This October, UC Merced proudly welcomed back two distinguished alumni: Rebecca Abney (Environmental Systems) and Drew Abney (Cognitive and Information Sciences).
From their beginnings as Ph.D. students at UC Merced to their current roles as tenured faculty members at the University of Georgia, their journeys exemplify the power of perseverance and passion in academia.
Rebecca shared the excitement of being named a National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that shaped her path. Drew offered insights into building a thriving research career, highlighting the importance of curiosity and collaboration.
The visit sparked lively conversations with current graduate students, who asked thoughtful questions about navigating the road to faculty positions. Their stories not only offered practical guidance but also reminded students that the seeds of success are often planted right here at UC Merced.
