Cohort 2023-2025
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B2BMED Trainee: Andrea F. Toledo Testimony: The B2BMED program at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has changed my life tremendously. I would most definitely not be the woman I am today without this fantastic program. I have been more focused on my studies, better at time management/communication as well as made amazing friends who I hope continue on in this program. Not only have I seen a dramatic change through my work ethic but close ones around me have seen it too. Having my family and other students who have the same drive encourage me to become the best student I can be. It feels amazing and keeps me motivated to give my one hundred and ten percent everyday. The benefits the B2BMED program has provided me will allow me to follow my dreams as a laboratory researcher with research experiences from Dr. Sue Anne Chew’s BFRI Independent Research Course as well as Dr. Yu Lun Tai. Both opportunities have given me confidence in speaking in front of others. As Dr. Chew said before my BFRI conference (December 2023) “Do not be nervous, you know more than what you think you do”. Her words have stuck with me and hope to have the same confidence during my Waco trip where I will be presenting at the TACSM conference. Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunities this program has given me and to be a member in the wonderful community. I would most definitely recommend others joining this program. The advice I would give would be that there are many benefits, opportunities and challenges to learn from which will ultimately make the student experience more rewarding. Remember, the work you put in is the result you will have. Always give your best and never feel discouraged, you know more than think you do.
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B2BMED Trainee: Elda A. Castillo Testimony: “My experience as a B2BMED Scholar has been an extraordinary journey. I'm overjoyed by the unwavering support and encouragement that the faculty and mentors provide at every stage of my academic path. The palpable camaraderie among fellow scholars has nurtured an environment where collaboration thrives and ideas flourish. What truly distinguishes this program is the collective commitment to each other's success, fostering a community where victories are celebrated, and challenges confronted together. It's this nurturing environment that has truly enriched my B2BMED experience, not only advancing my academic pursuits but also cultivating enduring connections and friendships. I count myself incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Mito as my mentor in Medicinal Chemistry. Our paths crossing feels almost serendipitous, as her guidance couldn't be more fitting for my personal research endeavors. Under her mentorship, I explore the synthesis of natural active ingredients, aiming to discover more efficient treatments for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura without the harsh side effects plaguing current methods. Dr. Mito's patience, care, and profound expertise are qualities I deeply admire and aspire to embody. I hope to one day pay forward her invaluable guidance, becoming a mentor like her for future scholars. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend the B2BMED program to other students. Despite the demanding workload, the program offers vital support as we navigate the final semesters at South Texas College and transition to upper-level classes at UTRGV. The bonds and connections forged within the program are priceless, and the experiences and skills gained are immeasurable. From mentorship to academic assistance, the B2BMED program provides a comprehensive framework for personal and professional growth, making it an immensely rewarding journey for any aspiring scholar in the field.” |
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B2BMED Trainee: Gerardo Medellin Testimony: “Hello, my name is Gerardo Medellin and I am a second year at South Texas College! Last summer I had the privilege and honor of being inducted into B2BMED. A program designed to give students the opportunity to get hands on research with their respected research mentors and a guided pathway towards a degree in Biomedical Sciences via UTRGV. Furthermore, B2BMED is an excellent program if one is thinking of entering graduate or professional school studies. Currently, for the Spring 2024 semester I am partaking in research under Dr. Kelsey Baker at the UTRGV-Institute of Neuroscience, located in Harlingen. The B2BMED program has already instilled so many research skills in me, all the while blessing me with peer students and research mentors who share the same vision and passion that I do. If you are interested in research studies, or possibly entering a graduate/professional school program, applying for B2BMED will be a major stepping stone in the right direction. Moreover, the program will push you towards becoming a more well-rounded student, as the B2BMED program heavily emphasizes academic excellence in the classroom and in respected research labs. Additionally, the balancing of courses, research hours, and research projects can be strenuous on one's schedule. However, the B2BMED program has countless success advisors and study aides in order to help you succeed. In my opinion, that is the best part of the B2BMED program, knowing that the path that you take towards your dreams, are never taken alone. Thank you!”
