Matched with alumnus Jorge Osuna \u201913, director of technical services at Gilead Sciences, Morales found a mentor who encouraged her to pursue opportunities beyond her immediate interests and remain open to experiences that could broaden her perspective.<\/p>\n
Acting on that guidance, Morales applied for research positions she might otherwise have overlooked and ultimately joined the lab of James Moffett<\/a>, professor of biological sciences<\/a> and civil and environmental engineering at USC Dornsife. Under Moffett\u2019s direction, she helps measure levels of the rare-earth metal gadolinium in Los Angeles rivers and harbors as a tracer of municipal sewage inputs.<\/p>\n Morales\u2019 story reflects the mission of the Alumni Mentorship Program, which connects students with alumni for career exploration, networking and professional development. Through conversations and activities tailored to their goals and interests, students gain insights from alumni who have already navigated many of the paths they hope to pursue.<\/p>\n Throughout their mentorship, Morales and Osuna, who graduated with a PhD in chemistry<\/a> from USC Dornsife, discussed academic and professional goals and explored the many possibilities available to someone with a STEM background.<\/p>\n Osuna also partnered with fellow mentor and USC Dornsife alum Gerard Jensen \u201994 to host joint Zoom meetings that brought together multiple mentors and students, creating opportunities for networking, peer learning and conversations about a wide range of career paths.<\/p>\n \u201cPrior to the program, I was primarily focused on pursuing a career in medicine,\u201d Morales says. \u201cThrough conversations with my mentors and learning about their professional experiences, I became more open to exploring opportunities in fields such as biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology.\u201d<\/p>\n Alumni mentors build their legacy by helping ensure students\u2019 success Across USC Dornsife, alumni mentors help students build professional skills, expand their networks and gain confidence as they prepare for life after graduation.<\/p>\n For Osuna, mentorship is rooted in gratitude.<\/p>\n \u201cMy motivation to become a mentor comes from a genuine desire to help others in the same way I was helped throughout my life,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019ve been fortunate to have educators, mentors, coaches and peers who took an interest in my development and played a meaningful role in shaping my education and career.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n![\"Bearded](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/jorge-osuna-jacqueline-morales-1200x1200-1-500x500.jpg\")
Jorge Osuna \u201913, left, mentors USC Dornsife biochemistry major Jacqueline Morales. (Photo: Courtesy of Jacqueline Morales.)<\/p>\n