November 8, 2021 - RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – UTRGV researchers have been awarded $2.8 million over four years by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, for a study aimed at reducing childhood obesity in preschool children.
Principal Investigator Dr. Roberto Treviño, director for the Social and Health Research Center in San Antonio, will work with four professors/researchers from UTRGV to help educate local school districts about physical activity and nutrition.
The researchers will implement the Bienestar coordinated school curriculum and study its impact through the “South Texas Early Prevention Studies/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education” (STEPS/SNAP-ED) project.
Read more...UTRGV awarded $2.8 million grant to study obesity-reducing curriculum in elementary schools
Paid Internship with The National Association of Medical Spanish (NAMS)
The National Association of Medical Spanish (NAMS), also known as la Asociación Nacional de
Español Médico (ANEM), is a non-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization aimed to create a standardized
evidence-based approach to teaching medical Spanish as well as promoting and assessing
bilingualism in medical providers in the United States. It focuses on improving health equity, patient
safety, quality of care for Spanish-speaking patients and physicians’ communication skills.
In alignment with NAMS’s mission, the Internship Program is designed to provide the selected
candidate with a wide range of learning opportunities to build skills for the healthcare industry,
with emphasis on non-for-profit project management, medical Spanish, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and health professions education.
Read more about this opportunity here.
More information about NAMS’s mission and structure is available at
www.NAMSpanish.weebly.com
The Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition (LAHIDAN) is a member interest group within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Their purpose is to support member needs while fostering the development and improvement of food, nutrition and health care for Latinos and Hispanics and their families in the United States and related territories, with outreach to Hispanic and Latino international members. Cosme Rubalcaba, a graduate student in the MS in Dietetics program, received the student FNCE scholarship from LAHIDAN for 2021. Congratulations!
Office of Innovation and Commercialization have granted a patent for invention.
Professor Aguirre was part of a cancer study at the University of Texas - Brownsville during 2005-2008. One of the aims of this study was to investigate whether diet was significantly correlated with the low incidence of breast cancer among Mexican-American women that has been evidenced in previous studies when compared to non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women. Her role was to run hormone analyses and lab tests on this and other studies that were also being conducted simultaneously with this cancer study.
Her primary role; however, was to develop a method for the detection of three phytoestrogens (daidzein, equol, and genistein), which are plant metabolites, in the urine of these participants. There were a few published studies at the time which had used similar methods. After much research and planning, using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) which is separation analysis and photodiode array which uses UV light as a detector, Professor Aguirre developed a method for the detection of these metabolites. The method involved a series of steps in preparation of the urine and various solvents for the separation of the analytes. All samples were analyzed using a Waters 2695 Separations HPLC module equipped with a 2996 photodiode array detector (Waters, Millford, Massachusetts, USA). Chromatographic processing was done using the Waters Empower™ 2 Software. Professor Aguirre evaluated the method for reliability (accuracy and precision) for each analyte which met the expected CV < 20% overall. A patent application was filed by the University during September 2018, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office communicated their findings on October 4, 2021, that a patent would be granted.
ASCP received hundreds of applications for this school cycle. We are pleased to announce that our UTRGV MLS student, Maria Luisa, was awarded to receive the ASCP Laboratory Student Scholarship Award.
BMED Student Juan Amieva was chosen for the 2021 Texas Society for Advancement of Health Professions (TSAHP) Student Award ($500).
The 2021 Texas Society for Advancement of Health Professions (TSAHP) awarded PI: Dr. Sue Anne Chew and Co-PI: Dr. Kristina Vatcheva a Research Grant of $1500.
Project Title: Biomedical Freshman Research Initiative (BFRI): Increasing the Retention, Academic Success and Preparation of Potential Underrepresented Allied Healthcare Profession Students by Providing Them Early Research Experience
On August 18, 2021, at the College of Health Professions Convocation, Paola Ibarra was awarded the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) 2021 Scholarship of Excellence.
