ANA-LAURA TAMEZ
High School: Science Academy of South Texas
Hometown: Pharr, TX
Driven by a deep sense of curiosity and a profound commitment to research, Ana-Laura Tamez does not simply aspire to a career in healthcare and science; she already has one. The young healthcare professional has already contributed to advanced healthcare research, working as a lab researcher and hospital extern. Her research has led her to diverse labs and studies, including cardiovascular, neuromuscular, microbiology, genetic testing, and more. As if her research efforts weren’t enough, Ana-Laura also volunteers with her local library, school, and church.
This young Latina of Mexican descent maintains a 4.0 GPA, taking as many advanced placement courses as possible. Her transcript showcases straight As across 17 AP classes, including Biology, Physics, and Psychology. Yet, this coursework failed to satisfy her thirst for a challenge. In ninth grade, Ana-Laura began contributing to scientific research—initially with oncologists conducting gene research on breast cancer. A year later, she interned at her local hospital, encountering patients with neuromuscular challenges, which inspired further research.
In addition to her early contributions to cancer research, Ana-Laura investigated the effects of lead toxicity on gene expression in Hispanic populations within Texas counties in partnership with Texas A&M University-College Station. She also earned the Yale Science & Engineering Award for research on the effects of microgravity on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), leading to a first-place win in Translational Medicine at the Rio Grande Valley Science Fair. This achievement propelled her and her team to compete in the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. Her research has been diverse and acclaimed, receiving awards from Rice University and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for her university research presentations.
Following her father's diagnosis with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), Ana-Laura leveraged her research and networking skills to seek information and healthcare professionals to expand her knowledge of the condition. Identifying a gap in the literature related to biomarkers, she developed a paper under the mentorship of cardiology professors, currently in review with a national journal.
Ana-Laura's project “Xenophobia Moderates the Relationship Between Diagnosed Pre-COVID Anxiety Disorders and COVID-19 Related Anxiety,” earned her a 2nd Place Award in Social & Behavioral Sciences at the UT Rio Grande Valley Regional Science Fair, qualifying her for this year's Texas Science Fair. In preparation for this upcoming state competition, she has been studying COVID-19 related anxiety in Hispanic populations.
Currently, Ana-Laura is also conducting ongoing type 2 diabetes research at the UT Rio Grande Valley and is working alongside Dr. Seratna Guadarrama Beltran at the same institution while studying solutions to combat the production of a specific bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) aboard the International Space Station. With this research, she will be competing at the 2024 NASA HUNCH challenge this month.
Moreover, Ana-Laura has been selected as one of 20 undergraduate students from the US to work at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas as part of their UPWARDS research training initiative. This exceptional opportunity, granted even before she officially becomes an undergraduate, will allow her to conduct hands-on research with faculty members, complete service activities, and participate in network engagements this summer.
This fall, Ana-Laura is set to begin her studies in cellular and molecular biology at Stanford University, Yale University, or Harvard College, marking the next chapter in her journey of scientific discovery and contribution.
