Dr. Ochoa’s doctoral studies at the University of California, Irvine focused on host-parasite interactions by examining biochemical properties of the protozoan parasite, toxoplasma gondii. The studies focused on identifying potential drug targets within the parasite by investigating the properties of two conserved biochemical pathways: glycan incorporation and a cytochrome P450 enzyme.

In addition to completing her doctoral work at UCI, Dr. Ochoa mentored undergraduate students participating in research projects and taught microbiology and molecular biology courses. It was through these experiences that Dr. Ochoa discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring which ultimately led her to Vanguard University. As a primarily teaching institution with a strong emphasis on faith and opportunities to carry out research with undergraduate students, Vanguard University is an ideal fit. The biology faculty position provides Dr. Ochoa the opportunity to share her subject matter expertise and continue to train and mentor undergraduate students through Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) courses.  

Dr. Hanna obtained a doctorate in Biological Sciences with a specialization in neurobiology from UCI. His bachelor’s degree is in Neurobiology & Behavior from UCI. Classes include Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Learning & Memory, Neuropharmacology, Research in Neuroscience, Addiction Studies, Cell Biology, and Genetics. Areas of interest include substance abuse, neurological disorders, and developmental disorders.

His primary research interest is understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in forming and de-stabilizing drug-associated memories. His current research project involves training rats to associate visual and olfactory cues with the administration of methamphetamine and using pharmacological agents to disrupt and weaken these drug-associated memories.

Dr. Hanna's research also involves examining the effects of exercise as a protectant factor against Parkinson’s disease. He is passionate about engaging students in research and helping students see God through studying biology.  

Dr. Miller’s qualifications for the courses he teaches include his MS in Neurophysiology, and his doctorate in cell physiology applied to cancer biology. Dr. Miller studied genetic changes the result in cell immortality during his 3-year post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Southern California, Norris Cancer Center.

Dr. Miller believes he has a calling to teach at Vanguard University. This calling includes teaching, mentoring students, writing grants, and working in administration. Dr. Miller’s administrative roles include Department Chair, Division Chair, Dean, and Associate Provost.

Dr. Itzel Calleja-Macias is currently an assistant professor at Vanguard University.  She came from Mexico to pursue her PhD in Molecular Biology at UCI. Her passion for science started in her early career as a chemist and biologist and later during her master’s degree in biotechnology doing molecular diagnostics. Dr. Calleja has published 33 peer review publications and has over 1750 citations. She continues doing research at Vanguard. One of her favorite activities as a professor is mentoring students and spending time with them in the lab. In her free time, she loves to be with her family. 

From my early graduate work to defending my thesis, I developed a passion for showing others the beauty of God’s created work. As a graduate student at UC Riverside, I had the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assistant most quarters for courses ranging from Human Biochemistry to Experimental Microbiology. Additionally, I mentored numerous undergraduate student researchers in my graduate lab. 

Since I earned my PhD in 2021, I taught at several universities in Southern California as an adjunct. I taught a variety of Biology and Chemistry courses, from General Chemistry to Genetics. I began as an Assistant Professor in 2024 at Vanguard teaching Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.

I am a first-generation college student as well, and I feel called to help guide students in the way my professors did for me. I want to help give undergraduate students at Vanguard the experience needed to reach their career goals.

Cabrera, I.E.; Oza, Y.; Carrillo, A.J.; Collier, L.A.; Wright, S.J.; Li, L.; Borkovich, K.A. Regulator of G Protein Signaling Proteins Control Growth, Development and Cellulase Production in Neurospora crassa. J. Fungi (2022), 8, 1076. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8101076 

Hai, Rong, Matthew Collin, Sophia Tsau, Daniel Raygoza, Juliet Morrison, Alexander J. Carrillo, Logan A. Collier, Walter Bayubay, Kenneth Han, Isgouhi Kaloshian, and Katherine A. Borkovich. (2021) "Laboratory-Developed Test for SARS-CoV-2 Using Saliva Samples at the University of California, Riverside." medRxiv : 2021.02.21.21251691. http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.21.21251691. 

Collier, L. A., A. Ghosh, and K. A. Borkovich. (2020) "Heterotrimeric G-Protein Signaling Is Required for Cellulose Degradation in Neurospora crassa." MBio 11, no. 6 (e02419-20). http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02419-20. 

Garud, A.*, A. J. Carrillo*, L. A. Collier*, A. Ghosh*, J. D. Kim, B. Lopez-Lopez, S. Ouyang, and K. A. Borkovich. (2019) "Genetic Relationships between the Rack1 Homolog Cpc-2 and Heterotrimeric G Protein Subunit Genes in Neurospora crassa." PLoS ONE 14, no. 10: e0223334. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223334. *co-first author

Dr. Mitch Hopkins received his Doctorate in Chiropractic at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. 

His teaching career began at Daytona Beach College in Florida, and later added Deland and Deltona College where he taught anatomy and physiology for the nursing department. 

Dr. Hopkins later moved to Hawaii to teach for the University of Hawaii on Kauai in the areas of anatomy and physiology for the nursing department.  

Dr. Hopkins then moved back to his hometown in California to enter the private sector as a guest on multiple radio talk shows and TV programs, presenting on the topics of health and wellness, including an interview on The Discovery TV program for his impressive work assisting a severely injured Olympic athlete return to competition.  

He then transitioned into presenting lectures and intensives in nutrition and health & wellness in a variety of settings including radio, television, industry, and workshops. During that season he worked as a physio with professional athletes such as tennis pros, the Dallas Cowboys, as well as professional volleyball players. One of his clients was the California Angels where he designed customized nutritional programs for their pitching staff. 

He then found a home for the last sixteen years teaching anatomy as an assistant professor at Vanguard University in their nursing and kinesiology programs. 

Dr. Kim obtained her PhD in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses ranging from genetics and biochemistry to plant-animal ecology and evolutionary biology at a variety of institutions.

As a biologist, she is continually in awe of God's creation and strives to ignite that same wonder in students.

During her doctoral research, she focused on molecular ecology and conservation genetics.

Her passion extends beyond the lab to help students see their role as stewards of the natural world. Whether it's a field trip to a tidepool or a quiet moment of reflection, she aims to help students recognize God's handiwork all around us.

Dr. Kim is grateful to be a part of the Vanguard University community where faith and academic excellence go hand in hand.

Professor Schmitt obtained a Masters in Chemistry and Biochemistry from UCSC. 

With over a dozen years of experience, she is thrilled to bring her passion for chemistry education to Vanguard University. 

Throughout her career, she had the privilege to teach a wide range of subjects, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry at various institutions.  Her top priority has always been her student's safety, education and growth. She is a firm believer in creating a supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity and deep understanding.

Her publications and achievements include:

• Founding faculty committee to create Green Labs, California State University, Monterey Bay
• 'Humanizing STEM' faculty cohort through Golden West College
• "Spatially organized films from Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus prey lysates." Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Vol 80. Issue 23
• "Understanding timing: Conservation between the circadian protein period and the C. elegans developmental timing protein lin-42." Diss. UCSC
• "Thermal Shift Assay for Optimized Liquid Nuclear Magnetic Resonance," pending 
• "Rapid isolation of host-independent Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus", Journal of Microbiological Methods, Vol 73, Issue 3

To be able to integrate her faith with her love for science, guiding students not only in their academic pursuits but also in spiritual journey is a true blessing.  She is excited to be a part of a community that values both intellectual growth and Christian Values. Go Lions!