Program Overview

The Scholar Experience

Scholarship in STUROP empowers program scholars to delve deeper into their chosen research fields, encouraging critical thinking, research skill development, and a commitment to excellence. Scholars become active contributors to the academic community, driving progress and building the scientific foundation for future discoveries.

STUROP recognizes and rewards academic achievements, motivating students to excel and pursue excellence in their educational journey.

STUROP scholars have achieved leadership positions, academic and research awards, financial scholarships, and selection to the ABRCMS national research conference.

Scholar Testimonial

Through STUROP, I had the privilege of conducting research at a leading institution with state-of-the-art technology and resources. This opportunity that has been truly transformative. Academically, this experience challenged me to think critically, design experiments with intention, and accept that setbacks are an inevitable part of the scientific process. Personally, it gave me confidence I have come to realize that my ideas matter, that I can overcome challenges that once seemed intimidating, and that I can grow into the scientist and physician I aspire to become. I also learned that science is not done in isolation; it thrives on mentorship, teamwork, and the diverse perspectives of those who contribute to it. The importance of STUROP extends far beyond individual students. It creates a pipeline for students in medicine and research, providing them with resources, mentorship, and encouragement to enter fields where they are urgently needed. By offering opportunities early, STUROP doesn't just prepare students for careers it shapes leaders who will one day give back to their communities.

2023 Inaugural Cohort Scholar Spotlight

• Krishna Evani, UTSA: Krishna enjoys giving back to her community as both a tutor in college science and a volunteer at the Children's Association for Maximum Potential camp. Despite being the co-president of student-lead Active minds, a member of the premed and national honor society, Krishna still finds time to participate in her favorite sports: volleyball and tennis!
• Riley Zimmerman, Texas State University: Riley clearly interweaves a passion for science with their hobbies, including monitoring the chemistry of pool water, performing home science experiments and as a science olympian in astronomy, circuitry, and geology. Riley has served as in the community as a teacher's assistant, Bridge Community Church volunteer, and a science fair judge with the Harmony School of Endeavor. Riley also has a flair for languages, particularly German, Polish, Spanish and Turkish!
• Berzhia Mizani, UT Austin: Berzhia has been recognized for her superb organization skills as well as her evident interest for scientific inquiry. Her academic performance is appreciated as a member of the Alpha Delta Epsilon pre-medical Honor society. In her free time, Berzhia serves as a student council representative, volunteers in Ascension Seton Medical Center, and fund raises for patients battling leukemia and lymphoma.
• Timilehin Adeniran, Texas State University: Timilehin is a proud member of his university's health professions, premedical and predental societies. He serves as the secretary of the RCCG Campus Fellowship Ministry and enjoys volunteering as a tax assistant and with the El Paso Fighting Hunger Church Food Bank.
• Aimee Jeffrey-Iwelu, UTSA: Aimee has taken a personal interest in public health and pursues her degree passionately to make a direct impact on the health of her community as a family physician. Aimee is excited to explore the influence of genetics on human health through the lens of research.
• Victoria Sanchez, St. Mary's University: Victoria has been noted for her strong performance in biology and chemistry, as keen investigative mind. She is a member of her school's Honors program, premedical society and the Health Occupations Students of America, and seeks to add to her research toolbox through biochemistry and pharmacology.
• Sameed Aijaz, Trinity University: Sameed is a certified clinical medical assistant and maintains certification in CPR and basic life support. He volunteered as a COVID vaccine distributor with the Islamic Center of San Antonio, and holds numerous leadership positions, including the public relations chair of the South Asian Student association, secretary of Trinity's Interpretive Speech club, and the T-space coordinator his institution's American Medical Student association.
• Anakaren Garcia, St. Mary's University: Anakaren spends volunteer hours as a radiology technician and has even sought certification as an electrocardiogram technician and health care provider Basic Life Support. She is passionate, hardworking and approaches challenges with a positive, determined outlook.
• Megan Tansiongco, Trinity University: Megan is fascinated by the evolving technologies implemented in cancer treatment and seeks to passionately combine her research training with medical education to make significant contributions to the scientific field.
• Ava Sanchez, St. Mary's University: Ava has become a part of the scientific community by joining the Health Occupations Students of America and through her school's premedical society. She passionately pursues public service and community education as a volunteer with the Zargoza Society and with Continuing Heritage elementary school. Her dedication to participate in healthcare is evident by her certifications in CPR and First Aid care.
• Anna Tumanova, UT Austin: Anna is interested in studying cellular processes by way of biohysics with the goal of minimizing the side effects of cancer radiation therapy as a radiation oncologist. She has spent her free time developing research skills in laboratories, learning Latin and percussion in band. Along with her interest in the intersection of physics and medicine, Anna also finds time to participate in dance.