We envision a future where all young Texans have access to accurate, inclusive and judgement free sexual and reproductive healthcare and we understand that the way we do that is to allow young people to lead and teach us how it should be done. The Texas Campaign Young Ambassador Program aims to connect passionate young advocates with the platforms, people and tools they need to strengthen their capacity, increase their knowledge and expand their networks so that they can continue to champion increased access to sexual and reproductive health care and sexual education for everyone for years to come. Through implementing their own project our Young Ambassadors will gain experience in research and identifying their desired impact, designing programs and preparing proposals, collaborating with community partners and getting buy-in from stakeholders. Each young ambassador will be paired with a technical advisor and mentor that will help them shape and design their project.
If you are ready to take the next step and want an opportunity to make an impact in your community, apply to become a Texas Campaign Young Ambassador and join us in fighting for sex-ed and accurate sexual and reproductive health information for every young person in Texas!
We are also accepting nominations for young leaders who are looking to take their ideas and passion to the next level!
The program is open to ten young people living in Texas between the ages of 17 and 20 who are passionate about improving access to sexual and reproductive health, and who are interested in developing their leadership and advocacy skills.
During the program, ambassadors will develop their very own advocacy project with the guidance of an assigned TXC Advisor who will help them with their ideas and how to manage project funds. They will also have the opportunity to meet with experts within the Adolescent & Youth Sexual & Reproductive Health (AYSRH) field and participate in webinars and workshops to gain more knowledge about AYSRH.
Application deadline is October 13th.
To apply click this link: https://txcampaign.org/young-ambassadors/
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS - July 24, 2021 – The UTRGV School of Medicine welcomed its sixth class of medical students with a White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, July 24, at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex Auditorium.
Dr. Michael B. Hocker, the new dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, was among the school’s leaders who greeted the 55 medical students and spoke of the important symbolism of the white coat.
“Those who take care of patients every day, you are the heroes and, maybe, the white coat is your cape – that piece of clothing you wear to help you in healthcare and education,” said Hocker. “It will serve you well as you look at innovation and discovery in medicine.”
The ceremony is an important first step in the career of a future physician, serving as a rite of passage at medical schools around the country. On Saturday morning, the new students committed to their future before friends and family with the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath and the donning of the white coat.
In this sixth class of UTRGV medical students, 24 of the 55 are from the Rio Grande Valley and 12 are UTRGV graduates, all selected from more than 7,545 highly competitive applications.
Funding agency: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award Program
Project Title: Building Capacity in Hispanic Serving Institutions for PCOR/CER focused on Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19
Goal: To increase student stakeholder and scientist capacity for engagement in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) and Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) at Hispanic Serving Institutions with a focus on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being among Hispanic college students.
PIs: Ashley Butler and Suad Ghaddar
Project Period: September 1, 2021-February 28, 2023
Award Amount: $200,001; UTRGV subaward: $91,322
July 15, 2021 - RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – The annual UTRGV Faculty Excellence Awards this year recognize eight faculty members for their accomplishments inside and outside the classroom.
The awards highlight the work of UTRGV faculty in the areas of teaching, online teaching, research, service, student mentoring, community-engaged scholarship and sustainability education.
“I would like to congratulate our faculty members for their hard work and commitment to our UTRGV students and community during this unprecedented time in higher education,” said Dr. Janna Arney, UTRGV interim provost. “Even through the disruptive year we have had, they have demonstrated that not even a pandemic could stop them from doing what they love – teaching, doing research and helping their communities.”
Each faculty winner receives a plaque and a $5,000 monetary award.
Please visit “Stay on Track” website to see FAQs and impact on financial aid eligibility. Please see some common questions and answers that have come up. Depending on specific financial aid package, credit hr. requirement may vary from 12-15 hrs/semester.
https://www.utrgv.edu/ucentral/paying-for-college/cpos/index.htm
How are courses for double majors treated? Double majors must be officially declared far in advance of the first class day to avoid adverse impacts to financial aid. The Census Date for each term is published on the academic calendar. Courses taken toward an undeclared major will not count in the ‘Stay on Track’ evaluation process.
