Cells don't bite

     My first experience with research came during my time at Tarleton State University with Dr. Dubansky. She had been working with different protocols to stain bone tissue. My job was to develop and apply different protocols to the Yoshiki-Nikaido-Yamazaki-Tachikawa (YNYT) protocol for osteoid tissue to determine if it was possible to stain single sections of tissue, rather than staining the whole bone before sectioning, which would significantly reduce the amount of time needed for the staining protocol. The result of our different protocols was not better than the original stain.

       
     While at UTA, I was honored to work with Dr. Schargel. Together, we developed a plan to study the anatomical features of G. antillensis. Dr. Schargel has dedicated his life to the study of Gonatodes. The project we developed was an independent venture between Dr. Schargel and I and without any outside funding resources. This project resulted in the thesis I presented at the University of Texas at Arlington during the Honors College Research Symposium in the Spring 2018. Dr. Schargel provided me with background information and the samples, and I was in charge of logistics and operations. My job ranged from finding the different reagents we needed for the stains, designing the experimental setting, determining the staining protocols to be used, performing the technical aspects (embedding, cutting, staining), and analyzing the results. This project was particularly special because it showed me how much solidarity is found within the scientific community. I learned that I could reach out to people in different departments, universities, and organizations, and I would always find someone willing to contribute to our project in whatever way they could.

      Now, at UNTHSC, I work with adipose derived stem cells (ASC). Stem cells are truly amazing, but ASCs even more so. I am working on comparing ASCs collected from various body locations to understand their unique properties and their potential applications. 

Stay tuned for more!!!

-M. 

The human side of science

      I remember seen the magnificent buildings of UNTHSC for the first time, a few year back when I first moved to Fort Worth, while exploring the city. I was taken aback by its striking architecture and sophistication. I immediately decided I would, one day,  become one of the lucky ones to roam those hallways.  Fort Worth is a fabulous, modern city known ad the "Cultural Capital of the Southwest", with lost of museums, parks, and places to eat.  Which means the university is in a privileged location with a lot to offer to its residents. 

     The facade of the buildings is merely a herald of what is awaiting inside.  UNTHSC is a  six-college graduate university, with a focus in research and healthcare. Within those colleges, there is the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, offering traditional and specialized graduate degrees. With state of the art research and equipments, a $62.9 million in research funding, and a team extraordinary faculty and staff, the school is at the forefront of education and innovation, 

    But most importantly, UNTHSC is a place for the advancement of science without leaving behind the human side of science. The school has student success as one of their top priorities, and everyone works hard to create a safe and diverse environment.  Taking a look into UNTHSC GSBS' website, quickly reveals GSBS's  purpose, mission, vision, and values. As established in their website, their purpose is to transform the lives of others and their mission is to prepare graduate students  for careers as researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals though innovative training and research. 

     Prior to coming to UNTHSC, I worked as a histotech for 5 years. In that role, I was exposed to the clinical aspects of cancer biology. I held excised tumors in my hands and I processed them to be observed under a microscope. That experience fostered my desire to know more. I am pursuing a PhD because I want to dedicate my life to the constant pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of science, and the improvement of the human condition. I decided to attend UNTHSC because it offered everything I wanted from a university and more.  I am now a first-year PhD student, and everyday I find a one more thing to love about UNTHSC. I count myself fortunate to be a part of a university that is committed to creating a better future for everyone.