This past summer, OLLU Biology major, Environmental Science and Sustainability minor, and TExAS FAST Scholar Alondra Garcia participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) through the Department of Pharmacology at UT Health San Antonio.
During the intensive 10-week program, Garcia gained hands-on laboratory experience in the research lab of Lynette Daws, Ph.D., professor of Cellular and Integrative Physiology at UT Health San Antonio. Working alongside researchers studying the brain, Garcia contributed to an ongoing pharmacology project and gained deeper insight into careers in biomedical research.
Garcia’s research focused on neurotransmitters and the brain’s response to amphetamine. Her work supported research aimed at improving understanding of—and developing treatments for—amphetamine use disorders. Through the experience, she strengthened her scientific research, critical-thinking and communication skills while growing as a future STEM professional.
Opportunities such as SURF allow OLLU Biology students to apply their classroom learning, gain meaningful research experience and explore the many career pathways available in science and health-related fields.
Hear Garcia describe her summer research experience in her own words by watching her video:
For more student stories, accomplishments and research experiences, visit the OLLU Department of Math and Science YouTube channel.