UTRGV | Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassador Program

Our student ambassadors, who came from near and far, represent the UTRGV School of Medicine, providing applicants with an inside look at our medical school and community. They provide assistance to prospective students in a number of ways, including: arranging medical school tours for interviewees, assist in public relation events, and communicating one-on-one with prospective students.

Meet Our Ambassadors
Click on our ambassadors' names below to learn more about them.

Patrick Ojeaga, Class of 2021

Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
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Patrick Ojeaga, Class of 2021

Hello y’all! My name is Patrick Ojeaga and I am a member of the Class of 2021. I was born and raised in McAllen, Texas. I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from THE University of Texas at Austin. I chose to attend UTRGV SOM because of the integrative self-directed curriculum and strong emphasis on early patient contact. My goal is to one day improve the standard of healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley. I aspire to provide high-quality healthcare to the community that molded me into the man I am today while looking to my patients for common medical issues to solve.

Patrick Ojeaga, Class of 2021
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin

Colton Wayne, Class of 2021

Undergrad: Texas A&M University
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Colton Wayne, Class of 2021

Howdy! My name is Colton Wayne and I am a medical student in the Class of 2021 from Arlington, Texas. I received my undergraduate degree in Zoology from Texas A&M University. I chose UTRGV SOM because of the opportunity for immediate access to patients and the hands-on learning environment this institution provides. I hope to make an impact on the people of the Rio Grande Valley during my time here and give back to the community that helped make my medical education possible.

Colton Wayne, Class of 2021
Undergrad: Texas A&M University

Joy Alvarado, Class of 2020

Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
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Joy Alvarado, Class of 2020

My name is Joy Alvarado and I'm a second-year medical student. I am originally from Seguin, Texas, and earned my bachelor’s in English at the University of Texas at Austin. I completed my master's from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, where I specialized in using interdisciplinary studies like immunology, genetics, and culture to solve health care inequalities. As a student of UTRGV SOM, I've participated in several community outreach projects, including some in colonias, where there is a great need for health care services. I’m humbled by the learning opportunities I've had to speak with patients, and am proud to be part of our school's continuous efforts to improve the community around us.

Joy Alvarado, Class of 2020
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin

Gabriel Franklin, Class of 2020

Undergrad: University of North Texas
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Gabriel Franklin, Class of 2020

Hello! My name is Gabriel Franklin and I am a second-year medical student from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. I received my undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish from the University of North Texas in Denton Texas, and my master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Ft. Worth Texas. Growing up I’ve always had a passion for both underserved communities and the sciences, and felt like becoming a physician would be the best way of bridging those two passions into one profession. What I like most about going to medical school here in the Valley are the opportunities for community involvement and the potential to be apart of ambitious initiatives for the enhancement of healthcare. This community has quickly become my home away from home, and I am glad to be here.

Gabriel Franklin, Class of 2020
Undergrad: University of North Texas

Michael LaPelusa, Class of 2020

Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Michael LaPelusa, Class of 2020

My name is Michael LaPelusa and I’m a medical student in the inaugural Class of 2020. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015, after which I moved to Houston, Texas. I chose to attend UTRGV SOM because of the unique opportunity to work with medically-underserved communities in the Valley and to help establish a legacy for future UTRGV SOM classes.

Michael LaPelusa, Class of 2020
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Abraham Lee, Class of 2021

Undergrad: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
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Abraham Lee, Class of 2021

My name is Abraham Lee and I am part of the class of 2021 here at UTRGV School of Medicine. I received my B.S. in Biology along with minors in Chemistry and Medical Humanities from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Born and raised in the Valley, the strong mission statement of UTRGV SOM resonated with me. Being able to help the underserved and provide care to those that lack the necessary resources for better healthcare is truly humbling and an opportunity I will not take for granted.

