet a series of requirements set by the university and provides opportunities for networking, hands-on work, and a head start on career experience. The program also provides career skills support, including resume writing. Staff monitor students’ progress throughout their CO-OP. 

CO-OPs are an invaluable resource for students like Mark, whose career goals demand he sets himself apart from the talent pool.  

Finally, after years of effort, Mark scored an interview for the Pathways Program. One long month later, he received his offer letter. 

“Something that I found really amazing was that the final application I sent—the one that got me the interview—was the first time I had included my background in my cover letter. I think that helped set me apart,” Mark said. “I’m so happy to work at a place that doesn’t deny me because of my past, but instead lifts me up towards a future.” 

Living a physics engineer’s dream 

Mark’s future at NASA is practically guaranteed. Students hired for Pathways work multiple positions and branches while completing their studies, then continue their work full-time upon graduation. 

“The NASA Pathways program is incredible in that I won’t have to reapply or go through any interview process once I decide to work full-time because I am already considered a NASA civil servant (government employee) in all respects,” Mark said.  

Mark currently works at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in the Aerosciences and Flight Mechanics Division where he studies and develops optical navigation. 

“Here, I am developing technology to guide the Orion spacecraft to put humans back on the moon in upcoming missions,” Mark said. “As it turns out, even with all of humanity’s advancements, navigation using stars is still often the most reliable way to pilot a vessel, and that includes spacecraft.” 

Developing professional and life skills through CO-OP 

Mark says his CO-OP experience has challenged him and helped him grow, pushing him to be a better leader, communicator and teammate.  

“In school, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ll be able to solve most problems by ourselves. But at work, no success happens without a team,” Mark said. “I’ve developed confidence not in the sense that I’m sure of what I’m doing or that I have all the knowledge required, but confidence to be 100% sure that I can gain that knowledge and ultimately figure it out.”.  

Before coming to Pacific, Mark admits, he did not really understand what an engineer did. But since studying at the School of Engineering and Computer Science, then applying his skills on-the-job at NASA, Mark has realized “engineering” is an expansive and exciting field.  

“I guess I thought engineers worked strictly on engines, like an auto mechanic?” Mark said. “But engineering is a lot like physics—it takes all the concepts and principles developed in the realm of physics and uses them to create, design and solve problems. To bring forward tangible, real-world innovation.” 

Mark is grateful to Pacific’s CO-OP team, particularly Director of CO-OP Irene Camy, for supporting him throughout his journey.  

“Irene is a constant source of support. Her positivity is contagious, and she often checks in with me to see how things are going. It’s nice knowing she has my back,” Mark said.  

Reaching even higher 

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Mark plans to remain in Pathways while he pursues his master’s degree and doctorate. After that, he will complete his Pathways track and officially transfer to full-time employment at NASA. 

Naturally, we asked if Mark would ever consider becoming an astronaut: 

“You know, while it’s not my current plan, the more I see here at NASA, the more I ask myself, ‘how could I not?’” he said. “Being accepted to the astronaut program feels insanely out of reach, but then again, so did getting into the Pathways Program. Maybe I one day I can bring along a little stuffed Powercat as a zero-g indicator.” 

Many students cite the Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) as the reason they decided to attend Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. CO-OP gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their field for six to nine months, while also earning units toward their degree. 

We reached out to SOECS students who recently completed their CO-OPs to learn more about the benefits of the program and what they got out of the experience. Here’s what they said.  

Gain job hunting and interview skills 

Davis Young ’22 

Major: Computer engineering 

CO-OP: Micron Technology

“To prepare for CO-OP, you take a class that teaches you the professional development aspects, like resume building, LinkedIn page building, how to apply for a job and interview etiquette. The school helps facilitate the internship application process, and if one of the companies accepts you, you can get hands-on industry experiece during a whole semester and summer.” 

Learn more about Davis 

Earn a paycheck and gain work experience

Monica Castillo ’21 

Major: Electrical engineering 

CO-OP: Abbott Laboratories 

“Once you get your internship, you work with your company for six to nine months as a paid intern. At the same time, you’re taking classes that guide you through what you learn. It’s very important to do this program because you get work experience and you build your soft skills, like communicating, presenting or writing.” 

Learn how to collaborate with a team

Jordan Scharkey ’22  

Major: Computer science  

CO-OP: NVIDIA  

“My biggest takeaway from the experience is probably working as part of a large team. In a lot of programming settings, it’s really easy to get really dialed into what you are doing, just yourself. Whereas, from this experience, I became really mindful of what other members of my team were doing and how I could reach out to them for help—and when they would reach out to me for help, how I could assist them with what I knew.”  

Learn more about Jordan 

Connect classroom knowledge to industry practice  

Jenny Vo ’23 

Major: Bioengineering  

CO-OP: Abbott Laboratories 

“At Abbott, I worked in the heart failure unit. They taught me how medical devices are made, like what the FDA is and what they are looking for when approving products. It was totally different from a day in my life as a college student. They took me seriously as an engineer and gave me a lot of tasks. I was basically solving problems day-to-day, which I really liked, so it gave me the sense that what I’m doing is right for my interests.” 

Learn more about Jenny 

Build a professional network 

Takori Rooks ’23 

Major: Computer science 

CO-OP: Boeing 

“To work at Boeing allows me to learn and work with engineers who are passionate about the same things as I am. My advice to students just starting a CO-OP is to network, network, network. Make as many meaningful relationships as you can. If you don’t know something, ask. In my experience, people are inclined to help because they know that you are an intern.” 

