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Name: Neida M. Gutierrez
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: O.D/PhD
Email: neida.gutierrez01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
Biomedical science at UTRGV presents a unique opportunity for students to engage in research, present in symposiums, travel, and experience the clinical setting, all as graduate students. Being part of this major promotes my analytical, critical thinking, and questioning skills. The program allows me to explore different career paths within the health professions and research. BMED challenges and prepares students for the world of graduate school.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I chose to become a biomedical science ambassador because of my own experience with an ambassador. The ambassador was able to guide me and put in perspective many things I had not considered as an undergraduate. This with my drive for serving the community will allow me to guide students towards their passions and educational goals.
Fun fact about you: A fun fact about me is that I love to watch the Back To the Future trilogy.
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Name: Omar Benavides
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: M.D Ph.D. Degree
Email: omar.benavides02@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I chose Biomedical Sciences (BMED) as my major due to how it supports my future career goals in the healthcare profession. My goal is to pursue an M.D Ph.D. in Pediatric Neuroscience and I believe BMED provides the best resources and experience to better prepare myself. These resources include clinicals, shadowing, research, MCAT prep, and many more opportunities to assist me and my aspirations.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
My experience as a freshman in BMED was difficult in the beginning. I am not from the valley nor did I have family and friends here (at the time) when I first moved from Corpus Christi. However, the faculty and my peers in BMED were able to help me adjust and made the transition a lot easier. I would like to share this welcoming attitude with anyone who might be going through what I experienced last year.
Fun fact about you: I have been running long distance for 8 years and haven’t stopped! My mother's side of the family has a long history of running marathons and 5K's, you could say long distance runs in our family.
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Name: Chinyere Agba
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Junior
Professional goals: MD/PhD dual degree
Email: chinyere.agba01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I chose Biomedical Science as my major because it focuses on human health in a wide variety of ways whether that be through nutrition, immunology, etc. Here at the university, specifically, the BMED program highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between research and medicine which is vital when trying to pursue a job in healthcare or in my case, an MD/PhD.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
BMED has given me so much, I felt it was my responsibility to share with others all BMED can do for them and the opportunities available to young minds looking to pursue a higher education in the medical field.
Fun fact about you: I auditioned for America’s Got Talent singing.
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Name: Daniela Cruz
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: Physician Assistant
Email: daniela.cruz03@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
BMED is different from any other major, it gives you many opportunities in the research field, as well as in the medical field. I chose BMED because I wanted to get the closest experience to PA School. BMED has helped me get so many experiences on what I want to become, it gave me the opportunity to work in an amazing research laboratory, I am involved in some organizations, and now, I will be sharing my experience in BMED by being an Ambassador. Thanks to BMED, I know I am on the right track to become a Physician Assistant.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I chose to be a BMED Ambassador because I want to share my experience to other BMED students. I want them to see me and the other Ambassadors as a guide to connect and share with other students in the program, as well as to reach all of their academic goals.
Fun fact about you: A fun fact about me is that I joined a research lab the first week of my first semester of college and now I have my own project.
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Name: Sydney Saenz
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Junior
Professional goals: PharmD
Email: Sydney.saenz01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
The most promising aspect of BMED that lead me to pick it was the specialized classes specific to our major as well as how we were in our own cohort. Being able to go through curriculum with other students in my cohort was very appealing since I have always thrived off a close-knit group environment. I knew that being able to work around peers that all share similar professional goals would help motivate me and gain more resources to succeed.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
One of my biggest regrets as a freshman was not utilizing all of the resources that I had and not using the first year to propel myself further towards my professional goal. I believe that BMED provides many different resources and opportunities that are exclusive to BMED students that would greatly assist in expanding preexisting skills and knowledge. As a BMED ambassador I would like to not only serve as a representative of the program but also make sure that I am able to inform as many students in BMED along with prospective BMED students the opportunities that BMED provides. As someone who has been overwhelmed by the transition to university, I wanted to become a BMED ambassador to help alleviate the stress and fear that BMED students may have. Aside from this, I also wanted to serve as a voice to the students in Edinburg to make sure that our campus is properly represented.
Fun fact about you: I am the mother to four cats. One of them is blind and named Toph after her counterpart in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
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Name: Jorge E. De La Garza
Major: Biomedical Science
Classification: Senior
Professional goals: Dental school
Email: Jorge.delagarza03@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I choose Biomedical Sciences as my major as I thought it would be a great steppingstone for my future aspirations.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I choose to become a BMED ambassador because I believe this program has put me in a place to succeed and I would like to help others learn about what this program has to offer,
Fun fact about you: I am a big Tom Brady fan
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Name: Juan Amieva
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: M.D. Degree
Email: juan.amieva01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Sciences as your major?
I chose to pursue Biomedical Sciences as an undergraduate degree due to the highly specialized curriculum made available, as well as the numerous opportunities given academically, extracurricular wise, and regarding research in readiness for the health care field.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
Becoming a BMED ambassador is such a rewarding way to give back to the program that has helped you grow both as a student and person overall. Through such role, one is able to aid in the transition of those first-year students into this honorable program and serve as a helpful resource for new and current BMED students.
Fun fact about you: I have played the beautiful sport of soccer ever since the young age of 4. Fell in love with it and still am to this day.
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Name: Paloma De León
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: M.D.
Email: paloma.deleon02@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I want to pursue a career as a M.D., and I believe that the courses in the BMED rigorous curriculum help me prepare for medical school. In addition, BMED offers many opportunities in research, MCAT preparation, and many more. The BMED program has offered me plenty of support from my mentors, teachers and friends. After 2 years in the program, I can say that it was the best decision of my undergraduate career.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED Ambassador because I believe it’s a way I can give back to the program, by reaching out to incoming students and help them be successful in the program. I would like to share my experiences, give out advice, and share the many opportunities the BMED program has to offer.
