I'm a 2nd-year PhD student in Rehabilitation Sciences and my mentor is Dr. Al Snih from the Sealy Center on Aging. My research focuses on predictors and transitions of physical function and the impact of physical function on healthcare utilization among older Mexican Americans. After my PhD, I plan to study health trajectories and healthcare utilization using large, observational data. During my PhD studies, I have enjoyed data management and statistical analysis the most!

I am also a member or “SACNISTA” for the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and attend the NIH weekly virtual meetings. In my free time I like to walk on the beach with my dogs, video chat with my friends, and read nonfiction books.

I am a first year PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. My current work focuses on understanding how gene regulation can affect the 3D organization of mammalian genome. I am very passionate about bridging the gap between graduates and their future careers and that is the reason I am working on a startup, which will connect high school and college students with professors and scientists for internships and jobs. That is the same reason why I chose to be part of CCD, to help students to move forward in their career path.

I’m a postdoc in Dr. Shelly Buffington’s lab (in the Dept. of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy) studying the gut-brain axis. Our lab takes a multi-disciplinary approach to increase our understanding of the role that the gut microbiome plays on host physiology and brain function. I’m a bacteriologist by trade and completed my PhD in 2017 at Baylor College of Medicine. I then went on to do a short postdoc at UTHealth before starting at UTMB in 2019. I joined the CCD because, in my experience, career paths never follow a straight line and I wanted to help students learn about all the options out there. Lately, all my free time is spent outdoors with my almost 2-year old! Looking forward to getting to know y’all better!

I am a first year PhD student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program. My research, aims to better understand how the Integrator complex regulates gene expression. In addition to my research, I am interested in helping other students discover what career paths they may be interested in. I enjoy cooking and going on new adventures with my dog, Millie, in my free time.

Currently, I am a second-year graduate student in Experimental Pathology. My research in Dr. Chien-Te Kent Tseng's lab focuses on the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2. With my interdisciplinary interests, I am open to exploring multiple career paths.

In my free time, I swim, play the piano, and frequent bubble tea shops. In addition, I enjoy supporting local businesses with my friends, appreciating Texas' natural beauty with my family, and striving to improve the health of the public.

I'm excited to be a part of CCD and look forward to collaborating with y'all!

I am a 3rd year PhD candidate in Microbiology and Immunology. My research focuses on the genetic mechanism’s that bacteria use to cause persistent infections in patients. I have been interested in disease and health for much of my life, and I plan to continue in health-related research throughout my career. I enjoy reading, insect macro photography, and spending time with my wife and son whenever I'm not in the lab.

I’m a PhD graduate student in the Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine program and I am in the Hommel lab in the Center for Addiction Research. My research focuses on using computational approaches to identify brain regions important for food intake in order to provide therapeutic interventions for obesity. I am also involved in various forms of science outreach through the Texas Department of Transportation, Red Ribbon Week, and other campus organizations. In the future, I plan on following an academic career path, but also highly value connections with other industries and the importance of science advocacy. I’m involved in the CCD to build my network and equip myself to help keep all aspects of science moving forward. When I’m not in the lab, I can usually be found hanging out at the dog park, walking the beach, or attending activities at my church.