How are courses for a minor treated? Minors must be officially declared far in advance of the first class day to avoid adverse impacts to financial aid. The Census Date for each term is published on the academic calendar. Courses taken toward an undeclared minor will not count in the ‘Stay on Track’ evaluation process.
Are prerequisite courses eligible for financial aid? When a course is required that is not in a student’s degree plan, this prerequisite course could be considered remedial for financial aid purposes, even if the prerequisite course is not defined as a remedial course by UTRGV.
Is a remedial course eligible for financial aid? Courses such as remedial math and English that prepare students for college are considered eligible for financial aid if student is enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program.
What about study abroad or independent study courses? As with any other course, the study abroad courses or independent study courses must count toward a student’s degree plan to be considered for financial aid eligibility.
What if I am enrolled in 12 hours (or more) that count toward the degree but I’m also in other hours that don’t count? As long as you remain in a minimum of twelve hours that apply toward your degree based on your official degree plan, you will be awarded financial aid for those hours – which match UTRGV’s tuition cap of 12 credit hours.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JULY 6, 2021 – In his first week as the new dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, Dr. Michael B. Hocker welcomed the Class of 2025, the newest cohort of medical students on July 2. During a student townhall meeting, Hocker spent some time answering questions about himself and sharing stories of flying helicopters in the Navy, his hobbies, his family, his own journey to become a doctor, and his goals as dean.
Above: Natalia Davila wears her cap and gown Thursday in Brownsville. Below: Sonya Rivera Montes at the Medical Education Building on Wednesday in Edinburg.
Davila is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Biomedical Sciences and will continue her education this fall when she starts Medical School at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She decided to pursue a career in medicine after seeing a loved one fight breast cancer.
“I saw one of my closest relatives fight breast cancer. And for me, that was very touching,” she said. “I not only got to see what a doctor can do, but also the patient side and how it can be very difficult for them.”
Read the full article PDF version here.
Read the full article on myrgv.com here.
The application period is now open for the Watermark Scholars program!
Watermark is offering women in STEM scholarships for the fall 2021 academic term to provide much-needed support for college students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)-related studies and careers.
Two students will be selected from the pool of applicants, and awardees will each receive $5,000 to help continue their education.
To participate in the Watermark Scholars program, applicants are asked to submit either a written essay, up to 500 words, or a short video on the topic of “Who has inspired you to pursue a career in science or technology, and what do you want to achieve upon graduation?” We’re looking for students who have been inspired by recent events and changes in learning and want to make a difference in their careers!
We’re asking you to help us share this opportunity with your students by posting this link on your institution’s website and sharing it with the appropriate internal resources: https://www.watermarkinsights.com/watermark-scholars/.
The deadline to submit entries is July 15, 2021, and awardees will be notified in August
UTMB Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) – PREPing for SUCCESS
The University of Texas Medical Branch Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) – PREPing for SUCCESS is currently accepting applications for our 1 year research and skills development program.
The UTMB PREP is a program for academically talented post-baccalaureate individuals who are highly motivated to pursue a PhD and desire additional academic research and career skills training prior to applying to PhD programs. UTMB PREP is designed to immerse students in a top tier research environment coupled with multi-level mentoring and academic skills activities to enhance scholars’ competitiveness for graduate school. Students who are nearing or have recently completed your bachelor’s degree within the last 3 years, desire a PhD in biomedical sciences, and are from a group underrepresented in the sciences are eligible to apply. Please refer students to: https://www.utmb.edu/gsbs/prep/prep-home or ask them to email me directly if they are interested.
PREPing for SUCCESS:
GSBS PREP Program information flyer 2021
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – Friday, December 11, 2020 - Graduating from UTRGV became a major family affair for a North Texas mother, daughter and father – they promised each other that if they started the educational journey, they would finish together and walk together. They have kept that promise. And because live ceremonies are delayed because of the pandemic, the three hope to walk together in May 2021.
