Most Recent Scholars

Alan Jackson Flores III

Alan has a deep interest in life sciences and the biochemical processes that influence our everyday lives. Growing up in a medically developing community, he found that access to more advanced and specialized care was more limited. It is this truth that is leading him to pursue an MD and prioritize research to allow for healthcare to be more precise, proactive, and specialized in medically developing areas.

Alvin Phillip

Alvin is a neuroscience major at the University of Texas at San Antonio with a strong interest in understanding and developing treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. Through research he aims to actively contribute to uncovering mechanisms that could one day improve lives. Outside of the classroom, Alvin enjoys volunteering at the University Health Hospital and playing the violin.

Diego Salinas

Diego is a biomedical engineering major with a passion for bridging the gap between affordable healthcare solutions and underserved communities. He focuses his efforts on using the engineering design process to discover creative solutions in not only his field, but even daily life. As a hobby and small business, he customizes clothing with unique art pieces and colors.

Ellexes Terrazas

Ellexes is an ambitious biology major whose love for the medical profession motivates her toward academic success. Following the effects of cancer on her family members, Ellexes felt motivated to venture into the world of medicine where she aspires to be a kind physician and make an immense impact by listening to her patients. Her plan includes obtaining an MD-PhD and conducting research on the different types of cancer.

Luke Cyrus

Luke is a Neuroscience major with a special interest in reprogramming the immune system and exploring how this can be applied to conditions such as food allergies, stem-cell transplantations, and long‑term graft survival. Outside of the lab, he has served as a National Advocate for Food Allergy Research & Education for the past 4 years, during which he has testified before members of Congress and the Texas delegation to advance federal food‑allergy legislation.

Maya Holguin

Maya is a microbiology and molecular genetics major with an interest in biomedical research stemming from her commitment to service and leadership, developed through volunteer work in her local borderland community of El Paso, TX. Through research she aims to develop molecular tools to target genetic diseases at their root and make an impactful change that will serve generations to come.

Michael Pena

Michael is a pre med student with a strong passion for medicine, science, and healthcare. While balancing academics and full time work, he has developed strong discipline, communication, and leadership skills. He is interested in plastic surgery and hopes to one day make a meaningful impact in his community and the medical field through both patient care and scientific advancement.

Roman Benavides

Roman is a Biomedical Engineering student gaining design experience through the 2026 Siemens & Sony Immersive Design Challenge. There he worked with a team of students on a digital design and prototype of a functioning robot. Roman plans to pursue an MD/PhD and hopes to strengthen his research skills and get a future opportunity to research, study, or teach in this field while abroad.

Seth Patillo

Seth is a pre-med student majoring in Biology at Huston-Tillotson University, originally from Port Arthur, Texas. In his free time he enjoys drawing, reading, and weightlifting. Seth likes to have a balance between creativity and discipline, always looking for ways to grow, whether that’s in the gym, in the classroom, or through new experiences, Seth is excited to keep learning more about the medical field through research.

Suvidh Shyam

Suvidh is a biochemistry student at UTSA pursuing an MD/PhD with an interest in peptide therapeutics. Suvidh is also a certified EMT-B. He is very passionate about scientific discovery, and hopes to gain experience in research and grow as a scientist within STUROP.

Waheed Adekanmbi

University of Texas at San Antonio

Waheed is a dedicated biochemistry student with research experience in environmental and biomedical science and a strong commitment to community service and health outreach. After witnessing the impact of cancer on a loved one, he became driven to pursue a career in biomedical research and aspires to earn an MD–PhD focusing on oncology and the development of novel cancer treatments.

Yashvi Kushwaha

Yashvi seeks to understand the world at its most fundamental level through biomedical and biochemical research. Shaped by personal and familial experiences with the healthcare system, she is driven to advance patient care through scientific innovation. She aspires to become a physician-scientist, connecting discovery with meaningful clinical outcomes.