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Current Lab Members Dec, 2024
Doing research is one of the best things to do in the world. Learning about what surrounds you, how things work and even how the human body works. And what a better way to do it than doing it at Dr. Lopez-Juarez Laboratory. After joining his lab I have learnt great things like, how to work with living organisms, how to be meticulous and even how to be more organized. The friendliness in this place is like no other, something that is quite valuable and important for such an environment like this.
- Fernando Machado-Bistrain, M.S.
Research Associate
Joining this lab has been an excellent experience for me. Throughout my years here, I have gained the necessary skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, organization, and responsibility that will expand my knowledge in science required for all my future career goals.
- Daniella Hernandez,
Lab Technician, previous Student Manager.
Research is a fascinating discipline in science that caught my interest and motivated me to join this lab. Thanks to joining this lab, I have learned various lab techniques, but most importantly, I understand the reason behind how we do things. A few of my favorite things about being in the lab include being challenged with new concepts/tasks, learning from my lab mates, and expanding my knowledge through reading and discussions with our mentor.
- Celeste Martinez
Lab Technician,
As a premed, it is a given that I’ve always been intrigued by science. However, I joined Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s lab because I was motivated to expand my neuroscience knowledge. During my time in the lab, I have learned the importance of curiosity and how research allows me to pursue my passion for science. Along with this, I have learned many techniques and gained various experiences that have shaped me into the young scientist that I am. Without these experiences, I would not have realized the importance of animal research or how much I enjoy the critical thinking that sets the foundation for research.
- Carlos Cisneros
I joined Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s lab in the Fall of 2021 because of my profound interest in neuroscience research. I find the brain’s complexity and intricacy fascinating. A small change from minor damage or changes in environmental factors can lead to significant alterations to the brain structure, leading to changes in normal function and behavior. Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s lab offered an excellent opportunity to study the effects of the Nf1 mutation in oligodendrocytes and learning. What I’ve learned can be broken down into two separate parts. I was introduced to DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis during my first year. I was introduced to immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and cell quantification during my second year. What I appreciate most about the lab is that the learning never stops. Once you become well-versed in a particular area, you’ll be introduced to other techniques and learn to perform them. So, in this way, you’ll develop into a well-rounded researcher.
- Saul Lopez, M.S., Ph. D. Candidate
I joined the lab in the spring semester of 2023 after having Dr. Lopez-Juarez as a professor for Independent Research. He enlightened our interest by introducing us to the research community. Week after week, we analyzed articles, learned new methods, and created theories and opinions. The opportunity of joining Dr. Lopez-Juarez lab has opened more doors to me than I would’ve imagined. We have learned various skills, from genotyping to staining to caring for mice and everything in between. Most importantly, he encourages curiosity and pushes us out of our comfort zones to get more involved in research.
- Ana Gutierrez
I joined Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s research lab because I found the research to be interesting, but also to learn to think and practice my teamwork skills critically. In the lab, we do many things, from PCR tests to working with animals, but my favorite part of the lab, by far, is working with the other members and getting tasks done as a team. With Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s guidance, I’ve been able to practice not only my technical lab skills but also learn to be a better team member and critically problem-solve.
- Vijay Radhakrishnan
I first met Dr. Alejandro Lopez-Juarez in an Independent research lecture. Initially I was fascinated yet intimidated by the study of Neuroscience and the field of research. Throughout the semester, I realized that research and Neuroscience are fields that anyone can be a part of. I officially joined his lab in Spring of 2024. Since then, I have undergone tremendous personal and professional growth. Dr. Lopez-Juarez has cultivated a positive learning environment and fostered a culture where curiosity and questions are encouraged. I am so appreciative of everything that the lab has taught me, and I look forward to all that it still has to offer!
- Satya A. Olvera
Research has enlightened my knowledge in science in ways I didn't know were possible. I first met Dr. Lopez-Juarez for a research credit in my major. In Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s lab, we conduct our research using mice. I always knew the importance of animal research for the benefit of human medicine, but after working in the lab, I gained a new perspective and appreciation for animals in research. My favorite part working in the lab would be the constant mentorship of not only Dr. Lopez-Juarez, but all lab members in the lab, creating a team environment.
- Michael A. Magana II
I joined Dr. Lopez-Juarez Lab during the summer of 2024, I joined because I wanted to master my skills in teamwork and to see what research is like, since it called my attention when I took an independent research course. Since I joined, I have definitely been gaining a lot of skills from teamwork to time management and general laboratory skills. I learned a lot about neuroscience and am still learning more fascinating things every day. What I enjoy the most is when we get stuff done as a team and when I learn a something new like a new lab technique. Being in this lab is definitely one of the things that I enjoy the most about my life.
- Luis Emiliano Lozoya
My motivation to join research is because it is considered the backbone of science. Everyday there is a new theory and experiment that can help take humanity one step closer to an answer. This particular lab has taught me many techniques and skills I will use for my future career as a future researcher. Dr. Alejandro Lopez-Juarez taught me the importance of animal research which has shaped me for my future.
