For sisters Caitlyn and Mary Camille Ybanez, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) has become more than just an academic institution — it’s been a launchpad for personal growth, professional direction, and a shared sense of purpose. Though they pursued different programs and career paths, their journeys began with the same first step: a KGI summer program that opened their eyes to what was possible.
Camille Ybanez, who earned her Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing (MEng) in 2021, now works at Amgen in technology transfer. Her younger sister, Caitlyn, is currently in her first year of the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences (MS) program, concentrating on translational research and preparing for a future in drug development.
Both sisters discovered KGI while studying at UC Riverside — Camille through the Biomedical Engineering Society, and Caitlyn through hearing about Camille’s experiences. Each found an academic home through KGI’s immersive summer programs. Camille participated in the Bioprocessing Summer Undergraduate Internship Training and Education (B-SUITE) program, while Caitlyn joined the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).
“I really enjoyed the program,” said Caitlyn, ’26 MS. “I appreciate that we focused on group projects — not just research, but also the business side. We even did a bio-entrepreneurship project focusing on drug repurposing. It showed me how well-rounded the education here is and inspired me to apply to the MS program."
That balance between technical rigor and practical application is something Camille also appreciated during her time at KGI. Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic — which shifted much of her experience online — Camille found the emphasis on teamwork and industry engagement invaluable.
“One of the most impactful experiences was the Team Master’s Project,” said Camille. “My team worked with Boehringer Ingelheim on computational fluid dynamics. It was hands-on, relevant, and directly tied to the work I’m doing now.”
Camille credits the MEng program with preparing her for success at Amgen, where she has worked since graduation. After starting in attribute sciences — focusing on identifying critical quality attributes in molecules — she recently transitioned into a new role in technology transfer. In this position, she supports the transfer of drug product manufacturing processes to global production sites in Ireland and Puerto Rico.
“My KGI internship at Amgen played a huge part in securing a full-time role,” Camille said. “It gave me the chance to network and build relationships."
She now helps recruit KGI interns for her team, coming full circle.
For Caitlyn, the inspiration to attend KGI came in part from watching her sister’s journey — but was also fueled by her own curiosity and commitment to research. As an undergraduate majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology at UC Riverside, she was drawn to KGI’s industry focus and collaborative culture.
In her first year, Caitlyn has already begun conducting independent research on multiple sclerosis under the guidance of Dr. Jeniffer Hernandez, a faculty member whose mentorship she describes as instrumental. Her lab is exploring the therapeutic potential of targeting G protein-coupled receptors, specifically GPR65, in disease-modifying treatments.
“We’re testing whether an antagonist to GPR65 can improve recovery in mouse models of multiple sclerosis,” Caitlyn said. “It’s still early, but I’ve already contributed to a publication submission, and my colleague and I will be presenting our findings at a research conference in Hawaii this May.”
While deeply invested in the research, Caitlyn also values the broader education KGI offers.
“I’ve never taken an ethics class before, and now it’s one of my favorites,” she said. “I love what I’m doing — and I love it even more because of the relationships I’ve built here. Everyone is so supportive. The professors are always open to talking and forming real connections with students.”
Looking ahead, Caitlyn envisions a career in industry R&D, focusing on disease research and the development of new therapeutics. And while their paths have diverged, both sisters see KGI as the shared foundation where their passions were ignited and their futures shaped.
“Nearly all our classes involved group projects,” Camille said. “That helped me develop my teamwork and communication skills, which are critical in the workplace.”
She now uses those same skills daily at Amgen, where adaptability and collaboration drive success.
Together, the Ybanez sisters exemplify how KGI equips students with the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive in science and industry — each on their own unique path.