Undergraduate Student
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I am an undergraduate Biology major at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey pursuing an MD/PhD track with a strong interest in cancer biology and translational medicine. Through the Duke PRIME–Cancer Research Program, I have conducted research in the Visgauss Laboratory focusing on STAT3 signaling and LCP1 function in chondrosarcoma, as well as investigating NF-κB signaling inhibition to decrease chondrosarcoma metastasis. With the support of the Visgauss Lab, I have presented this work at conferences including ABRCMS, ACS, and Duke’s Summer Graduate Research Symposiums. Back home, I continue research at the UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, exploring novel approaches to osteosarcoma with Dr. Rocío Rivera-Valentín, and at UPR-Cayey with Dr. Enrique Rodríguez Borrero, studying the effects of alcohol on the gut-brain axis. Beyond academics, I serve as a student leader in the General Student Council and as Community Service Leader for TriBeta Zeta Epsilon. Outside of the classroom and lab, I enjoy training for physical challenges through running and weightlifting, always supported by the company of friends and family.