Get to Know Emily
Emily Perez always loved biology and knew before graduating high school that they wanted to pursue a career in the field. As they searched for the right place to continue their education, finding a university with a strong focus on microbiology proved challenging. That changed when they discovered that UT San Antonio offered a microbiology and immunology program and strongly encouraged undergraduate research, an opportunity that made it feel like the right fit.
Finding Belonging
At UT San Antonio, Emily felt welcomed among their peers as a queer Hispanic person and supported by the university. They joined the Honors College, giving them access to more resources, mentors and a tight-knit community within the broader campus community. On campus they became a member of the American Society for Microbiology UT San Antonio chapter and served as the organization’s secretary. Emily’s involvement on campus enabled them to develop important soft skills that proved useful in their academic and professional pursuits.
Engaging in Research
As a member of the Honors College, they had access to resources like exclusive scholarships and more opportunities for internships. They also became a member of the ESTEEMED program. Though recently discontinued, the program greatly assisted students like Emily in finding their footing in the world of research. The program provided a summer bootcamp that served as their introduction to research, and they later joined Dr. Soo Chan Lee’s lab during their first year where they studied fungi and its relationship to public health. They had the opportunity to present their research at multiple undergraduate research showcases, an effective way to round out their professional development. They graduated UT San Antonio having plenty of experience to prepare them for their desired career as a researcher.
"[UT San Antonio] is very student-centered and wants to lift up student voices and really make an impact in the community."
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