Cohort 2020-2022
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B2BMED Trainee: Karina Cantu
Institution: STC/UTRGV
Research Mentor: Dr. Andrew Tsin/Dr. Shima Chaudhary
Research Project: Diabetic retinopathy induced apoptotic pathways in Human Retinal Pericytes and Retinal Endothelial Cells
“The B2BMED program has been a wonderful experience so far. Not only have I been provided an amazing opportunity doing research as an undergrade, the tuition reimbursement has also helped me tremendously with my college career. The research experience that I am getting right now will be a big advantage if I do decide to go into research after I graduate.” – Karina Cantu |
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B2BMED Trainee: Natasha S. Garcia Rodriguez
Institution: STC/UTRGV
Research Mentor: Dr. Jameela Banu
Research Project: TBD
“I would describe my experience in the B2BMED program as nurturing my success and fostering my learning and growth in the field of research. I have already learned so much as I have been offered so many great opportunities to grow and learn. I feel so welcomed and valued by the program, from the program director down to my peer mentors, who genuinely care about my progress not only in my classwork but in my research skills and professional development.” – Natasha S. Garcia-Rodriguez |
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B2BMED Trainee: Jose E. Martinez
Institution: STC/UTRGV
Research Mentor: Dr. Andrew Tsin/Dr. Shima Chaudhary
Research Project: Reduced Expression of Interphotoreceptor-Retinoid Binding Protein (IRBP) in Diabetic Retinopathy - Cell and Postmortem Study
“The B2BMED program has deeply marked my educational and career path as it is an opportunity of pursuing what I am most passionate about. I am excited of being part of this program because I will be working with incredible professors with years of experience that will help me become the best version of myself. The B2BMED program has opened endless possibilities for me to succeed, expanding my horizons with limitless opportunities in the biomedical research field.” – Jose E. Martinez |
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B2BMED Trainee: Daniela A. Rodriguez
Institution: TSC/UTRGV
Research Mentor: Dr. Mario Gil
Research Project: Biological bases of psychosocial stress
“After only several weeks, I can guarantee that applying to the B2BMED Program was the right choice for me. Ever since I was younger, I pushed myself to strive for greatness because I knew you had to work hard for what you want. I truly feel like the B2BMED Program will provide me with the experience, knowledge, and skills needed for biomedical science research.” – Daniela A. Rodriguez |
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B2BMED Trainee: Viviana Villalobos
Institution: STC/UTRGV
Research Mentor: Dr. Sue Anne Chew/Dr. Mehrzad Mahmoudian-Geller
Research Project: The application of bacteriophage display and biomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer
Being a part of the B2BMED program has been an amazing experience. Throughout the application process you are given encouragement and support from mentors and advisors. From a personal perspective, I chose to apply for this program because I believed it would be a great opportunity to learn from professors outside of the classroom and be able to apply course concepts in real life. To take advantage of this amazing opportunity and be a part of a research team who works together to form a better future through the power of science. – Viviana Villalobos |
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B2BMED Trainee: Megan L. Zamora
Institution: STC/UTRGV
Research Mentor: Dr. Murat Karabulut
Research Project: Hormonal and Damage Marker Responses to Various Training Methods
“Being granted the opportunity to be a part of this program is one of my greatest accomplishments. All the advisors, directors, mentors, and peers in this program will welcome you with open arms and assist you with any trouble you may be having. They provide an amazing support system. I truly recommend this program to any student who is interested in research because it provides so many opportunities to learn and experience in the lab as well as in other research organizations.” – Megan L. Zamora |