UTPA alumna Norma Ochoa Urban-Palomarez, her daughter Elvia Palomarez, and Norma’s husband, Mario Palomarez, all enrolled in UTRGV accelerated online programs to earn their master’s degrees. Read the article here.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (KVEO) November 29, 2020 — The holidays are typically a time for a little extra indulgence. But with COVID-19 proving especially dangerous for overweight individuals, moderation is recommended this year. “There’s just a lot of celebration, especially in our country with celebration comes food and drinks,” said Registered Dietician Dr. Lisa Salinas.
Dr. Salinas estimates people gain between five and 10 pounds around the holidays which can result in health complications. “There’s a change in the hormones running through our body, change in cortisol, also differences in insulin sensitivity,” she said. With the threat of COVID-19, Dr. Salinas says it’s especially important to not over do it this year.
Summer Undergraduate Research in Genetics & Genomics
Applications for 2021 are open now! Apply for free by Febuary 15, 2021
The Program: Students can participate in a 10-week summer research program under the direction of the Genetics / Genomics faculty. Topics of research include:
Read more about the SURGe program
Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Genetics
The Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics is the premier interdisciplinary PhD program in the Natural Sciences at Texas A&M University and offers research opportunities in a diverse range of Specialties: Bioinformatics and Genomics; Conservation, Population and Evolution Genetics; Medical Genetics; Microbial Genetics; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Genetics; and Plant Genetics. The Program provides research opportunities to aspiring scientists in these various fields for successful careers in academia, government, and industry.
Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Genetics Information flyer
For more information on these programs visit their website: https://genetics.tamu.edu
Special to The Brownsville Herald - October 26, 2020
UTRGV, South Texas College and Texas Southmost College have been awarded a more than $2 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a research training program in biomedical sciences.
Called the Rio Grande Valley Bridge to the Baccalaureate in Biomedical Sciences – B2BMED, for short – the program will follow and support aspiring community college students from STC and TSC as they transition into the UTRGV Biomedical Sciences (BMED) program. Read the full article here about the UTRGV, TSC, and STC partnership.
Attention BMED Students:
We need your help! The deadline to fill out our 2020 US Census has been extended to October 31th. There is still time to fill out the 2020 if not already done so!
The Hope Project will be hosting their first general meeting for the fall semester this Thursday, September 10th at 5:30 pm via zoom. For more information, read the Hope Project information flyer.
Funding Agency: NIH Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program (T34)
UTRGV PD/PI: Dr. Sue Anne Chew,
UTRGV Co-PD/PI: Dr. Saraswathy Nair
STC PD/PI: Dr. Shima Chaudhary
TSC PD/PI: Mr. Ruben Reyes
Project Title: Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley,
Period: 08/01/2020 – 07/31/2025
Total Costs: $2,087,976
Grant Number: 1R01AI147731-01A1
Project Title: A targeted anti-HIV drug delivery to the GALT
Project Period: 07/16/2020 – 06/30/2025
Award:$3.3 Million
Sponsor/Agency: NIAID, NIH
Monday, July 13, 2020 -By Letty Fernandez
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – UTRGV has been awarded a $1.15 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) to help provide scholarships to aspiring students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
UTRGV will receive $230,000 per year for five years from the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program. The funding will help support the UTRGV Clinical Laboratory Science Program (CLS) in its efforts to actively recruit talented students interested in the CLS profession.
Read the full article about the Health Resources and Services Administration grant.
We are happy to announce that Dr. Lisa Salinas was interviewed for RGVision Magazine Health. She was asked for her expertise as a Registered Dietician Nutritionist and UTRGV Lecturer for the article.
Balanced Nutrition
Though there is no perfect way of eating, putting in the effort to eat a balanced diet can lead to more energy and maintaining a healthy body mass index.
Registered Dietician Nutritionist and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Lecturer Dr. Lisa Salinas said the way people should eat is dependent on what outcome they are looking for. She worked in hospitals and private practice before joining UTRGV in 2018 and focuses on “big picture general health,” which generally leans in the direction of a more plant-based diet.
