Meet Dr. Ellia La ‘18 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry): Environmental Science & Policy Advisor, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency
Ellia fondly remembers biking to CCS on early Saturday mornings and studying with friends throughout the day
“During my time at CCS and while conducting undergraduate research, I practiced communicating my findings and tailoring my story to the audience. This skill has translated to my current position as I facilitate stakeholder engagement with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and regulated entities.”
—Ellia La ‘18 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Dr. Ellia La is a 2018 College of Creative Studies (CCS) chemistry & biochemistry graduate who went on to pursue a Ph.D. in food chemistry. As an undergraduate on campus, Ellia conducted research–a hallmark of the College’s student experiential learning–and fondly remembers her days on campus. CCS recently re-connected with Ellia. She shared her experience at the College and her current position as an environmental science & policy advisor at the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) at the California Environmental Protection Agency, based in Sacramento. Ellia is integral to the DTSC’s mission to protect California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.
College of Creative Studies (CCS): How did you find out about the College? What was your major and graduation year?
Ellia La (EL): I found out about CCS by word of mouth! As a Californian high schooler applying to universities, it's relatively typical to apply to many of the UCs. My close friend in high school told me that CCS is a unique program among the UCs and I was fascinated by the "small college within a large university" idea. I majored in chemistry & biochemistry and graduated in 2018.
CCS: Why did you choose to come to CCS?
EL: I was drawn to the College’s model of giving undergraduate students the experience of [being in a learning environment that resembles] graduate school. This meant greater access to specialized classes, seminars, and research opportunities among other students who were interested in similar things as I was. Once I came to campus, I knew I made the right choice; not only because of the access to the aforementioned factors, but also because of the tight-knit camaraderie among CCS students who had 24-hour key access to study and bond together in the CCS building.
“My most distinct memory was biking to CCS on early Saturday mornings, opening the building door with my key, and studying with my friends throughout the day while taking snack breaks.”
—Ellia La ‘18 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry)
CCS: What was your favorite aspect and/or professor and/or experience while at CCS? Does a memorable moment stand out from your time at CCS? If so, please describe the moment.
EL: My most distinct memory was biking to CCS on early Saturday mornings, opening the building door with my key, and studying with my friends through the day while taking snack breaks. It may be a mundane memory, but it formed the majority of my time at UCSB.
CCS: Has CCS impacted your life personally or professionally?
EL: My education at UCSB and CCS prepared me for the rigor of a Ph.D. program. Ultimately, during my undergraduate studies, I learned how to study. I learned what it means to be persistent and disciplined which are integral characteristics in developing a career.
CCS: If you attended graduate school, where and what did you study as a graduate student? Did your CCS education help you as a graduate student?
EL: I got my Ph.D. in food chemistry. I used light to stabilize colorants from fruits and vegetables, using a myriad of analytical instruments. My CCS education absolutely prepared me for graduate school. By the time I got into graduate school, I'd had 4 different research experiences and learned the scientific process from study design to research presentations…and everything in between.
CCS: What have you been doing professionally post-CCS? Does it relate to what you studied at CCS? If so, how?
EL: Currently, I am an Environmental Science and Policy Advisor for the Department of Toxic Substances Control in California Environmental Protection Agency. I analyze legislation and review regulations related to chemicals management in consumer products, management of hazardous waste, and environmental remediation sites. My current position doesn't directly relate to chemistry, but it uses some of the skills I developed as an undergrad, such as science communication and project management.
In my current position, it is imperative to understand technical information and communicate it to internal and external stakeholders. During my time at CCS and while conducting undergraduate research, I practiced communicating my findings and tailoring my story to the audience. This skill has translated to my current position as I facilitate stakeholder engagement with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and regulated entities.
CCS: What advice would you give to current and future CCS students?
EL: If I had to give advice (I don't believe in providing unsolicited advice), I'd tell current and future CCS students to follow their gut feeling. It may be illogical at times and it may even be discouraged by people around them. But if there is a topic or a road their heart wants to pursue, go for it; even if it's not the most celebrated or generously compensated route. I think we spend way too much time at work to not find some fulfillment in it.
“I am hoping there are more undergraduate experiences that are diverse and funded.”
—Ellia La ‘18 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry)
CCS: How do you see the direction of higher education in 3, 5, 10+ years unfolding? This is important to CCS as we plan for educating our future artists, experts, and leaders. Any thoughts/ideas?
EL: I am hoping there are more undergraduate experiences that are diverse and funded. Many undergraduate students come from disenfranchised communities and I've seen friends who had to take a summer job doing food service, rather than getting research experience because it would have been unfunded. This perpetuates education inequities. Students need to eat and sleep in order for them to learn and deliver.
Photo courtesy of Ellia La ‘18 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry)
CCS enjoys highlighting members of the CCS community, including Ellia, allowing us to shine the spotlight on their amazing work and also as inspiration for current and future students. CCS welcomes its alumni, parents, and friends to share memories and stories (contact us at info@ccs.ucsb.edu). Consider reconnecting with a visit to campus!