UC Merced will celebrate the Class of 2026 with three inspiring alumni returning to campus as keynote speakers for commencement ceremonies May 15-17.
Emily Reed, ’07, ’13, a tenured biology professor at Merced College, will share her story with more than 100 master’s and doctoral degree candidates and their guests at the Graduate Division ceremony on May 15.
A Merced native, Reed began her academic path at Merced College and transferred to UC Merced as a member of its inaugural class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a Ph.D. in Biological Engineering and Small-scale Technologies. Her dissertation research with Professor Christopher Viney explored how microwaves change the behavior of silkworm and spider silk, helping to better understand what makes these natural fibers strong and reliable.
As a faculty member at Merced College, Reed also maintains an interest in interdisciplinary science and is the principal investigator on a National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) grant to promote the retention and success of academically talented, low-income STEM students.
Returning to campus as a keynote commencement speaker is deeply meaningful for Reed.
“I’ve been given one of the most special opportunities ever: to meaningfully comment as these incredibly bright people complete their degrees and begin their next phase of life,” she said. “Returning to campus to celebrate their achievements feels amazing.”
Outside of work, she enjoys taking tap dancing lessons with her husband and their three children.
Dr. Zi Wang, ’11, will address graduates of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts on May 16. Wang is a board-certified vascular neurologist, physician leader and proud alumnus of UC Merced, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in public health. His journey from UC Merced to becoming a leader in clinical medicine and healthcare administration reflects a deep commitment to service, education and advancing patient care.
Wang serves as medical director of the Primary Stroke Center at Sutter Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, where he leads clinical innovation, quality improvement and systems-based care for stroke patients. In addition to his clinical leadership, he serves as chief of staff–elect and chair of the Quality and Safety Committee. He is also an appointed member of the Sutter Health Neuroscience Service Line Clinical Council.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership and professionalism. He completed his internal medicine internship and neurology residency at the Yale School of Medicine, followed by fellowship training in vascular neurology at UC San Francisco, where he trained at UCSF Medical Center and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, two of the nation’s leading institutions in stroke care.
He is an advocate for the San Joaquin Valley PRIME+ BS/MD medical education pathway and partners with Sutter Health to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students. He also mentors pre-health students connected with UC Merced and UCSF, guiding the next generation of physicians through guidance, sponsorship and career development.
Wang calls his return to campus this spring to address graduates a “profound full-circle moment.”
“It’s an opportunity to honor the place that believed in me before the world did,” he said. “Coming back to UC Merced means carrying forward that same belief and investing it in the next generation who will define what’s possible.”
Christien Lindblom, ’11, regional director at Campos EPC, will address graduates from the schools of Engineering and Natural Sciences on May 17.
Nearly two decades after stepping onto the UC Merced campus for the first time as a student, Lindblom returns as an entrepreneur, award-winning leader and an advocate for women engineers.
Founder of Lindblom Engineering, LLC, she has spent the past 15 years building a career defined by technical excellence, visionary leadership and service. Since earning her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Merced, she has become an advocate for women, children and the future of the engineering profession.
Lindblom earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from San José State University and now leads multidisciplinary teams and directs multimillion-dollar programs at Campos EPC, a major energy infrastructure firm.
Her achievements have earned her national recognition, including the Campos EPC inaugural Woman of the Year Award, finalist for the Los Angeles Times Studio Inspirational Woman of the Year and a place among the Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 honorees shaping the future of their fields.
Lindblom said returning to campus to address this year’s engineering and natural sciences graduates is a one of the “greatest privileges.”
"I am deeply grateful to have been selected to speak to the graduates of 2026. Returning to campus feels especially meaningful because I have the opportunity to share my journey with those of similar background and aspiration," she said. “My hope is that every graduate walking across that stage carries the same fire that brought them here — and has the courage to let it keep driving them.
“I’m also incredibly excited to bring my two sons back to the place where it all started for me and my husband, Jared, and to let them see what is possible on this campus.”
For information on commencement events, visit commencement.ucmerced.edu.
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