My name is Lizz and I am currently a fourth year PhD candidate at the Mayo Clinic, studying Clinical and Translational Science. I’m a first generation high school and university graduate – now in a doctoral program! I’m also a proud Mexican-American (or as I lovingly refer to myself as Tex-Mex), autistic, queer scientist!

I am in the lab of Dr. Sylvie Girard currently developing my thesis project! I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in Fall 2021 with a BS in Biochemistry and minor in Biology. I was honored to be selected into the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) in 2018, which introduced me to the world of research and science. Without that program I would not be in graduate school — let alone a scientist. It is my aspiration to mentor other underrepresented students to become the next generation of biomedical scientist our world needs. Following graduation, I am interested in a variety of careers, from academia to scientific communication to scientific policy. Thanks for following my journey!!