Initially, Santa Clara University appealed to Michelle Pesce ’09 because of its beautiful campus and near-perfect California weather. And as she pursues her degree in biology, minoring in biotechnology, Santa Clara’s location continues to influence her.

Specifically, studying in the middle of Silicon Valley has broadened her knowledge of opportunities in the life sciences. “Recently, the biotechnology industry and the intersection of science and business has caught my attention,” she says. “Santa Clara has been a great place for me because I am able to have lab experience.”