University of the Pacific Biology Building. Photograph by Randall Gee.
Pacific PDS Advisor
Dr. Rivera
Dr. Anja Rivera is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific. She has been teaching for over ten years and focuses on researching developmental genetics, animal behavior, and sexual dimorphism. She received her PhD from University of California, Berkeley in 2006 and her BS from Stanford University in 1999.
Words from Dr. Rivera
Dr. Rivera, the Pacific Pre-Dental Society advisor, Pre-Dental Orientation professor, and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, shared a few words about how her life is as an advisor and what he hopes students take away from this program.
She mentors pre-dental students, ensuring everyone is on track and providing advice through group and 1-on-1 meetings. Dr. Rivera says she enjoys the orientation class, saying that the class “alleviates the anxiety that the freshman has coming in.”
She's also big on the Pre-Dental Society scene, helping organize events like “Give Kids a Smile,” “Drill and Fill,” and “Alginate Day,” and bringing in speakers to inspire the students.
One of her favorite memories is from “Alginate Day”—her first big extracurricular project that she planned. Her seeing students shine outside of regular classes was a real highlight for her.
Dr. Rivera leaves everyone with a parting message by encouraging students to find their passions and stay motivated, even when things get tough. She reminds them to seek out meaningful experiences and support to keep their spirits up and stay focused on their goals.