Abraham Lee, Class of 2021
Undergrad: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Christine Loftis, Class of 2020

Undergrad: Baylor University
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Christine Loftis, Class of 2020

Hey all! My name is Christine Loftis, and I am a second-year medical student from La Marque, Texas. I received my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Baylor University. I have always had a passion for the underserved and community outreach, and I knew that being here in the Rio Grande Valley and attending UTRGV SOM would allow me to truly make a difference in the community. Having the opportunity to interact with patients within the Colonias during my pre-clerkship years has been an invaluable part of my medical school experience, and sets UTRGV SOM apart from other institutions. The Rio Grande Valley is definitely like a second home to me, and I am so humbled to be a part of the growth and expansion that is occurring.

Christine Loftis, Class of 2020
Undergrad: Baylor University

Sarah Miller, Class of 2021

Undergrad: University of Rhode Island
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Sarah Miller, Class of 2021

Well, hello there! My name is Sarah Miller and I am a part of the Class of 2021. I am originally from Ohio but call Grapevine, Texas home. I received my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. Before coming to UTRGV SOM, I worked as an EMT and completed my Master of Public Health in Global Health Epidemiology with a certificate in Public Health Genetics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I chose UTRGV SOM because of the dedication to community engagement and unique opportunities provided by the Rio Grande Valley. I hope to not only contribute to the growth and development of our school but also promote health in our local communities throughout my time here.

Sarah Miller, Class of 2021
Undergrad: University of Rhode Island

Lauren Muenchow, Class of 2021

Undergrad: University of Texas at San Antonio
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Lauren Muenchow, Class of 2021

My name is Lauren Muenchow and I am a member of the class of 2021. Before medical school I attended UTSA (Go Runners) where I majored in psychology and played collegiate volleyball. After medical school I took two gap years and worked as a scribe in an Emergency Department and then later at The Metis Foundation, a research institution. During my time at UTSA the university experienced tremendous growth, in both the academic and athletic departments. It was a very unique experience and I was attracted to the idea of building up another program here.

Lauren Muenchow, Class of 2021
Undergrad: University of Texas at San Antonio

Adedayo Okanlawon, Class of 2021

Undergrad: Texas A&M University
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Adedayo Okanlawon, Class of 2021

My name is Adedayo Okanlawon but I go by Dayo. Prior to medical school, I attended the best university in the world, THE Texas A&M University. I received my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Genetics and a master’s degree in Biomedical Science. I chose to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine because of the family environment and the emphasis on impactful community engagement. I hope to be able to share the school's mission with visitors while giving back to those who truly need it.

Adedayo Okanlawon, Class of 2021
Undergrad: Texas A&M University

Alexa Perlick, Class of 2021

Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
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Alexa Perlick, Class of 2021

Hi! My name is Alexa Perlick, I am a member of the Class of 2021. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UT Austin. Following graduation, I worked as a research assistant at the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Department at McGovern Medical School. I chose UTRGV SOM because it provides an ideal opportunity to continue learning in a culturally diverse medical setting. I hope to provide medical care and services in underserved areas during my time as a student and interact with the local community of the Rio Grande Valley.

Alexa Perlick, Class of 2021
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin

Angel Rendon, Class of 2021

Undergrad: University of Texas at San Antonio
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Angel Rendon, Class of 2021

Born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, I immigrated to the United States in 2010. I finished high school and then graduated from UTSA with a BS in public health concentrated in epidemiology and a minor in biology. I chose UTRGV SOM because I want to serve the community that received me and my family when we came from México.

Angel Rendon, Class of 2021
Undergrad: University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Office of Admissions UTRGV School of Medicine

Student Ambassador Program

Patrick Ojeaga, Class of 2021

Colton Wayne, Class of 2021

Joy Alvarado, Class of 2020

Gabriel Franklin, Class of 2020

Michael LaPelusa, Class of 2020

Abraham Lee, Class of 2021

Christine Loftis, Class of 2020

Sarah Miller, Class of 2021

Lauren Muenchow, Class of 2021

Adedayo Okanlawon, Class of 2021

Alexa Perlick, Class of 2021

Angel Rendon, Class of 2021