Mireya Rivas came to UToledo from Surprise, Arizona, for a unique opportunity: the Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design program.
“It’s the only undergraduate program in the U.S. dedicated to the personal care industry, which immediately set it apart for me,” Rivas said. “I actually never toured the campus before enrolling. I took a leap of faith, trusting my passion for cosmetic science would make this move worth it. Looking back, I have absolutely no regrets. This program has been everything I hoped for and more.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2025 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
Graduating Saturday with her bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences, Rivas said she has thrived in her college.
“My greatest success and one of my most memorable experiences at UToledo was definitely the white coat ceremony. Reaching that moment was both a challenge and an achievement,” she said. “I’ll never forget the feeling of standing there with the cosmetic science cohort, all of us putting on our white coats for the first time. We were so excited and proud. It felt incredibly rewarding, like all the hard work had finally paid off.”
Rivas also has completed an internship with Wacker in Ann Arbor as a technical personal care intern.
“It was an amazing experience,” Rivas said. “I got hands-on experience working with silicones and learned how they’re used across the personal care world from hair products, skincare and even in nails. One of the highlights was getting to attend New York Suppliers’ Day, where I saw how the technical side of product development connects with the business side.”
Joe Battelline, a student career counselor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, said Rivas was a resilient student.
“Adaptability has been a major cornerstone of Mireya’s success over the years,” Battelline said. “From Arizona, to Ohio, to Michigan, she has carried and built her dream across multiple state lines, and that is nothing short of courageous. Witnessing her journey and growth has been truly rewarding.”
Mireya Rivas graduates Saturday with her bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences.
After graduation, Rivas said she plans to return home for some much-needed family time before returning to the workforce.
“This major really sets you up for success by giving you a solid understanding of the cosmetic industry from the ground up,” she said. “If you’re someone who truly has a passion for cosmetics, this program is absolutely worth it. You learn so much about how products are created, tested, and brought to life, and it really opens your eyes to how the industry works. It’s a great path if you’re excited about being part of the cosmetic world.”
