Aggie Kruse
Reporter

Alumna Alison Groeger (’00) has returned to Convent 10 years and one doctorate in molecular pharmacology later — this time to teach rather than learn.

“I love being involved in this community again,” Groeger said. “After graduate school, I wanted to get more into the communications side of biotech jobs, and teaching is one of the options that interested me. I enjoy just talking about the science.”

Teachers who had Groeger as a student welcomed her back warmly.

“I was delighted that she returned,” Dean Rachel Simpson said. “She is the same positive, thoughtful individual from before. As a student in my French class, she gave nothing but her best with 100 percent effort. She was an amazing cross-country runner as well and had such a huge heart for putting everything into her races.”

Groeger is substituting for chemistry teacher Christina Cinti who is on family leave following the birth of her son Bryce and will fill in for biology teacher Raymond Cinti during February while he is taking time to care for his new son.

“I contacted Mr. Cinti in the spring and offered to tutor any students who wanted help,” Groeger said. “Mr. Cinti instead told me about his baby and asked if I wanted to substitute.”

Groeger is teaching the curriculum created by the Cintis to smooth the staff transition for students.

“She’s using the same notes for my physiology class, which is really helpful,” junior Nikki Hvid said. “but she also actively engages us and asks us questions. She teaches us respectfully and makes sure she is approachable if we need help.”

During her time at Rhodes College in Memphis, Groeger discovered her interest for biotechnology.

“In my sophomore year a new teacher invited me to help her do research,” Groeger said, “and I found I liked working and solving problems in the lab. It was a nice, smaller environment where you weren’t just a number.”

Groeger continued with biotechnology in graduate school at University of Alabama, and later transferred to University of Pittsburgh. There she earned her doctorate before returning to California.

“I lived in many different climates and cultures,” Groeger said, “but I missed California and the pace of life on the West Coast.”

Groeger says she hopes find a job in California but for now is happy to be back at her old high school.

“[Convent] holds a special place in my heart,” Groeger said. “The work it does is important, and I know based on personal experience that the school gives you many tools. Integrity and knowing yourself are well instilled in the students here.”