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."

NIA CHOI
niachoi@utexas.edu

"I am a second-year Biochemistry major pursuing Business of Healthcare, Spanish for the Medical Professions, and UTeach Certificates. I am a premed in HSS, hoping to be an academic physician. I am passionate about teaching, mentorship, and medical mission work. On campus, I am involved in HSS Council, Global Medical Missions Alliance, and Crossroads College Ministry. I am a member of the BioBricks Stream in the Freshman Research Initiative. Through HSS, I have made some of my best friends. The community of supportive students and faculty has encouraged and motivated me in pursuing my academic goals. In my free time, I like to explore coffee shops in Austin and play ultimate frisbee. Feel free to reach out with any questions - I'd love to be of help!"

 
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."

 


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."

AMELIA MERCADO
ameliamercado00@gmail.com

"I'm a third-year biology major from Round Rock, Texas, and I transferred into HSS after my freshman year at UT. You can often find me walking around campus in a burnt orange polo, giving tours to prospective students. Outside of school and work, I enjoy my position as a research assistant at Dell Seton. When I have free time, I love getting my hands on a good book, going for a run, and discovering new coffee shops in Austin (I have a list if you're interested). Please reach out to me for any and all questions regarding HSS—this program has transformed my college experience!"

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."

FAIZA SARWAR
emailfsarwar@gmail.com

"Hello!! I am a third year Biochemistry major pursuing an Ethics and Leadership in Healthcare Certificate. My research interests revolve around medical ethics in relation to interpersonal health communication, and the importance of developing trust in science and medicine when addressing healthcare disparities. I hope to implement my findings into my practice as a future healthcare professional. In my time at UT, I hope to continue to learn from and grow with my peers, supporting each other's journeys through university, medical school, and beyond. I thoroughly enjoy reading, dancing, writing for a women's health/policy blog, and having deep discussions over coffee! I love speaking with students, so please feel free to reach out!"

NOOR SHENAQ
noorshenaq@utexas.edu

"I am a pre-dental sophomore majoring in biology and pursuing a certificate in pre-health professions. I have a passion for science, mentorship, and community service. On campus, I am involved in organizations such as Texas Pre-dental Society, Students Expanding Austin Literacy (SEAL), and Student Government. I am also a teacher for UTeach where I teach second-grade students science lectures at elementary schools in Austin. I was a researcher in the Freshman Research Initiative in the discovering signals stream last year; Currently, I am on my journey in developing my capstone research project. Joining HSS has been a pivotal point in helping me strive to achieve my goals. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have—I would be more than happy to help!"

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!"