Learn more about Takori 

Computer science student Takori Rooks ’23 has been working hard at his CO-OP in Oklahoma City with Boeing where he collaborates with some of the most intelligent engineers in the country. 

What brought me to Pacific 

I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but I have a large amount of family living in California who showed me around Los Angeles when I was young. This sparked inspiration in me to attend college in California.  

The CO-OP program is mainly what drew me to University of the Pacific and also the opportunity to play collegiate mens basketball during the process of completing my degree. 

The courses I took at Pacific taught me how to learn. I’ve been in courses where I’ve had to really apply myself to do well, and I put that same effort into the job I work today. 
 

Why I majored in computer science 

I used to play a lot of video games with my older brother growing up. I became interested in the improvements in graphics on the new iterations of games every year which pushed me to take my first coding class in high school. I enjoyed creating new entities in this digital format which pushed me to become a computer science major. 
 

My favorite part of working at Boeing  

I get to work in a field that I am passionate about. My father was an aircraft mechanic which was my introduction to the aerospace industry. This became one of my passions and to work at Boeing allows me to learn and work with engineers who are passionate about the same things as I am. 
 

How this CO-OP has challenged me 

There is a huge learning curve to starting in this industry. The engineers at Boeing speak a different language that takes a while to get the hang of.  

How this opportunity helped me settle on a career path

I originally was not sure what I wanted to do. I was in between doing game development or software development, but I was hired in cybersecurity. Being exposed to an entirely new field has changed my perspective on what it is I want to do.  

Also, within Boeing, there are hundreds of different positions that you are encouraged to try to find what you like. 
 

My advice to students who are just starting a new co-op looking to make the most out of it 

Network, Network, Network. Make as many meaningful relationships as you can. If you don’t know something, ask. In my experience people are inclined to help because they know that you are an intern. 

Choosing Pacific was easy for Davis Young ’22 whose sister and grandfather are Pacific alumni with degrees in engineering and computer science. Davis was specifically drawn to computer engineering because it allows him to learn about software and hardware at the same time. He also appreciates the focus on experiential learning at Pacific. As SOECS Cooperative Education program participant, he interned with Micron Technology where he tested and validated ASIC (application-specific integrated circuits) technologies.

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?

Definitely going to the Baun Fitness Center. I like working out and being physically in shape. I feel like it is a good to keep your body healthy while in times of stress.

Is there a faculty or staff member at Pacific with whom you’ll stay in touch after you graduate?

Dr Elizabeth Basha, my research advisor.

What is the latest you’ve stayed up to study for a test?

1 a.m.

If you have a best friend at Pacific, what’s their major?

Electrical engineering.

What is your favorite class?

Advanced digital design and digital image processing.

What were your hardest classes?

Applied linear algebra math 145.

What’s your favorite food on campus?

I really like going to the Lair late at night to get a burger and garlic fries.

What is your favorite place to study on campus?

In the Chamber’s Technology Center after classes.

What is your favorite thing to do off-campus?

Traveling. I like going on road trips with friends to places like Yosemite or San Francisco.

What’s one thing about Pacific that you would never want to change?

I would say classroom sizes and the accessibility to faculty. The faculty are all very approachable and it’s easy to pop into office hours if you need help on anything.

At Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS), our Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) ensures that students get the hands-on training necessary to prepare them for successful careers after graduation. Justin Boetius, 2021’s mechanical engineering outstanding graduate, used his Pacific experiences to land a job after college.

Q: How was your last year at Pacific? Is there a specific memory or event that stands out?  

A: My last year at Pacific went surprisingly fast, and the transition to an online learning environment was very smooth. The event that stands out to me most occurred in May of 2020 when my senior design team was able to present our capstone project to the mechanical engineering professors and alumni. 

“I am fortunate to have met many amazing people through my five years at Pacific and hope to stay in touch with many of my peers, professors and friends I have made along the way.”

— Justin Boetius

Q: Did you participate in any research projects? What were they and who were they with? 

A: Since my sophomore year, I participated as a research assistant and research team leader of the Surgical Technology Analysis and Development Laboratory, headed by Dr. JuEun Lee of the mechanical engineering department. As part of this team, I performed various calculations, analysis, experimental design and literature surveying of current literature in the surgical bone drilling fields, with applications focusing on limiting thermal damage to bone tissues in orthopedic, dental and neurosurgical procedures.  

Q: How did Pacific prepare you for life after graduation?  

A: Pacific prepared me for life post-graduation by allowing me to have a greater sense of time management, organizational skills, as well as interpersonal skills that are crucial for my upcoming career as an engineer. I am fortunate to have met many amazing people through my five years at Pacific and hope to stay in touch with many of my peers, professors and friends I have made along the way.  

Q: Do you have any fun summer plans?  

A: This summer, I have two vacations planned prior to starting my full-time position; one trip to Kauai with my college friends and brother, and a trip to the Caribbean with my family to celebrate graduation. 

Q: What do you want to be most remembered for?  

A: In terms of being remembered at Pacific, I would like people to remember how I was as a classmate, student and friend, and also for all the hard work and determination that I have shown through my classwork and research work throughout my time at Pacific.