2019-2020 BMED Student Ambassadors
2nd row left to right: Walter Otu, Ashley Rivera, Sheila Aviles, Earl Novilla
3rd row, left to right: Georgina Meyer, Brenda Jimenez, Ceilhy Garcia
4th row, left to right: Larisa Garcia, Marissa Medrano, Paola Vidal, Viviana Quintero
Bottom Row, left to right: Samaris Ortega, Leticia Villarreal, Adrian Maldonado, Aylin Flores
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Name: Earl Novilla Major: BS Biomedical Science Classification: Junior/Senior Professional goals: Ph.D. Email: Earl.Novilla01@utrgv.edu |
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I wanted to explore different areas of study within the healthcare professions in a manner that was holistic and engaging. Through the BMED program, I had many opportunities to explore various health disciplines and expand my understanding of medical science under the mentorship of esteemed healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
By getting more involved with the program faculty as well as current and prospective students, I hope to effectively represent and convey the many opportunities and experiences that the BMED program provides to its students who are seeking to advance in their professional goals in the areas of healthcare and medical research.
Fun fact about you: I think waffles are better than pancakes. Yes, they absolutely are, and you cannot tell me otherwise. I am adamant about this.
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Name: Ceilhy Garcia Major: Biomedical Sciences Minor: Medial Humanities Classification: Senior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Ceilhy.Garcia01@utrgv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I decided to major in Biomedical Sciences because of the program's rigorous curriculum and the resources the program provides students. I liked that the program and the classes were small, it made me feel like I could have more opportunities and resources available.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED ambassador because I wanted to be of help to the program and other BMED students. I wanted to be someone they can come to for help.
Fun Fact About You: I like traveling.
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Name: Leticia Villarreal Major: Biomedical sciences Classification: Junior Professional Goals: M.D degree |
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Why did you choose biomedical major?
I choose BMED because I believe this major was the closest to my common interest and would help me shape my future knowledge and prepare me for the medical field.
Why did you choose to become BMED Ambassador?
I joined the BMED ambassador program because I wanted to share my story with future and current students about the opportunities BMED has given to me. Also, I chose to become a BMED Ambassador because I thought it was the perfect way to connect with students and help mutually grow together to achieve our common health-professional goals
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Laredo, Texas.
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Name: Ashley Rivera Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Junior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Ashley.Rivera03@utrgv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I decided to major in BMED because I liked that it offered medicine-based courses, plus a lot of opportunities such as research experience, skills-building workshops, and MCAT preparation. Upon entering, I believed this program would definitely challenge me and better prepare me for medical school in comparison to any other major, and after 2 years I can gladly say my thoughts have been confirmed.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED ambassador because I would like to reach out to students who are about to start college to share my experiences with them. I would like to serve as a role model and guide students through the BMED pathway by answering their questions and informing them about all the opportunities and benefits that the department has to offer.
Fun Fact About You: Yellow is my favorite color.
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Name: Walter Otu Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Senior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Walter.Otu01@utrgv.edu |
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I wanted to experience the more medically focused courses that this major offered.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I feel that the sharing of our experiences to the incoming freshman is very important and that if given the opportunity that we should.
Fun Fact About You: I like to analyze foreign media.
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Name: Samaris Ortega Major: Biomedical Sciences & Psychology Classification: Senior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Samaris.Ortega01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your major?
I decided to major in biomedical sciences because I knew it would further expose me to the field of medicine. The biomedical sciences program has also provided different opportunities that I could not get with other majors.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
As a BMED Ambassador, I can share my own experiences with the program to those who are considering the major. It also allows me to give back to the program that has provided unique opportunities for me.
Fun Fact: I like to collect books, but I don’t read them.
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Name: Paola Vidal Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Junior Professional Goals: M.D./Ph.D. Degree Email: Paola.Vidal01@utrgv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
My ultimate goal is to pursue a career as an M.D./Ph.D. and apply my research advances in the clinical care. Being able to discover new treatments and come up with better preventive strategies for chronic diseases are my life-long goals.
I chose BMED as my major because I wanted to learn about everything it has to do with the human body and its daily functioning, but most importantly, I stayed in BMED because of all the support I received from my classmates, professors and mentors.
Why you chose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I joined the BMED ambassadors to be able to reach out to students who were on the same dilemma I was when I was about to start college. I want to be able to tell them about all the benefits and advantages BMED has to offer and the great choice they would be making by choosing BMED as their major.
Fun Fact about you: I was in gymnastics when I was younger.
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Name: Tabitha Abraham Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Sophomore/Junior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Tabitha.Abraham01@utrgv.edu |
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Why you chose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I look forward to attending medical school and having a specialty in Pediatrics. I chose to commit my time to BMED ambassadors because it is a great way to guide other students through the BMED path. It is also a way for me to give back to the department for all they have done for me.
Fun Fact: When I was younger, I played the string bass in orchestra. It was my favorite instrument then and it still is now!
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Name: Adrian Maldonado Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Senior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Adrian.Maldonado01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as a Major?
I chose BMED because of its exciting and innovative curriculum. In addition, because of all the opportunities the BMED program offers, such as: research, MCAT practice, clinical opportunities, and many more. My future educational goal is attending medical school, become a physician and specialize in primary care. To conduct groundbreaking research in chronic diseases, and address the physician shortage in the United States, especially in the South Texas area, is my ultimate career goal.
Why you chose to become a BMED Ambassador?
