The Scholar Experience

Krishna Evani 2023 Scholar

UTSA

Krishna enjoys giving back to her community as both a tutor in college science and a volunteer at the Children’s Association for Maximum Potential camp. Despite being the co-president of student-lead Active minds, a member of the premed and national honor society, Krishna still finds time to participate in her favorite sports: volleyball and tennis!

Riley Zimmerman 2023 Scholar

Texas State University

Riley clearly interweaves a passion for science with their hobbies, including monitoring the chemistry of pool water, performing home science experiments and as a science olympian in astronomy, circuitry, and geology. Riley has served as in the community as a teacher’s assistant, Bridge Community Church volunteer, and a science fair judge with the Harmony School of Endeavor. Riley also has a flair for languages, particularly German, Polish, Spanish and Turkish!

Berzhia Mizani 2023 Scholar

UT Austin

Berzhia has been recognized for her superb organization skills as well as her evident interest for scientific inquiry. Her academic perforance is appreciated as a member of the Alpha Delta Epsilon pre-medical Honor society. In her free time, Berzhia serves as a

student council representative, volunteers in Ascension Seton Medical Center, and fund raises for patients battling leukemia and lymphoma.

Timilehin Adeniran 2023 Scholar

Texas State University

Timilehin is a proud member of his university’s health professions, premedical and predental societies. He serves as the secretary of the RCCG Campus Fellowship Ministry and enjoys volunteering as a tax assistant and with the El Paso Fighting Hunger Church Food Bank.

Aimee Jeffrey-Iwelu 2023 Scholar

UTSA

Aimee has taken a personal interest in public health and pursues her degree passionately to make a direct impact on the health of her community as a family physician. Aimee is excited to explore the influence of genetics on human health through the lens of research.

Victoria Sanchez 2024 Scholar

St. Mary’s University

Victoria has been noted for her strong performance in biology and chemistry, as keen investigative mind. She a member of her school’s Honors program, premedical society and the Health Occupations Students of America, and seeks to add to her research toolbox through biochemistry and pharmacology.

Sameed Aijaz 2023 Scholar

Trinity University

Sameed is a certified clinical medical assistant and maintains certification in CPR and basic life support. He volunteered as a COVID vaccine distributor with the Islamic Center of San Antonio, and holds numerous leadership positions, including the public relations chair of the South Asian Student association, secretary of Trinity’s Interpretive Speech club, and the T-space coordinator his institution’s American Medical Student association.

Anakaren Garcia 2023 Scholar

St. Mary’s University.

Anakaren spends volunteer hours as a radiology technician and has even sought certification as an electrocardiogram technician and health care provider Basic Life Support. She is passionate, hardworking and approaches challenges with a positive, determined outlook.

Megan Tansiongco 2024 Scholar

Trinity University

Megan is fascinated by the evolving technologies implemented in cancer treatment and seeks to passionately combine her research training with medical education to make significant contributions to the scientific field.

Ava Sanchez 2023 Scholar

St. Mary’s University

Ava has become a part of the scientific community by joining the Health Occupations Students of America and through her school’s premedical society. She passionately pursues public service and community education as a volunteer with the Zargoza Society and with Continuing Heritage elementary school. Her dedication to participate in healthcare is evident by her certifications in CPR and First Aid care.

Anna Tumanova 2023 Scholar

UT Austin

Anna is interested in studying cellular processes by way of biohysics with the goal of minimizing the side effects of cancer radiation therapy as a radiation oncologist. She has spent her free time developing research skills in laboratories, learning Latin and percussion in band. Along with her interest in the intersection of physics and medicine, Anna also finds time to participate in dance.

Portia Berryman 2024 Scholar

Trinity University

Portia is actively involved in the musical arts including
choir, symphony and orchestra. She enjoys outdoor
pursuits with the Boy and Girl Scouting America where
she has earned many achievements. Portia would like
to explore human health through the lens of microbiology
to one day impact the field of oncology through
gene editing.

Nicole Mejia 2024 Scholar

University of Texas at Austin

Nicole wouldlike to dedicate her keeninterest in biology,
chemistry, and data analysis to provide wholehearted
service to others as a physician. She has participated in
prior research which has spurred her desire for scientific
exploration. Nicole is fluent in Spanish and intermediate
in using R Studio.

Sofia Stanfield 2024 Scholar

University of the Incarnate Word

Sofia is excited to explore endocrinology and would like
to contribute to the discovery of novel therapeutics for
Diabetes. She enjoys challenges, community volunteer
activities, and tutoring students from rural areas of
Texas. Sofia has served in leadership roles and has dedicated
herself to making a positive impact in the lives of
others.

Larry Diaz 2024 Scholar

University of the Incarnate Word

Larry’s fascination with signal transduction pathways
and physiologic drug interactions have stoked his passion
to explore graduate studies and a possible career
as a pharmaceutical researcher. He is currently working
on a pharmacy technician certification and seeks to gain
much from hands on laboratory experience to one day
tackle global health challenges surrounding access to
medication.

Fazeleh Mirghassemi 2024 Scholar

Trinity University

Fazeleh is passionate about virology research to better
understand the world of minute, yet deadly diseases.
She strives to become a professional that is sensitive
to socio-economic challenges of communities and to
ensure those in need receive equitable medical care.
Fazeleh has experience in both news reporting and coordinating
marketing.

Crystal Valenzuela 2024 Scholar

St. Mary’s University

Crystal is a current research intern participating in a project
in biomedical engineering at her home institution to
assist future patients with finger flexion and extension
after trauma or disease. She is described as academically
excellent and a leader. Outside of academics, she
enjoys volunteering and playing in the orchestra.

Madilyn Dominguez-Lowry 2024 Scholar

University of Texas at San Antonio

Madilyn’s exposure to microbiology and immunology
courses in high school, along with the COVID pandemic,
has motivated her to become a clinical research scientist.
She is described as an independent learner who
takes pride in helping her peers with course content.
Madilyn likes to keep herself busy and enjoys crochet,
jewelry-making, and ceramics.

Durga Meenakshi Panneerdoss 2024 Scholar

University of Texas at San Antonio

Following family experiences, Durga has passionately
dedicated herself to exploring biomedical research in
oncology. She has had the opportunity to contribute
to prior research projects that have developed her science
acumen, and she aspires to continue her studies
through a research-oriented MD/PhD program.

Evan Villarreal 2024 Scholar

St. Mary's University

Evan is currently exploring the world of genome editing
through the CRISPR-Cas system in a lab at his university.
Through his work in STUROP, he is excited to broaden
his perspective of how biomedical research can help
others maintain healthy and active lifestyles. Evan has
enjoyed working as a SeaWorld ride operator and library
assistant at St. Mary’s University and is also a proud
member of the Marianist Society.

Promise Galloway 2024 Scholar

Trinity University

Promise is interested in Virology and Immunology, and
has a particular affinity towards retroviral application.
She is aself-directed learner and would like tofurther explore
the interplay of neurophysiology on medications.
Promise is involved with numerous clubs, enjoys music,
archery and auto mechanics.

Tristan Perez 2024 Scholar

Northwest Vista College

Tristan would like to study neuroscience as a medical
professional to help communities overcome the stigma
associated with mental disorders. He is very analytical
and seeks to unite his innate logical reasoning
with his passion for chemistry and psychology. Tristan
is not afraid to make mistakes, which allows him to stay
open-minded while learning for learning’s sake.