Travis Whitehead - June 1, 2020 - Harlingen
It’s the life they’ve dreamed of and the reality for which they’ve yearned.
And now, four graduates from the Harlingen School of Health Professions will take ownership of that reality. They’re about to begin their journeys toward medical professions as students in the new biomedical sciences program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
“I feel pretty excited because I know I’m going to be surrounded by people who can motivate me in different ways and challenge me,” said Diana Silva, 19, who would like to study women’s health.
She and her three classmates, Cesar Ruiz, 18, Adrian Garcia, 18, and Karla Galvan, 17, are the inaugural students in the new medical pipeline between high school and the UTRGV School of Medicine.
Read the full article about the journeys of the students.
Briana Cortez, a Brownsville resident who was chosen to serve as the first Virtual Commencement Bell Ringer, poses in her front yard with special congratulatory signage her parents surprised her with to celebrate earning her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biology from UTRGV. She celebrated her summa cum laude honors with a morning, socially distanced watch party with her family. (Courtesy Photo)
May 30,2020- RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – COVID-19 may have crashed the in-person graduation ceremonies for UTRGV, but that did not stop the university from celebrating Saturday morning with its more than 3,000 Spring 2020 graduates, during its first ever Virtual Commencement event.
UTRGV’s Class of 2020 will forever be a one-of-a-kind class that deserves a distinct virtual event to celebrate this major milestone – even if it meant watching from the comfort of their own homes with their family and loved ones.
Read the full article about the unique 2020 graduation ceremony.
In addition to receiving seed funding for their commitments, all selected students will receive invitations to participate in the CGI U 2021 program, including an invitation to attend the CGI U 2021 annual event at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland from April 9-11, 2021.
With special thanks to our supporters: Founding Partner, Kevin Xu, and our CGI University Network.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59PM ET on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
Photo credit: David Pike
Ramiro Tovar, from Brownsville, is about to make history as a graduate of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s inaugural Class of 2020.
Friday, May 8, 2020
By Letty Fernandez
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – As a young boy growing up in Brownsville, Ramiro Tovar knew early on that medicine was his future.
He saw his mother’s unfulfilled passion to become a doctor, and he watched a doctor step in to save his beloved aunt, who was on her deathbed.
“She got another 16 years of life.” Tovar said. “As a kid, you see this. I wanted to be like that doctor – and that is one of the things that pushed me toward medicine. That, and the drive my mom had for it.”
Now 26, Tovar is about to make history as a graduate of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s inaugural Class of 2020.
On Saturday, May 9, the School of Medicine will honor 39 graduating medical students in a special virtual ceremony that follows the rules for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will participate from their homes across the country, and hear their names called to receive their degrees virtually.
Read the full article of Ramiro's success here
Project title: The Genetic Basis of Alzheimer Disease (AD) in Hispanic Americans affected by Type-2 Diabetes (T2D).
Hispanics (e.g., Mexicans/Mexican Americans) are the fastest-growing population in the USA. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 12% of the older adults in the Hispanic population are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) which is the highest proportion among different other ethnic groups in the USA. In addition, according to Texas State Health Services, Hispanic in Rio Grande Valley (RGV) are at a 30.7 % higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) compared to the national average of 12.3 %. Despite the large body of epidemiological evidence linking AD with T2D, the precise underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Since the Hispanic population is at significant risk of developing T2D at a younger age, it is crucial to develop a detection method of AD early on in order to provide necessary care to these patients. We propose to study microRNA (miRNA) markers of AD along with T2D in Hispanics, to develop blood biomarkers that would help in detecting AD early in T2D patients.
CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. CHEW FOR BEING AWARDED A NIH SC3 GRANT! WELL DONE!
