Dairy Diagnostics Staff
Ernesto Padilla
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I grew up in Ceres CA here in the central valley. I am currently finishing my B.S. in Biology at CSU Stanislaus. I have always had an
interest in science, and being part of a team that helps ensure safe quality dairy is sent to consumers is fulfilling to me. In my spare time, I
like hiking, playing soccer, and going to the gym. Other hobbies I recently picked up have been taking care of my 40-gallon aquarium, and reading.
Alondra Ramirez
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I grew up in California’s Central Valley and have had the opportunity to live in and explore different parts of the state. I earned my B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UC Merced in 2021, followed by a post-baccalaureate degree from UC Santa Cruz in 2022. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, getting lost in a good audiobook, and spending time with my two cats, Miso Soup and Bernie.
Yvette Guzman
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My name is Yvette and I began working in the Dairy Diagnostics Lab division in 2016. Prior to that I attended UC Merced and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I became interested in the lab environment when I began working as a Student Lab Assistant in the Biology department. After graduation I gained more experience with Microbiology while working for a Hospital Lab in Southern California.
Today I live in Waterford and I have been with Dairy Diagnostics for more than a decade. It has been awesome to witness the lab grow – from offering routine mastitis testing with a team of two technicians to now a team of six technicians that work with advanced instrumentation including qPCR and MALDI.
Outside of work I spend my time at the gym, with friends and family, and caring for my four kitties. I also enjoy volunteering at the Stanislaus Wildlife Center, reading or watching TV. During vacation I love to get out of the state and have visited 19 countries and I hope to visit many more.
Carina Montanez
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I grew up in Modesto Ca. I graduated from UC Merced in December 2018 with a B.S. in Microbiology and Immunology. On my days off I enjoy spending time at home with family and my two adorable cats, Coca and Butterball. I also like the ourdoors and fishing.
Jessica Pacheco
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My name is Jessica Pacheco. I grew up here in the Central Valley; I spent 5 years in Turlock before recently moving to Merced. I graduated in 2023 from CSU Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, concentrating in Molecular, Cellular, and Microbial Biology. I began my role as a Lab Technician for Dairy Diagnostics at Lander Vet Clinic in November 2024. I enjoy the variety of work in the lab and the opportunity to contribute to animal health behind the scenes. It is rewarding to know that the testing we perform helps our veterinarians and dairy clients identify health concerns and provide the best care for their animals. Outside of work, I love traveling, line dancing, and exploring new restaurants/ trying different foods. At home, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two cats, Benji and Esp
Alejandro Cos-Olivera
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I grew up in Los Angeles and recently graduated from UC Merced with a bachelor’s in bioengineering and a minor in chemsitry. I’ve always loved science and animal health, and I am excited to use my background to help Lander Vet support livestock health.
When I’m not at work, I’m usually checking out new hiking trails, or spending time outdoors.
ET/OPU Staff
Madison Zamaroni
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I grew up in Ceres, CA and graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science from UC Davis. In 2021, I joined the Lander Veterinary Clinic ET/ IVF department in pursuit of my passion for bovine genetics. In the lab, you can find me searching for oocytes and embryos while listening to audiobooks or fertilizing and growing embryos until they are ready to be transferred/frozen. In my free time, I love going hiking and backpacking with my husband and two dogs or hanging out with my family.
General Staff
Rocio Macias
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- Administrator
- Since 2015
I graduated from CSU Chico, and a memorable part of my college experience was studying in Nagoya, Japan for a year. During my free time, I enjoy foreign films and documentaries.
Mireya Benavidez
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Mireya is a Client Care Coordinator with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Modesto Junior College. Her background includes experience in both small and large animal medicine, as well as emergency veterinary care and client services.
Growing up locally on a farm, Mireya was surrounded by horses, livestock, and dogs, which helped foster her love for animals from an early age. She spent much of her younger years riding horses and developed an appreciation for the importance of animal care and the agricultural community. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys helping clients feel welcomed, understood, and supported.
Outside of work, Mireya enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and making memories with family. She looks forward to continuing to grow her knowledge of large animal medicine and building relationships with the clients and animals in her community.