- Andrea Toledo
I joined Dr. Lopez-Juarez’s lab in the Fall of 2024 to fulfill research credits, yet still drawn by its focus on neuroscience. Overtime, I have come to appreciate the collaborative nature and iterative nature of research. This experience has shown me that impactful research relies on everyone contributing as cohesive whole. While research is serious it is also enjoyable and engaging. I have loved my time in the lab and am eager to learn and continuing to grow and contribute to our research efforts!
- Alejandro Villanueva
As a pre-med student, I am motivated by the goal of connecting research with clinical practice to transform discoveries into meaningful treatments. My involvement in neuroscience research has allowed me to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I believe will be essential in my future as a physician. Each experience—whether conducting experiments or collaborating with mentors—has strengthened my passion for discovery and commitment to continuous learning. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Lopez Juarez for his invaluable guidance and support. His mentorship has greatly shaped my research abilities, inspired my curiosity, and driven me to pursue excellence.
- Perla Cespedes
Victor is new to the sciences. Following his undergraduate degree in journalism and his graduate degree in motion pictures, he worked as the marketing lead for a medical clinic in Harlingen, TX, for three years. After that, he decided to pursue a career in medicine and enrolled as a post-baccalaureate student at UTRGV in order to complete the pre-medical science requirements. He is excited about contributing to the research effort and has already learned more laboratory techniques than he ever imagined!
- Victor Alejandro Pallares
I took Dr. Lopez-Juarez for Independent Research 1 and when I took notice of his teaching methods, I wanted to join his lab right away. Dr. Lopez is a great mentor to have and makes every moment a learning experience for his students both in the classroom and especially in his lab. Our lab members are all kind and intelligent and most importantly continuously work hard to learn more every day. I wholeheartedly believe that as long as you have passion for learning, any goal you have can be met. It has been such a pleasure being able to work in Dr. Lopez-Juarez's lab.
- Daniella Perez-Salazar
Previous Lab Members
Being intimidated, I shied away from joining a research lab for most of my undergraduate career. I thought of myself as not as capable as my fellow classmates, which was one of the reasons why I never allowed myself to search for new opportunities. One thing I knew for sure was my passion for neuroscience. I never saw myself working in a lab, much less working with animals, but I was comfortably made incorrect the moment I joined this lab. Getting the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my fellow classmates who are exceptional, talented, and encouraging, has been the best experience in my time here. The idea of not being as knowledgeable as others was quickly extinguished. Instead, the Lopez-Juarez lab embodies the culture of patience and understanding and has taught me that failure is crucial to success.
- Kelli Garza
In the Spring of 2023, I had independent research with Dr. Lopez-Juarez. This class presented itself as challenging and intimidating. However, my curiosity struck me as we began reading papers that challenged my mind and allowed me to form hypotheses. I became very intrigued by the science behind the neuroscience we studied in class. The opportunity to join Dr. Lopez-Juarez lab has expanded my knowledge immensely. I’ve been introduced to several research methods, such as genotyping, confocal microscopy, quantification, and much more. The lab environment and the people I met have played a huge role in making me feel welcomed and expanding my mind outside of the box it was in before I joined the lab.
- Kaelah Araiza
I applied to Dr. Lopez-Juarez ’s lab primarily due to my interest in neuroscience, a subject I have always been eager to explore further, and my desire to engage in research, a field I had never ventured into. Fortunately, I am glad of my choice, as it has granted me invaluable experiences and skills in the laboratory. My responsibilities include mastering various laboratory techniques to collect data and responsibly working with animals. Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and gel electrophoresis are standard methods that are essential in the laboratory. What I value most about the lab is the welcoming environment, which significantly enhanced my research experience.
- Daniel Zayed
Lab Members Oct, 2020
Paloma de Leon: I like science because it allows us to discover how the human body works, how we can fight the different pathologies that come with it, and how to improve our quality of life. I joined this lab because it gives me the opportunity of improving my critical reasoning, teamwork abilities, and practical skills. I am pursuing a career in the medical field, and I believe scientific laboratories are were discoveries of medical advancements begin.
Daniela Cruz: I like Science because it helps us know the unknown and without it, we couldn’t understand the world. Science can be challenging to understand, but our interest and curiosity makes things possible to know. I joined this lab because I am interested in teamwork, as well as to practice my critical and communicative skills. I really like Dr. Lopez-Juarez lab because it challenges us to understand neuroscience and how everything that we do is connected to the brain.
Luis Antonio Sanchez: Science is a fascinating field study not only for researchers but for students as well. Human behavior is poorly understood and many questions behind why humans behave the way they do are in need of answers. What better way to try to answer said questions by implementing the use of modern-day technology and medicine to dive into research. Dr. Lopez-Juarez's methods of teaching are different in the way that, as a researcher himself, he encourages us to find said answers by introducing new methods that I for one, had never seen before.
Delilah Moreno: Science has always been interesting to me and I believe it started with an interest in chemicals, and why they work the way they do. My knowledge has grown since then and has expanded to more complex diseases, and being taught about the aspects that go into diseases and gaining knowledge on how neurological disorders work is very interesting and the reason for joining this lab. Science is stimulating and forever changing; just like research.
Lab Members, October 2018
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