Funding Agency: National Institute of Health (NIH) Support of Competitive Research (SCORE) Research Continuance Award (SC3)
Collaborators: Dr. Shizue Mito, Dr. Saraswathy Nair and Dr. Kristina Vatcheva from UTRGV and Dr. Bin He from Houston Methodist
Period: 03/16/2020 to 02/29/2024
Total costs: $435,900
Project title: Local dual delivery of a chemotherapy and an anti-angiogenic agent from an injectable functionalized biodegradable biomaterial system for the treatment of glioma
Paola Vidal, a senior BMED student has been awarded the Outstanding female international student scholarship of $1000 in celebration of International Women’s Day
Congratulations to Carlos Arroyo got first place (current Junior) & Alyssa Canales got second place (current sophomore).
The AHEC Scholars Program will prepare students in health-related professions to work in rural and medically underserved areas. Students who complete the program will be culturally competent, aware of the impacts of health disparities and the social determinants of health. AHEC Scholars will learn how to work effectively in inter-disciplinary collaborative teams on behalf of the community.
The AHEC Scholars program will not provide stipends to undergraduate students, although they may apply to be AHEC volunteers and gain valuable service and interprofessional experiences in rural health settings. Only graduate and undergraduate or technical programs that result in certification/licensing are eligible for the AHEC scholar stipends.
AHEC Scholars Program Application 2020
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – While many UTRGV students volunteered Jan. 20 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, community stewardship for many spans the entire year at a variety of events and with service-learning projects.
“UTRGV has been really good about giving so many opportunities here in the community,” said Viviana Quintero, a UTRGV senior biomedical science major from Brownsville and one of the students who presented last semester at the Microbiology Day event at the Children's Museum of Brownsville.
“It’s a way of giving back, so that’s something I truly liked,” she said.
As part of a course led by UTRGV assistant professor Dr. Upal Roy, Quintero’s group spoke to children about bacteria named pseudomonas.
“What we are focusing on is how it affects the population here in Brownsville and in the Rio Grande Valley,” she said.
Other students at the event spoke to families about avoiding germs and cleaning a wound.
Read the full article and the video here.
Sustainability is improving human and environmental wellbeing both now and into the future. Sustainability as an academic field of study is relatively new and methods for teaching transformative sustainability are still being developed. Just as the definition of sustainability includes improving human wellbeing, the way that we educate for sustainability should be grounded in inclusivity. I am seeking a graduate student to conduct research that evaluates best practices for inclusivity in sustainability education.
I am looking for a student to start in Fall 2020 (a start date in the summer is also possible) in the sustainability graduate program at the University of South Dakota. The research will be in collaboration with USD’s Inclusive Science Initiative. I encourage students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Two years of funding at $20,000/year is secured.
Interested applicants should e-mail me (Meghann.Jarchow@usd.edu) with any questions or with a statement of research interests and experience.
How does a heart-y quinoa salad sound to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner? We had two special guests prepare a delicious protein-filled dish and discuss ways to start off the year on a positive note.
Lisa Salinas, Ph.D., from the College of Health Professions, prepared a delicious quinoa salad while discussing 3 ways to improve mental health with Dr. Deepu George, from our Behavioral Health department at UT Health RGV.
Professionalism and Communication/ Biodanza. (Nov 6, Fall 2019)
The goal in developing activities to create a positive, professional learning environment that help students to build professionalism ,Integrating student professionalism activities, students must practice professional behavior during class to prepare for entering the workforce.
Dr. Saraswathy Nair, Dr. Andrea Schwarzbach, Dr. Tracey Forman , Dr. Hugo Rodriguez. Biodanza Facilitator Alda Enna de la Garza. (Facilitator Dr. Castaneda)
Attention BMED Students:
Dr. Shadding, Associate Dean The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences will be at UTRGV Grad and Professional School Fair on Wednesday in Brownsville. She would like to speak to our BMED students about their graduate programs which include nine PhD programs in the biomedical sciences, three Masters programs (includes the oldest genetic counseling program in Texas), and an MD/PhD program as well as numerous summer research opportunities She would like to present about student options in the sciences and how to prepare for success.
