People

Advisory Board

Staff

Gloria Becerra-Cortes

  • Veterinary Student, Graduate Student Advisor
Gloria is a first-year veterinary student at UC Davis. She earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Biology, also from UC Davis, and went straight into veterinary school after graduating. She intends on practicing mixed animal medicine with a focus on One Health and improving access to veterinary care. Outside of school, Gloria enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking and baking, and playing board and card games. In joining the HPA team, she is excited to support fellow students as they pursue their health professional goals!

Maia Byrne

  • Nursing Student, Graduate Student Advisor
Maia graduated from UC Davis in 2024 with a degree in Human Biology and a Minor in Religious Studies. During her gap year, she worked as an EMT and applied to nursing schools, and is now a MEPN student at UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. Outside of work and school, Maia loves going on walks in nature, eating good food, and playing board games with friends. She looks forward to sharing my passion for nursing with students considering the nursing path and guiding students and alumni through the preparation and application process.

Robyn Crittendon

  • Staff Advisor, All Health Professions
Robyn graduated from UC Davis in Spring of 2021 as a Communication major and Latin minor. She began her work with HPA as a member of the Pre-Health Ambassador Network (PHAN) in 2019, before transitioning to peer advising. She has since progressed to working as a Staff Advisor to continue supporting both undergrad and HPA post-bac students in their pre-health journeys. In her free time, Robyn enjoys plant keeping, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

Manisha Lakhotia, MS

  • Director of Health Professions Advising
Manisha is an alumna of UCD and has been with Health Professions Advising since October 2017. Prior to coming to HPA, she worked as an Academic Advisor for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office and served as pre-health advisor and career counselor at another UC and a private school for a number of years. As a first-generation college student, Manisha is avid about supporting students and alumni reach their personal, academic and professional goals. She is currently in the PhD in Education Program at UC Davis. Outside of work, Manisha enjoys baking, reading and planning her next adventure.