ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
• Class: 2025
• Major: Biology, Premedical Studies (co-major)
• Minor(s): Sociology
• Other Activities:
  • Honors College
  • LSAMP Scholar
  • Minority Association for Pre-Health Students
  • Mallory Wilson Student Advisory Board
  • Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in STEM (SACNAS)

Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

I ultimately chose ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú because I wanted to branch out and pursue my education in a new environment. My other option was to stay in my home state and I am happy that I decided to attend ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú because I have learned to be independent and appreciate my cultural background.

How did you choose your major?

Since I was young, I have enjoyed my science classes and been interested in a medical career. I decided on Biology and Pre-Medical studies because they suit my interests and have the most overlap in terms of course requirements. I also have a Medical Sociology minor because I think that it is important to understand people as a medical professional and this field primarily works to decipher why humans behave the way they do in society.

Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Joining the Del Rio-Tsonis Eye Regeneration Lab has had a significant impact on my academic experience at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. Although it is an extracurricular activity, it has shaped my professional aspirations because there are many career opportunities in the research field. While in my lab, I have attended various conferences which have had graduate school expositions and networking opportunities with leading researchers across various disciplines. Additionally, my principal investigator, Dr. Katia Del Rio-Tsonis, introduced me to my summer internship as a Choose Development! Fellow with the Society for Developmental Biology. Through this internship, I have been able to grow as an undergraduate researcher through working on my independent project over two summers at our lab. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and privilege to be a member of such a diverse group of researchers at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.

Other Notable Experience

My involvement in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Minority Association for Pre-Health Students (MAPS) has had a positive impact on my pre-medical journey as a minority student. In addition to being a minority, I am the first person in my family to study to become a doctor. This organization's support has made my academic journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Another important aspect of this organization is meeting medical professionals from diverse backgrounds which I have found very encouraging. The mentorship, friendship, and variety of opportunities that MAPS has offered me over the last three years are invaluable and a key component of my ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú experience.

Advice for Prospective Students

I would tell a prospective student to make sure they balance their time spent at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. For example, joining clubs that suit their personal interests that may differ from their academic interests. This way, they can enjoy their studies whilst participating in activities that help them meet new people and make them a more well-rounded person.

What are your career goals?  

Upon graduating from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, I plan to further my education in graduate school. As I delve into the multitude of available degree programs, I've come to realize that my options extend beyond the traditional medical degree (M.D.). For instance, there are combined PhD/MD programs that align perfectly with my interests in both research and medicine. My career aspiration is to contribute to underprivileged communities through groundbreaking medical innovations and scientific discoveries. While this goal may seem broad, it is fundamentally important to me to serve people from all walks of life, irrespective of their immigration status, cultural background, or financial circumstances.