Alumni Profiles
In our Head of School's Weekly News updates, we often include short alumni profiles. With 2,100+ alumni living and working around the globe, we’re excited to share details from our diverse community. Some past profiles are included below, click here for a full album.
Ruquaya Quraishi '12
Clinical Pharmacy Resident, Children's Hospital of Orange County
Pharm. D., University of New Mexico
"Securing a residency in California as an out-of-state candidate was a challenge. I believe that I was able to match at a residency program that only two positions because Prep equipped me with an excellent foundation in leadership, teamwork, and dedication. The thing I miss most about Prep are the amazing teachers who cared so much about my growth while I was a student there; I couldn't have accomplished the things I have today if it wasn't for them."
Executive Producer & Entrepreneur
Matt owns The Revels Group, a full-service artist, producer, creative, and tour management company. His team manages a clientele roster that includes entertainment clients G-Eazy, Gibson Hazard, and Ambezza.
Business, Loyola University
"I was attracted to Prep because of 'the vibe.' I loved the flexibility and have always felt that Prep encouraged me to find myself by trying different things."
Dr. Tasha Serna Gallegos '07
Fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at University of New Mexico Hospital
Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish, Occidental College
M.D., University of New Mexico's School of Medicine
"Sandia Prep prepared me for the rigors of medical school and helped give me the foundation that I needed to succeed. I don't believe that I would be where I am today without Prep's ongoing support during my schooling there and beyond."
Dean Hines '81
Scientist, Space Telescope Science Institute s
Ph.D in Astronomy, University of Texas at Austin
MSc in Physics, New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
"Science was always my love, and the teachers at Sandia Prep were always challenging and encouraging. These foundations have been invaluable in my career as I investigate the mysteries of the universe."
Global Risk Management, San Francisco
B.A. History, Earned Distinction in Major, Yale University
"I've always appreciated that Prep taught me how to think: What does the information tell us? What questions can I ask? How does it all fit together? The skills I learned at Prep were the foundation for my success in college, and they continue to benefit me professionally, working for a technology company operating on a global scale."
Certified Orthopedic Physician Assistant & Co-Founder of Urgently Ortho, San Francisco
Baylor University; Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, Chatham University
“I believe that education is the most important thing you can give to a child. Prep was fundamental to me not only educationally, but socially, and so it’s an obvious choice for me to give back at a school that allows students to explore the world in a meaningful way.”
“I believe that education is the most important thing you can give to a child. Prep was fundamental to me not only educationally, but socially, and so it’s an obvious choice for me to give back at a school that allows students to explore the world in a meaningful way.”
Associate with Thompson Coburn LLP, St. Louis
B.A. Philosophy and Political Science, University of New Mexico
J.D., Cum Laude, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
"Mock Trial helped me cultivate the skills that I use in my practice every day. I want to make sure that Prep's Mock Trial program thrives so that others can benefit in the same way that I did from participating."
J.D., Cum Laude, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
"Mock Trial helped me cultivate the skills that I use in my practice every day. I want to make sure that Prep's Mock Trial program thrives so that others can benefit in the same way that I did from participating."
Uyen-Phuong “U.P.” Nguyen '15
Software Engineer, Bose Corporation
Computer Science, B.S., Brown University
"Sandia Prep definitely prepared me for the academic rigors of Brown University. I'm thankful to Prep for introducing me to so many wonderful mentors and experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise."
Bernalillo County District Attorney
- AB Government, Harvard University
- MS International Political Economy, International Relations, The London School of Economics and Political Science
- JD Law Stanford University
- Former federal prosecutor
- Former senior adviser in President Obama's Department of Justice
"As Bernalillo County's District Attorney, I am constantly working to improve public safety, while protecting our community. I consider my Sandia Prep experience to be on the first steps I took toward my commitment to public service. As a Sundevil, I learned how to be a leader while balancing a full workload."
Rachel Fleddermann '14
Medical student, UNM School of Medicine
Biology B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison
"The leadership skills I learned at Prep are still serving me well today as I navigate medical school."
"Prep greatly influenced my time in college by setting the foundation for me to succeed. My teachers not only greatly contributed to helping me academically but also with learning many life lessons such as how to professionally interact with others and overcome obstacles."
Brendon Gray '16
- Economics B.A. & Political Science B.A.
- Attending Carnegie Mellon University for Public Policy and Management M.A.
“Above all, Prep made me a strong critical thinker, a skill I’ve applied in every academic or professional responsibility I’ve had since graduating. I found my passion for writing at Prep from my time in the newspaper class, and I developed a love of reading thanks to a long line of great English teachers.”
Juhee Patel '16
Medical student, UNM School of Medicine
Biology B.S., The University of New Mexico
“Sandia Prep gave me the skills of great communication, integrity, and confidence. The safe and nurturing environment of Prep was such a privilege to have as I was growing up.”
Samuel Albert '14
- Architecture B.A.
- Working for award-winning architecture firms in Finland and Denmark, with a focus on sustainability
“As a student at Prep, I was able to try a bit of everything. I’ve taken those experiences into my college education and into my career as a designer and an architect, where I continue to explore my interests in art, engineering, philosophy, and history.”