PhD applications are open, and the deadline is Dec. 1 – learn more here: https://gsbs.uth.edu/admissions/
See what their students and faculty love about their school in this short video clip
To learn more about the programs under GSBS visit here: https://gsbs.uth.edu
EDINBURG, TEXAS – OCT. 21, 2019 – The UTRGV School of Medicine, in partnership with the Honors College, has announced a new early-assurance, pre-med program for high school students throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Vaqueros MD, designed to increase the number of high-achieving high school students who enroll and complete their medical education close to home, will be available for select students starting Nov. 1. See the full article in here.
The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators will be awarding several scholarships for students to attend the 12th Annual 2019 AHSIE Best Practices Conference. Scholarship categories include: associate’s level, bachelor’s level, and graduate/doctoral levels.
We are pleased to be partnering with Florida Atlantic University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as the co-host of this year’s conference, which will take place at the Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston, Florida from March 8-11, 2020.
Recipients will be selected based on the eligibility requirements and criteria as detailed
below.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate not only academic achievement, but also the potential for leadership and contribution to the community. By attending this conference, we hope to provide students the ability to broaden experiences, develop networks and foster mentorship possibilities with HSI designated campus professionals.
The award package includes cash scholarship, conference registration, round trip airfare and lodging and recipients will be honored at the AHSIE Conference.
Deadline to apply is MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019, 5:00 p.m. PST.
Review the Scholarship Guidelines and complete the online application at http://www.ahsie.org/scholarship/.
TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP / NUTRITION AND EXERCISE (Wednesday Oct 2, 2019)
Time Management refers to making the best use of time as time is always limited. This workshop promotes BMED students how to get skills to organize their time management when they are college, and get the most out of their experience in the academic year.
Dr. Sue Ann Chew, Dr. Andrea Schwarzbach, exercise Instructor Ricardo Parra, Facilitators (Dr. Castaneda, Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Lorena Lopez)
The 2020-21 FAFSA is now available.
NOW is the time to complete their FAFSA. Students can log on to fafsa.gov to get started and January 15 is the priority deadline.
UTRGV awards over $250 million annually in financial aid and we are proud to have the largest Texas Grant allocation in the state. To determine eligibility for UTRGV Tuition Advantage and all available financial aid, students will need to submit a FAFSA.
Stop by U Central if assistance is needed with completing the FAFSA.
For more information or questions, please visit www.utrgv.edu/finaid or call (956) 882-4026
The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is pleased to announce the Faculty Spotlight on Teaching. The purpose of the Faculty Spotlight on Teaching is to highlight UTRGV faculty members’ teaching effectiveness. CTE will select a faculty member each month who will (1) participate in an interview about teaching, (2) write a narrative to teaching-related questions, and (3) deliver two workshops or studio sessions on a topic of their choice. These workshops will provide participants with opportunities to learn about best practices and techniques from distinguished UTRGV teachers.
Sue Anne Chew - September 2019
September 13-14, 2019, our own Aaron Carrillo won Best Undergraduate Poster and delivered a Flash talk at the event. In addition, Maria Martin and Ileana Mendoza won the “People’s Choice Award” for their poster as well!
BMED swept the undergrad awards!
The Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed by the Department of Defense upon degree completion.
SMART Scholars will receive:
Applicants must:
Visit smartscholarship.org or read the information flyer to learn more and apply today!
Incoming BMED students receive their white coats at the 2019 BMED Induction Ceremony.
BMED Induction Ceremony 2019 Photo Album
Time for all sessions is 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Room: BMAIN 2.402 (Cassia Room)
Students need to register a week before the date of the session in the BMED office.
This workshop includes a component of Biodanza during sessions.
Biodanza is a world-wide transformational movement practice that integrates music, movement and authentic connections to expand our capacity to live in the present. Using engaging music from around the world, a weekly practice cultivates joy and aliveness, enriches our relationships, and ignites creative expression.
Biodanza Certified Facilitator: Lic. Alda Enna De la Garza.