2024 Scholar Spotlight

• Portia Berryman, Trinity University: Portia is actively involved in the musical arts including choir, symphony and orchestra. She enjoys outdoor pursuits with the Boy and Girl Scouting America where she has earned many achievements. Portia would like to explore human health through the lens of microbiology to one day impact the field of oncology through gene editing.
• Nicole Mejia, University of Texas at Austin: Nicole would like to dedicate her keen interest in biology, chemistry, and data analysis to provide wholehearted service to others as a physician. She has participated in prior research which has spurred her desire for scientific exploration. Nicole is fluent in Spanish and intermediate in using R Studio.
• Sofia Stanfield, University of the Incarnate Word: Sofia is excited to explore endocrinology and would like to contribute to the discovery of novel therapeutics for Diabetes. She enjoys challenges, community volunteer activities, and tutoring students from rural areas of Texas. Sofia has served in leadership roles and has dedicated herself to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
• Larry Diaz, University of the Incarnate Word: Larry's fascination with signal transduction pathways and physiologic drug interactions have stoked his passion to explore graduate studies and a possible career as a pharmaceutical researcher. He is currently working on a pharmacy technician certification and seeks to gain much from hands-on laboratory experience to one day tackle global health challenges surrounding access to medication.
• Fazeleh Mirghassemi, Trinity University: Fazeleh is passionate about virology research to better understand the world of minute, yet deadly diseases. She strives to become a professional that is sensitive to socio-economic challenges of communities and to ensure those in need receive equitable medical care. Fazeleh has experience in both news reporting and coordinating marketing.
• Crystal Valenzuela, St. Mary's University: Crystal is a current research intern participating in a project in biomedical engineering at her home institution to assist future patients with finger flexion and extension after trauma or disease. She is described as academically excellent and a leader. Outside of academics, she enjoys volunteering and playing in the orchestra.
• Madilyn Dominguez-Lowry, University of Texas at San Antonio: Madilyn's exposure to microbiology and immunology courses in high school, along with the COVID pandemic, has motivated her to become a clinical research scientist. She is described as an independent learner who takes pride in helping her peers with course content. Madilyn likes to keep herself busy and enjoys crochet, jewelry-making, and ceramics.
• Durga Meenakshi Panneerdoss, University of Texas at San Antonio: Following family experiences, Durga has passionately dedicated herself to exploring biomedical research in oncology. She has had the opportunity to contribute to prior research projects that have developed her science acumen, and she aspires to continue her studies through a research-oriented MD/PhD program.
• Evan Villarreal, St. Mary's University: Evan is currently exploring the world of genome editing through the CRISPR-Cas system in a lab at his university. Through his work in STUROP, he is excited to broaden his perspective of how biomedical research can help others maintain healthy and active lifestyles. Evan has enjoyed working as a SeaWorld ride operator and library assistant at St. Mary's University and is also a proud member of the Marianist Society.
• Promise Galloway, Trinity University: Promise is interested in Virology and Immunology, and has a particular affinity towards retroviral application. She is a self-directed learner and would like to further explore the interplay of neurophysiology on medications. Promise is involved with numerous clubs, enjoys music, archery and auto mechanics.
• Tristan Perez, Northwest Vista College: Tristan would like to study neuroscience as a medical professional to help communities overcome the stigma associated with mental disorders. He is very analytical and seeks to unite his innate logical reasoning with his passion for chemistry and psychology. Tristan is not afraid to make mistakes, which allows him to stay open-minded while learning for learning's sake.

UT Health San Antonio

UT San Antonio Health Science Center is the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio. It includes schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, health professions, graduate biomedical sciences and public health, and a clinical enterprise called UT Health San Antonio, which conducts 2.5 million patient visits yearly.