Having the opportunity to represent and help my Health and Biomedical Sciences Department is a very rewarding experience. I am a very social person and I enjoy speaking with students interested in the Biomedical Sciences program. I can help them by answering any questions they may have regarding UTRGV student life, BMED program, curriculum and anything in between. We are all here to reach a common goal, and it feels amazing being the starting point of prospective students and current to reach their goals as well. This is the reason I chose to become a BMED Ambassador.
Fun Fact about you: I like to aircraft spotting.
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Name: Sheila Aviles Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Senior Professional Goals: PA Email: Sheila.Aviles01@utrgv.edu |
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I choose Biomedical Sciences as my major because it offered me the focus of studies that I need and unique resources that would prepare me to achieve my goal.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I decided to become a BMED Ambassador because I want to help students motivate themselves and push forward through the program. I myself was lost in the beginning of my journey through the BMED program but with the help of professors, staff, and students I was able to move forward. I want to be able to give back all that support that was given to me as an ambassador.
Fun Fact About You: A fun fact about me is that I like to go fishing and relax on my downtime.
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Name: Aylin Flores Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Senior Professional Goals: M.D./Ph.D. Email: Aylin.Flores01@utrgv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as a Major?
The BMED Program has opened many doors for me. It has allowed me to travel across the U.S., attend professional conferences where I have been able to meet inspiring people, conduct research over the summer at Undergraduate Research Internships, and meet students with similar aspirations.
Why you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
The reason I chose to become a BMED Ambassador is because I want to be able to give back to the program by helping students expand their interest in the medical field and ultimately help them reach their goals. I believe that being a BMED Ambassador will allow me to network, develop professional skills, and gain leadership.
Fun Fact About You: I love to work out daily because it improves my academic performance and helps maintain a healthy lifestyle
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Name: Larisa Garcia Major: BMED Classification: Senior (3rd year) Professional Goals: M.D. degree Email: Larisa.Garcia01@utrgv.edu |
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I was not sure about my career path, but I liked how different and competitive the BMED program was.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I want to help other BMED students figure out their own professional goals and give them tips on how to be successful in and out of class.
Fun fact about you: It is ironic that I want to be a doctor, but I am allergic to most medicines.
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Name: Georgina A. Mayer Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Junior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Georgina.Mayer01@utrgv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I’ve always been fascinated with the human body and the way it functions. BMED is the only program I knew it could offer me the preparation I need for my future professional goals.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
The BMED program has given me an excellent experience. In exchange to that, I decided to help by providing information, advice, and my experience in the program to new and prospective students.
Fun Fact About You: As a child I wanted to be a professional dancer (as you can see it didn’t work out).
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Name: Viviana Quintero Major: Biomedical Science Classification: Senior Professional Goals: M.A in Clinical Nutrition Email: Viviana.Quintero01@utrgv.edu |
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I chose Biomedical Science as my major because of the foundation that they have created over the years. I wanted to be part of a program that will develop my understanding of the human body and to be able to conduct medical research at an undergraduate level. Therefore, BMED was the perfect major for my interests.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED Ambassador because I enjoy mentoring, guiding, and advising students throughout the school year. As a student ambassador, I have the responsibility to represent the university and the BMED program itself. I enjoy welcoming prospective BMED students and their families each year to our campus, and making them feel that they have found the right program for them.
Fun Fact About You: I love to travel to different countries to understand their lifestyles and eating habits.
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Name: Brenda Jimenez Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Junior Professional Goals: M.D degree Email: Brenda.Jimenez02@utrv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
One of the reasons why I chose Biomedical Sciences as my major was because I wanted to challenge myself academically. Also, I have been in love with medicine, so I knew that this major would help me get closer to my dreams.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I decided to become a BMED Ambassador because I wanted to help any BMED students who have any questions about this major. I know that during freshman year, it can be overwhelming and difficult to understand and to adapt to this new environment, so I hope I can help anyone in need.
Fun Fact About You: A fun fact about me is that I love singing. I don’t know if I’m good enough, but I still keep on singing and it helps me relieve some stress that I acquire from college.
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Name: Kennedy Olson Major: Biomedical Sciences Classification: Junior Professional goals: After graduating from UTRGV, I hope to continue studying at a medical school to receive a M.D. degree. Email: Kennedy.Olson01@utrgv.edu |
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I decided to major in biomedical sciences because ever since I was in elementary school, I was fairly certain that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and I believed that BMED would provide the best preparation for me for medical school. In addition, I also was a member of my high school’s medical academy, so majoring in BMED felt like a natural transition.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador: I truly believe that the structure of the BMED program allows for students to flourish and be prepared for their future careers in the medical field. Because of this, I decided to become a BMED ambassador so that I could not only give back to the program, but so that I could become more involved with BMED in general and share my experiences with prospective students by listing the advantages and disadvantages of the program.
Fun Fact About You: I have been working as a soccer referee since I was 12.
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Name: Marissa Ana Medrano Major: Biomedical Sciences (BMED) Classification: Junior Professional Goals: M.D. Degree Email: Marissa.Medrano01@utrgv.edu |
Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your Major?
I chose Biomedical Sciences as my major as I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field, and I felt that BMED was a unique program that would challenge and prepare me for my future goals.
Why did you choose to become a BMED Ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED Ambassador because I really wanted to become more involved within my major, as well as with my peers, so that I could share my experiences within the BMED program in the hopes of helping others who are following a similar path.
Fun Fact About You: A fun fact about myself is that I enjoy collecting old records and cassettes as well as any other vintage or antique items.