Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Preparing the Next Generation of Innovative STEM Professionals
Overview
Research experiences are critical for undergraduate students to develop into innovative researchers and STEM professionals. Dr. Gerardo (Jerry) Lopez an Associate Professor/Extension Specialist STEM, Food Safety and Environmental Microbiology, at School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (ACBS) is committed to offering research opportunities to first-generation and underrepresented students. Students commit 9-hours/week to be in the laboratory conducting research, reading research articles, preparing posters, and PowerPoint presentations for lab seminars or conferences. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in ACBS 492 Directed Research. Dr. Lopez mentors and help students develop their Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) identity by collaborating and partnering with programs that have the same vision. Dr. Lopez is a faculty fellow for the Arizona, Science, Engineering, Math Scholars Program (ASEMS), College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES); the Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO), Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) a National Science Foundation (NSF), Arizona State University; and the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP). These research programs either provide student stipends, academic support and mentoring, or funding for research supplies. As an undergraduate research assistant, students become familiar with working in a lab setting, learning from peers, and gain the confident for completing their degrees. Students develop the laboratory and research skills to be competitive to enter the STEM workforce and applying to graduate school.
Current Graduate Student
Khai Truong
I am from Phoenix, Arizona and I am majoring in Microbiology. My future plan is to get into the Food Safety Industry after graduating in the spring of 2028. Joined the lab in the spring of 2022.
Cesily Cirerol
MS Microbiology, Major Advisor.
Kevin Dalson
Professional Science Masters (PSM),Applied Biosciences (ABS), Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (GIDP), Committee Member.
Kirat Khushwinder Bain
PhD Microbiology, Committee Member.
Richard Park
PhD Microbiology, Committee Member.
Luis Medina
Professional Science Masters (PSM),Applied Biosciences (ABS), Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (GIDP), Committee Member.
Current Undergraduate Students
Miely Alisha Suarez
I am from Douglas, Arizona and I am majoring in Microbiology and Spanish Translation and Interpretation. My future plan is to pursue a PhD program in Microbiology after graduation. In the future, I would like to serve communities in the field of STEM education equity. I am graduating in the Spring of 2024. Joined the lab in the spring of 2022.
Ximena German
I am from Tucson, Arizona and I am majoring in Microbiology and Pre-nursing. My future plans are to pursue a doctorate in Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. I am graduating in the spring of 2026. Joined the lab in the spring of 2023.
Avril Marien Perez
I am from Tucson, Arizona, and majoring in Microbiology. My future plan is to go to graduate school in the Health Sciences. I am graduating in the Spring of 2026. Joined the lab in the spring of 2023.
Alyssa M. Gregory
I am from Phoenix, Arizona and I am majoring in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Precision Nutrition, Physiology, and Medical Sciences. My future plans are to get a Master's in either Microbiology or biochemistry and then go to medical school! I am graduating in the spring of 2025. Joined the lab in the spring of 2023.
Chloe E. Wilcox
I am from Winslow, Arizona and I am majoring in Veterinary Science. My future plans are to apply to vet school and hopefully attend the vet school in Tucson. The semester that I am graduating is Spring 2025. Joined the lab in Spring of 2023.
Leila Carmelita Yazzie
I am from St. Michaels, Arizona and I am majoring in Sustainable Plant Systems, with an emphasis in Urban Horticulture. I plan to pursue a Masters degree in Environmental Science or Plant Pathology. Joined the lab in the fall of 2023
Scarlett Beltran Leon
I am a first-generation college student studying microbiology with a minor in applied biotechnology set to graduate Fall of 2024. I am from Tucson, Arizona and I aspire to pursue a career either as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or as a Researcher. Joined the lab in the fall of 2023.
Jessica J. Cruz
I am from Surprise Arizona, and am currently an undergraduate majoring in Veterinary Sciences with a minor in Biology. I plan to attend Veterinary School after graduation and either go into research or become a wildlife veterinarian. I will be graduating in the spring semester of 2026. Joined the lab in the fall of 2023.
Hannah Martinez
I was raised in Phoenix Arizona and moved to Tucson to major in Animal Science and minor in Plant Sciences. My plans are to study at the vet school at the University of Arizona, head to either Colorado or Texas or study out of the country. I am graduating in May 2024! Joined the lab in the fall of 2023.
Celina Olga Arredondo
I am from Tucson Arizona and double majoring in Veterinary Sciences and Microbiology at the University of Arizona. My future plans are to pursue a master's in microbiology at Colorado State University and then go to a veterinary school. I am graduating in May of 2024. Joined the lab in the Fall of 2023.
Previous Graduate Students
Aiden Foster
Ph.D. Environmental Science Committee Member, Minor Microbiology Advisor. Graduated Fall 2022.
Stephanie Arellano
MS Microbiology Committee Member. Graduated Fall 2020.
Mai Nguyen
Accelerated MS Microbiology, Major Advisor. Graduated BS Spring 2020.
Kaitlyn Benally
Accelerated MS Microbiology, Major Advisor. Graduated BS Spring 2019.
David Diaz
MS Molecular Cellular Biology (MCB0, Committee Member. Graduated Spring 2019.
Andie Sam Rodriguez
MA Art Visual Culture Education (AVCE), Internship Supervisor. Graduated Spring 2019.
Aishwarya Pradeep Rao
MS Microbiology, Committee Member. Graduated Spring 2019.
Daniela Cabrera
Professional Science Masters (PSM),Applied Biosciences (ABS), Industrial Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (GIDP), Major Advisor. Graduated Spring 2016
Liliana Onofre
PhD Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Committee Member. Graduated Fall 2016.
Previous Undergraduate Students
Jared Alvarez
Mikaela Rollins
Lauren Fullen
Cesily Cirerol
I am from Tucson Arizona majoring in Microbiology and currently a McNair Scholar. I plan to apply to graduate school and earn a Masters Degree in Microbiology. Graduating Spring 2021. Joined the Lopez Lab Summer of 2020.