First Session
RESILIENCE STAY POSITIVE. STRESS MANAGEMENT ( Wednesday Sept 4, 2019)
Designed to promote positive coping skills. Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done, Gratitude journal promotes enthusiasm and help BMED students to deal with stress, ways to reduce and manage stress, Biodanza,how music and movements cultivate joy and aliveness.
Instructors: Dr. Castaneda: Positive Thinking, Mrs. Sally Roach: Dealing and manage stress,Lic. Alda Enna de la Garza, Biodanza in life. Biodanza facilitator Lic. Alda Enna de la Garza. (Facilitator Dr. Rodriguez)
Second Session
TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP / NUTRITION AND EXERCISE (Wednesday Oct 2, 2019)
Time Management refers to making the best use of time as time is always limited. This workshop promotes Bmed students how to get skills to organize their time management when they are college and get the most out of their experience in the academic year.
Dr. Sue Ann Chew, Dr. Andrea Schwarzbach, exercise Instructor Ricardo Parra, Facilitators (Dr. Castaneda, Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Lorena Lopez)
Third Session
PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM/ COMMUNICATION ( Wednesday Nov 6, 2019)
The goal in developing activities to create a positive, professional learning environment that help students to build professionalism ,Integrating student professionalism activities, students must practice professional behavior during class to prepare for entering the workforce.
Dr. Saraswathy Nair, Dr. Andrea Schwarzbach, Dr. Tracey Forman , Dr. Hugo Rodriguez. Biodanza Facilitator Alda Enna de la Garza. (Facilitator Dr. Castaneda)
BMED Summer Student Success 2019 Photo Album
Our non-governmental organization is dedicated to provide free medication, and medical care to locals in Albania, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, etc.
This organization will be of great help, as it will not only aid our BMED students gain necessary skills for their future but those who are in need. The goal is to raise the amount of money needed to cover all expenses and medications that will be taken to a third world country. This Summer 2019 they visited Peru.
See more photos from their visit to Peru here.
The BMED Spring 2019 Graduation Celebration
Spring 2019 BMED Graduation Celebration photo album
Photo credit: David Pike
Hyun-chul Lee, Ph.D., lecturer III, Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Sciences | Sue Anne Chew, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Professions
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JULY 1, 2019 – Two UTRGV faculty members from the College of Health Professions and College of Sciences have been honored with one of the highest and most prestigious awards in the nation that recognizes teaching excellence – the 2019 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards.
Congratulations to Ms. Kim Garcia and Dr. Zasha Romero representing MSHS and Kinesiology Online graduate programs and be recognized at the Graduate Coordinator Summit this June 2019! Respective ranking for the two programs are #14 and #8 in the nation. MSHS also revived an enrollment achievement recognition from the Graduate School.
Ms. Villarreal has been asked for her expert advice in Nutritional Sciences by news outlets for their healthy living articles. You can read/view articles from the Monitor, KRGV, and The Valley Morning Star here.
The Valley Morning Star - May 10, 2019 - Expert: Low carb, keto diets benefits differ on your needs
The Monitor - March 31, 2019 - Yolk never believe this: Cholesterol not necessarily a bad thing
KRGV - March 28, 2019 - Heart of the Valley: Food Stamp Recipients Advised to Opt for Healthy Foods
The latest publication from Dr. Upal Roy's research. Affiliations: Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Brownsville, TX, USA - Jonathan Abshier & Upal Roy
The BS in Biomedical Science (BMED) students in Dr. Sue Anne Chew’s BMED 4250 Advanced Cell Biology partnered with the Children’s Museum at Brownsville to teach children about what they are made of. Besides enforcing their knowledge of cell biology, through the service learning project, the BMED students were also able to develop a lot of soft skills including communication and team work skills which are vital in their future as a health professional or other biomedical science related fields such as research. The BMED students used their creativity to think outside the box to develop interactive activities to teach the children difficult concepts. Students expressed how interaction with the children at the museum helped them understand the importance of understanding your audience as future health professionals. The excitement and response from the children showed the BMED students their vital roles as mentors, teachers and leaders to the future generations and also the importance and joy of serving their community in their future careers.
