We invite you to send any questions you have about the application process or the program to the Health Science Scholars listed below.All serve as CNS Honors Ambassadors.

SABRINA BENITEZ
sabrinaabenitez99@gmail.com

 "My name is Sabrina Benitez and I’m a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Anthropology. I’m a Health Science Scholar and I plan on pursuing a degree in medicine after I graduate. I’m a member of the BioProspecting stream as part of the Freshman Research Initiative and I’m involved with various volunteer organizations on campus. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Austin and trying out new places to eat. Being in the Health Science Scholars Program has been an influential part of my college career so far, giving me amazing opportunities for learning and enrichment.

GIOVANNA DELA TEJERA
giovanna.dela.tejera@utexas.edu

 "Hi! My name is Giovanna Dela Tejera, and I am currently a 4th-year pre-med student majoring in Human Development and Family Science. My Hispanic roots have played a major role in making me the person I am today. I have the most fun when I am speaking, socializing, or dancing … or all three. I really love getting to know people, and I can’t wait to help you get to know UT."

BRETT DOLOTINA
brett.dolotina@utexas.edu

 "I'm a third-year double major in Public Health and Biochemistry also pursuing a certificate in Children & Society. Within the HSS council, I'm a part of the Volunteer Committee. I'm also involved in Camp Texas and the UT Saxophone Choir, and I volunteer as an Interpersonal Violence Peer Supporter with the Counseling and Mental Health Center. When I have time, I like partaking in Austin’s diverse food and music scene, hanging out with friends, and reading."

DEEPANJLI DONTHULA
deepanjli.donthula@utexas.edu

 "I am an HSS senior at UT, pursuing a major in Neuroscience and a minor in History.  I am from Dallas and frequently visit to volunteer at the animal shelter and at Texas Oncology. I am also the student lab manager for the Dell Medical School Comprehensive Care Research Team and a research assistant for the UT Clinical Neuroscience Lab. In my free time, I enjoy window shopping and watching Netflix with friends."

MARCO HERNANDEZ
marco.hernandez732@gmail.com

 "I'm a third-year student from Weslaco, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, and I'm majoring in Biochemistry. I'm an active member in the Freshman Research Initiative where I conduct research in the antibiotics stream. I'm also a member of TIP Scholars and the University Leadership Network. I embrace diversity and inclusion throughout the university and hope to improve diversity in programs within the College of Natural Sciences. I plan to pursue a career in medicine and research."

CHLOE NGUYEN
chloemkn@utexas.edu

 "I am a senior HSS biology major from Brownsville, Texas. I am on the pre-dental track while also pursuing certificates in Forensic Science and Creative Writing with an emphasis on poetry. I conduct research on Zebra Longwing butterflies and passion vines at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, and I am a mentor for the Nanochemistry FRI stream. My hobbies include art, singing, reading, writing, tennis, and ukulele. To me, curiosity didn't kill the cat; curiosity cured it."

JAMIL OKADA
jamil.okada@gmail.com

 "My name is Jamil Okada and I am currently a sophomore neuroscience major in the Health Science Honors program. I am premedical and have an interest in orthopedics or neurology. I hope to someday own my own clinic. In my free time, I love playing soccer and listening to Kpop. I’m just getting started but I already see the exciting opportunities and interesting experiences the honors CNS community and UT has to offer."

LAUREN RAHMAN
laurenrahman97@gmail.com 

 "Hello! My name is Lauren Rahman and I am a senior Biochemistry major and Sociology minor from Plano, Texas. As part of the social committee in the Health Science Scholars program, I enjoy planning socials and events for the HSS community such as campout, karaoke, and more! For my thesis, I am planning to focus on the effects of different cultures on children with Autism. I am also currently doing research involving embryonic neural tube defects. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Austin, baking, and watching movies!"

MILAN STOKES
mlstokes11@utexas.edu

 "My name is Milan Stokes. I'm a fourth-year Neuroscience major in Health Science Scholars from Atlanta, GA. I'm also a Pre-Dental student hoping to one day become a Public Health Dentist. I'm working to complete the Business of Healthcare certificate to round out my BSA degree. My passions include dentistry, community service (especially in minority communities), neuroscience, mentoring students of all ages, and diversity outreach in academic settings. I am a member of Texas Pre-Dental Society, Global Medical Training, and the Black Honors Student Association. I also am a mentor in my FRI Lab (Sarah Simmons Cell Signaling), an ambassador in HSS, and a volunteer at the Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic and with the St. David’s Dental program, both in Austin. Feel free to ask any questions you may have; I will work as hard as possible to answer any and all of them. I'm excited to hear from you!"

 
MEENA TADROS
meenatadros@gmail.com

 "I’m Meena Tadros.  I am originally from Denver, CO but later moved to Plano, TX.  I am in the Health Science Scholars Program, studying biochemistry and hoping to attend medical school. I’m working in the Zhang lab on molecular biology research. I am particularly interested in this work and hope to continue research in that field during my undergraduate career. I also enjoy volunteering with a group on campus known as Refugee Student Mentoring Program (RSMP) through the Middle Eastern Studies department, which has allowed me to serve as an Arabic-to-English translator and mentor to students from the Middle East."

SHUDA XIA
shuda.2425@gmail.com

 "Hey everyone! My name is Shuda Xia and I am from Plano, Texas, but I grew up in Qingdao, China. I graduated from Plano Senior High School and I am currently pursuing a biochemistry degree as part of the Health Science Scholars program. Over the past few summers I have done research in a cardiology lab at UT Southwestern and was a coauthor in a published paper. I intend to go to medical school after my undergraduate degree. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and trying out new food!"

DANIEL ZAMORA
danielosvaldozamoralara@utexas.edu

 "I am originally from Coahuila, Mexico but was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I am a junior majoring in Biochemistry in the Health Science Scholars program. With a strong interest in research for applications in the medical world I hope to be admitted into a MD-PhD program after graduation."