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B2BMED Trainee: Jaylin S. Ivory Testimony: “My experience in the program has been phenomenal. I first heard about the B2BMED Program through e-mail from STC. After talking to my student success advisor, I took the steps of applying to the program and I got accepted. Before entering I knew I wanted to be a part of a career in STEM even if that was playing a small part for a bigger goal. My concentration was within biology for the longest time, my fascination within the depths of the scientific world has never wavered and I share that love with my peers in cohort 4. Being part of cohort 4, I have met many extraordinary people. They will be there with you for the next 2 -3 years of the program so you will always have that friendship that you will need. The biggest skill that I am learning through the program is public speaking. I never loved speaking in front of people but within this program it comes with the package. Having peer mentors and different mentors to talk to they helped me in every aspect around that, it becomes second nature to you after a while. I am learning important lab techniques that will help me in my future career and gaining lab experience 2 say there I was a part of the neuroscience department at UTRGV biomedical research facility working alongside my mentor and a team of researchers making scientific discoveries. The benefit this program offers is mentor research experience; I personally love it. I think I would want to join the biomedical research workforce. The opportunities in this program are endless you get stipends, logged hours at the lab, you can be the head of a research project, present your research at different conferences and so much more. I would recommend this program to anyone is thinking about that next step in what to do to enhance their education and experience. The programs provides advanced educational opportunities, monthly stipends, mentored research training and financial aid assistance that made it possible for me to strictly focus of school. I can't wait to make it out on the other side and look back at all of the hard work that was put into this. It makes you feel like this is what you were destined for greatness.” |
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B2BMED Trainee: Katherine Bolado Testimony: “My name is Katherine Bolado, and it is my second semester in the B2BMED program. The research mentor I decided to go to was Dr. Kelsey Baker at the Institute of Neuroscience as neuroscience was a topic of research that I wanted to know more about. Thus far my experience in this lab has been amazing. I mostly deal with data handling when using the Prokinetics Software and this has helped me broaden my knowledge when it comes to data handling. B2BMED focuses heavily on ensuring that scholars have all the tools and resources necessary to successfully enter the research field. I highly recommend this program if someone is looking for the next step in their career and wants to be presented with new experiences and opportunities. It is both a challenging and rewarding program that ensures the students are well prepared for graduate school.” |
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Testimony: “My experience so far has been pretty great. I know I was kind of worried in the beginning with the lab I chose, but the more time I have spent here allowed me to not only learn several new techniques and instruments but to also learn how to fit into a diverse group. All my lab members have been very supportive and take the time to help me throughout my experiment with any questions or confusion I have about the procedures. Although I may not pursue research as my long-term career, being involved in such a program reminds me that I am capable of such things if I believe in myself and have a huge support group from mentors to directors. I'm happy that I gave myself the chance to explore the opportunity in research and I encourage everyone to at least give it a try. It does require a lot of dedication but if you can manage your time very well then it shouldn't be too difficult. It's a very different atmosphere that allows you to think and learn hands on in a unique way.”
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B2BMED Trainee: Ana Reyna Gonzalez Testimony: “I am confident that the skills and insights gained through this program will not only shape my academic journey but will also contribute to the broader landscape of scientific understanding. Being a participant in the B2BMED program has profoundly enriched my collegiate experience. Beyond the academic dimension, the program has presented me with invaluable opportunities. I am particularly enthused about the upcoming conference in Waco, TX. Collaborating with Dr. Russell and his team promises to be an enlightening experience, and I am eager to contribute to pioneering research under their mentorship. I highly recommend other students to be part of this incredible program, as it not only expands your knowledge but also creates a supportive community with students and mentors. Despite the challenges that come with being a student, I always find support from Dr. Chew, Jacqueline Quintanilla, Stella Rios, Celeste Martinez, and this program's excellent team and staff. I am eager to see the experiences that this semester holds for me.”
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B2BMED Trainee: Martha Villanueva Testimony: “My experience in the B2BMED program has been very exciting, I entered Cohort 4 at the end of last semester, so everything is still a new experience for me. For my first 2 weeks, my mentor, graduate, and undergraduate students working in his lab are very nice and helpful. So far I have learned and still am learning the steps and procedures that need to be taken to collect data and run tests in participants. I have been able to collaborate with other students in an abstract for the COHP conference. The B2BMED program has opened up several opportunities in the short period of time for me. The program is giving me experience, guiding me towards what path I should take in my future. Within my first week, I was added to the VR study IRB, worked on an Abstract for the COHP conference, and currently am working on a second abstract. Like mentioned before, in these two weeks of school I have learned so much. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the future with everything that we are doing. Due to everything that I have experienced so far in the program, I would and will recommend students the B2BMED program. This program offers so many benefits and opportunities that will help us in our future career path. Currently, I am working in the "Virtual Reality Exercising vs. Traditional Exercise Training: A comparative Study on Biomedical Salivary and Rate of Perceived Exertion Response Among Young Males," "The Relationship Between Arterial Elasticity and Anthropometric Variables in Hispanic Population," and "The Relationship Between Arterial Elasticity and Diet in Hispanic Population." These are three projects that will help understand better the human body better, in a way where maybe we can improve the health of the Hispanic population, or any population in general.” |
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B2BMED Trainee: Riley Buttona Institution: STC/UTRGV Research Mentor: Dr. Mario Gill Research Project: TBD |
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B2BMED Trainee: Benjamin Valdivia Institution: STC/UTRGV Research Mentor: Dr. Shizue Mito |
