UT Shield

Texas REU: BME CUReS Cancer

2018

, Filed Under: 2018, cancer, texas4000

Letter to Texas4000 Rider McKenzie Clayton

Dear Mackenzie,

My name is Isaac Gándara. I am a rising Junior from the University of Texas at El Paso and I wanted to thank you for your dedication and efforts in the fight against cancer. Along with the funds you have raised in support of research, your long ride raises awareness for the need for research, and that in and of itself is invaluable. Because of what you and what the other riders do, I and other people engaging in cancer research experiences are able to work.

Furthermore, I wanted to congratulate you on your progress thus far. As I write this, you are nearly halfway to 4000 miles! I also wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss of your grandmother. I also lost a grandparent to cancer and understand how hard it is to lose someone.

But because of your journey, you will help other people in their own fight with cancer.

Be proud of what you have accomplished and what you will complete in the coming month, you have earned it!

Thank you for everything and keep working hard!

Sincerely,
Isaac Gándara, The University of Texas at El Paso

Isaac Gandara in front of Austin mural
Isaac in front of the mural at the 23rd Street Artist’s Market in Austin, Texas. Photo by Fawaz Mohsin.

, Filed Under: 2018, austin

First Social Events and Adventures in Austin

The first week of the program held many beginnings – the start of our research experience, meeting new people and exploring a new environment. I’ve never been to Austin – I didn’t think I would like the heat and humidity, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Austin reminds me a lot of Central America, mainly the weather, and it brings good memories to the forefront – inspires me to get out of my comfort zone.

Photo of the fountain in front of the UT Tower
View of the Littlefield Fountain in front of the Main Building Tower

It takes me a while to open up to new people, I like to be on my own, exploring and walking around campus, getting a sense of what is around me. The good thing is that everyone is so nice, it makes it easier to work up the nerve to talk and

we all have at least one thing in common – all of us are Summer Scholars

We bonded over playing ultimate football – think ultimate frisbee but with a football – in 100 degree weather and we all made it through boot camp with introductions to Wet Lab, Microscopy and MATLAB.

 

view of the Texas Capitol building
State of Texas Capitol

I like to think as the days go by, we’ll learn new things about each other and in the process learn about what we want to do with our growing research experience.

Photo of the UT Football stadium
Darryl K. Royal Texas Football Stadium

 

-Alex Zaharan, University of Pittsburg