Vanguard University

This is Roxanna Ochoa Hernandez. She is an Associate Professor of Biology and a first-generation college graduate. Before COVID, Roxanna enjoyed going camping and taking road trips with her husband to National Parks. When she is not working, she stays busy taking care of her 18-month-old son. Family is an integral part of her everyday life and decisions.

“Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend college so they always made education a priority for me,” she remembers. “I chose to study Biology because I like that it always starts with a question and then research to follow.”

Roxanna was born in Orange and spent most of her life in La Habra. Growing up, she was the oldest of three with two younger brothers. She attended the University of California, Irvine, graduating with an undergraduate degree and PhD in Biology. She also met her husband, Gene, at UCI while completing her bachelor's degree and got married on campus after completing her PhD. They went to Tulum, Mexico, for their honeymoon.

“Some of the courses students take as a Biology major can be challenging. One of the benefits of being a student at Vanguard is that you are not alone. Vanguard is great because it offers free tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. Take advantage of the resources available to you to succeed.”

Roxanna’s family used to attend Templo Calvario Church in Santa Ana. There, she heard about an open faculty position from Dr. Tommy Casarez while she was finishing her dissertation and has been working at Vanguard since.

Vanguard is so thankful for Roxanna’s experience, education and passion for teaching Biology undergraduate courses.