Fun fact about you: I have this guilty pleasure of watching the same series and movies over and over.
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Name: Dean Michael Enriquez
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: M.D. Degree
Email: deanmichael.enriquez01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I chose Biomedical Science as my major because I was very interested in the opportunities that the program offers for students including research experience with well-recognized and accomplished research mentors, annual professional school practice tests such as MCAT, GRE, DAT, etc., and small classroom sizes that fosters interactive professor-student learning. BMED has a rigorous curriculum that focuses on the application towards human health and provides students with a foundation in fundamental knowledge that is crucial for pursuing a career in the healthcare field. BMED’s approach to learning core subjects including bioscience, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular cell biology, microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics and genomics, etc. and applying the concepts from the book are effectively applied in real life scenarios and case studies. Therefore, I truly advocate for the BMED Program in preparing students to become tomorrow’s health care professionals.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED ambassador because I am able to share my experiences with the BMED Program with prospective students who are interested in considering BMED as their major. Being able to provide students guidance and advice related to the BMED Program and answering any questions are the principal responsibilities of a BMED ambassador. Informing prospective BMED students with the available opportunities that are offered by the Health and Biomedical Sciences Department demonstrates BMED’s willingness to assist students pursue their professional career goals. The BMED Program has a very supportive system from faculty, staff, mentors, ambassadors, tutors, and peers and I aspired to be part of the team in helping students to have a successful experience in transitioning to the BMED program. Therefore, I truly believe that representing the BMED Program and serving as a role model to potential BMED students are my primary reasons why I chose to become a BMED ambassador.
Fun fact about you: I love to play a variety of video games during my free time. RPGs are my favorite video game genre, and my favorite video game is Persona 5.
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Name: Leslie Cardenas
Major: Biomedical Science
Classification: Junior
Professional Goals: M.D.
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
Biomedical Science is a unique program that provides a rigorous curriculum to help us prepare for medical school, graduate school, and post-undergraduate careers in the health science field. That was more than enough for me to join. I have had the opportunity to be part of a research lab with an amazing professor/mentor and have expanded my knowledge in a manner that is engaging and motivational. Joining BMED was a good decision for my academic career.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
As a BMED Ambassador, I can share my success and failures as a student within the program and how that has shaped me to become who I am today. Entering the medical science career route is competitive and difficult, there will be many failures along the way but that does not define you. You keep struggling and striving so that success can be much richer. I would love to encourage others who have an interest in joining BMED and sharing all the benefits they have to offer. Not only have I've grown 3 years older since I joined my freshman year of college, but I have become a responsible and self-accountable student academically and in my day to day life.
Fun fact about you: I enjoy playing video games when I have free time. I like listening to K-POP music and I like making vlogs.
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Name: Victoria Garza
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: M.D. degree
Email: Victoria.garza25@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I decided to be a biomedical science major because I knew that the BMED program would help prepare me to achieve my goal of pursuing a career in medicine.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I chose to be a BMED ambassador to assist my peers, faculty and staff at UTRGV increase the awareness of BMED research in science and health that can encourage healthy outcomes of our local and global communities. As a BMED ambassador, my hope will be to learn from others who have similar interests in the field of medicine that will also continue promoting our BMED program’s goals to keep students motivated and determined to achieve their fullest potential.
Fun fact about you: A fun fact about me is that I am very competitive and love to play all sports
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Name: Annu Karithara
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Sophomore
Professional goals: M.D./Ph.D. Degree
Email: annu.karithara01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I chose Biomedical Sciences as my major to challenge myself as a student and to grow in my love for science and medicine. The BMED program offered the perfect variety of opportunities and classes that were personal to my interests in science. I know by the time I graduate from BMED,I will be well trained and prepared for any healthcare profession I choose to pursue.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I am beyond excited and blessed to be a BMED major student. I look forward to sharing my very own passion and commitment for BMED to other students. By answering questions and sharing my personal experience, I wish to help students join this program and have an effective yet fun undergraduate study.
Fun fact about you: I love cooking for everyone else but me.
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Name: Marian Sifuentes
Major: BS Biomedical Science
Classification: Junior
Professional goals: Become a Physicians Assistant
Email: marian.sifuentes01@utrgv.edu
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Why did you choose Biomedical Science as your major?
I chose BMED as my major because I knew I would be exposed to different opportunities for a medical related career. Based on the roadmap, found on the UTRGV website, I believed that the curriculum of the BMED program would be exciting and help me achieve my goal of becoming a Physician's Assistant.
Why did you choose to become a BMED ambassador?
I chose to become a BMED ambassador because I would like to become more involved with BMED. I am currently a CSHR tutor and although I am able to give my fellow peers and students guidance, I would like to guide and advise incoming and prospective students as well.
Fun fact about you: I was a soprano in opera and choir, but it's been a couple years so I am a little rusty.
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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: Leticia Villarreal
Major: Biomedical sciences
Classification: Junior
Professional Goals: M.D degree
Email: Leticia.Villarreall02@utrgv.edu
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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
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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: 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: 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: Georgina A. Mayer
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Classification: Junior
Professional Goals: M.D. Degree
Email: Georgina.Mayer01@utrgv.edu
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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: Brenda Jimenez
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Classification: Junior
Professional Goals: M.D degree
Email: Brenda.Jimenez02@utrv.edu
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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
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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.
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