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From Forging Her Own Pathway to Building STEM Pipelines and Mentorship: Dr. Ziba’s Journey from Community College to Yale, UPenn, and UCLA
- Another Degree
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
There’s no doubt that Another Degree mentor Dr. Ziba has an impressive background - from community college transfer to UCLA graduate, to earning her Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology from Yale University, completing postdoctoral work in mechanobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, securing competitive fellowships from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association, and ultimately returning to UCLA in faculty and administrative roles where she has led and created several pipeline programs supporting the next generation of STEM and healthcare scholars.
She extends that wisdom and depth of experience through Another Degree, working with individuals navigating graduate school admissions, as well as graduate students seeking dissertation coaching or structured support to stay on track. She also supports our partnerships with institutions to strengthen and expand graduate school preparation and research-student support.
In this installment of our Meet the Mentors series, Dr. Ziba reflects on how her own graduate school journey inspired her to support other students navigating advanced education - especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. She emphasizes that scientific advancement isn’t driven by experiments and data alone, but by networks of people and relationships: the collaborations, the shared knowledge, and the mentors who help students find their footing and illuminate paths forward. This is especially important for underrepresented students who may feel imposter syndrome, hesitate to ask for help, or worry that their experiences aren’t fully understood or appreciated. Dr. Ziba's approach centers personal clarity and belonging to ensure all students feel welcome and confident in STEM and advanced degree programs. We’re grateful she extends that work through Another Degree!
Check Dr. Ziba's schedule for booking or to join her waitlist. Learn more through her biography page.
Q1: Did you always know post-graduate studies and your career path were in your future - or did your path unfold differently?
Dr. Ziba: I didn’t always know I’d pursue a Ph.D. or a career in STEM education and mentorship. I’ve loved science from a young age, but my path unfolded as I discovered how much I enjoy research, teaching, and supporting students. Throughout my training, I realized that guiding STEM students through their academic and career journeys can be deeply impactful and rewarding.
Q2: What’s something you loved about your graduate school experience?
Dr. Ziba: I loved the freedom to explore basic research, understand underlying mechanisms, and ask scientific questions, as well as the deep collaborations with faculty and peers. I also valued the mentorship I received—it strengthened my research skills and inspired me to support other scholars, especially students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Q3: What’s one insight or piece of advice you wish you had before starting grad school?
Dr. Ziba: I wish I had known the importance of building a broad network early—not just in my lab, but across institutions and disciplines. Graduate school is as much about relationships and collaboration as it is about experiments and data.
Q4: What are you working on right now that excites you - whether in research, work, or creative projects?
Dr. Ziba: I’m excited about creating programs that support underrepresented, first-generation, and transfer students in STEM. I help them gain research experience, prepare competitive applications, and explore healthcare and STEM careers. Mentoring graduate students in teaching, research, and career planning is equally rewarding—it’s fulfilling to help emerging scholars find their path.
Q5: What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of that wouldn’t show up on your resume or CV?
Dr. Ziba: I’m proud of the moments when students realize they can do more than they thought—like a first-generation student landing a fellowship or a transfer student thriving in research. Those personal mentorship successes aren’t on a CV, but they’re deeply meaningful.
Q6: What do you hope mentees take away from working with you?
Dr. Ziba: I hope mentees leave feeling confident, empowered, and equipped to tackle academic and professional challenges. I want them to see their unique backgrounds as strengths and to gain practical strategies for research, applications, and careers in STEM.
Q7: What’s a book, podcast, or resource you often recommend to mentees?
Dr. Ziba: I often recommend Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. It’s a great resource for cultivating resilience, growth, and self awareness—skills that are critical in graduate school and beyond.
Q8: What changes do you hope to see in graduate and professional education over the next decade?
Dr. Ziba: I’d love to see more inclusive pathways that support first-generation, transfer, and underrepresented students. Graduate education should combine academic rigor with mentorship, career guidance, and real-world skill-building so all students can thrive.
Q9: What’s your favorite way to relax or recharge?
Dr. Ziba: I recharge through meditation, working out, salsa dancing, and going for walks. I also enjoy listening to podcasts—some of my favorites are The School of Greatness, Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings, Huberman Lab, Feel Better Live More and 10% Happier.
Is Dr. Ziba the right mentor for your academic or professional journey? Request to book below!
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