Members

Myrine Barreiro-Arevalo, D3

“I’m Myrine Barreiro-Arevalo, a 3rd year PhD candidate at UTRGV in the Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications degree program. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Statistics at UTRGV, as well as my Masters in Applied Statistics and Data Science where my thesis focused on machine learning modeling for disease state predictions. I am currently working on coupling autocatalytic cycling with growth and non-genetic replication and heredity. When I’m not stuck in the lab, I’m out traveling the world! This past summer, I was in Japan at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at Tokyo Institute of Technology for the summer.”

Member since Fall 2023.

• LinkedIn
• Google

Mauricio Berazaluce, D1

“My name is Mauricio Berazaluce Lopez, and I’m a 1st year PhD student in the Material Science & Engineering degree program here at UTRGV. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemistry with a minor in Geology at UTRGV, during which I focused on the Synthesis of Iron-sulfides under prebiotic conditions using a Glovebox and varying degassing methods.”

Member since Fall 2023.

Gabriella Garza, M2

“Hey there, I’m Gabriella Garza, but you can call me Gabby. I’m a second-year master’s student in biology. I received my bachelor’s degree in the same field with a minor in environmental science at UTRGV. Currently, I’m a research assistant for Dr. Eloi Camprubi, working on my master’s thesis. My research focuses on origins of life, specifically the polymerization of organics on mineral surfaces during the Hadean eon. When I’m not diving into ancient biogeochemistry, you’ll find me gaming, singing, swimming, exploring nature or hanging out with kitties!”

Member since Spring 2023.

Ilankuzhali Elavarasan, M1

“Hey, y’all! I’m Ilankuzhali Elavarasan from India and everyone calls me Ilan. I joined a master’s in Chemistry program at UTRGV in Spring 2024. Before moving to the US, I worked in the aerospace industry in India after completing my undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering. I worked for the Indian Space Research Organisation on the first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, as a research assistant for my last job. Currently, at UTRGV,  I am focusing on building the planetary simulator, Boreas, to simulate icy moon chemistry and its implications for astrobiology. I love reading, dancing, and cooking. I love exploring new places and am keen on exploring Texas and envisioning touring the States!”

Member since Spring 2024.

• LinkedIn

Andrea Aldaba, M1

“I’m Andrea A., a 1st year Masters student at UTRGV in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program. I completed my undergraduate degree at The University of New Mexico. My B.S. is in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and a second degree in Evolutionary Anthropology. My hobbies include reading fiction novels, makeup, and playing any Nintendo Mario game on my Switch.”

Member since Summer 2024.

• LinkedIn

Kiara Garduno Perez, B4

“I’m Kiara G., a 4th year undergraduate student at UTRGV in the Biology degree program with a concentration in Biological Science with a minor in Astronomy. I have completed an associate’s degree in Science of Biology. I am currently working on the alternative “lipid world” theory by studying fatty acids spontaneously forming a lipid bilayer protocell in specific conditions. Also, doing optical follow-up observations on GRB, supernovae, binary collisions and black hole mergers using a 17″ planewave refractor telescope to analyze gravitational wave events. In my free time I love exercising, playing video games and reading.”

Member since Fall 2023.

Dulce Castillo, B2

“I’m Dulce Castillo, a 2nd year undergraduate student  in the Chemistry degree program at UTRGV. I am currently working with Mauricio and Gabby on the synthesis of iron-sulfides under anoxic conditions using a Glovebox and degassing methods. In my spare time, I like to play video games, draw, read either Absurdist or Philosophical Fiction, making music and watching Motorsports.”

Member since Spring 2024.

David Segovia, PB

“Hello, I’m David, a post-bacc student with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. I am currently working with Myrine on the heredity in protocells project. My plan for the future is to be a practicing trauma surgeon. My interests are medicine, space, business and physics.”

Member since Fall 2024.

Kaelyn L, B4

“Hi, I’m Kaelyn! I am a 4th-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in biological sciences. I am currently working with Ilan on building the planetary simulator, Boreas, which will be used to simulate the surface of Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. While I am still exploring the specific area of research I want to focus on, I plan to continue working in research after completing both my undergraduate and graduate studies. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, doing arts and crafts, playing RPG video games, and collecting insects.”

Member since Fall 2024.

Mikaela Johnson, B4

“Hi! My name is Mikaela Johnson and I am a 4th year undergrad at UTRGV. I am at UTRGV to complete my Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I have already obtained an associate’s degree in Biology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Mathematics and Science Academy. In the lab, I have been working on creating a C-type meteorite stimulant consisting of substituted, non-toxic organics. I also work with Boreas, under my graduate mentor, to simulate Europa’s non-habitable environment. Ranging intensity and temperature helps us understand how these organic molecules react in extreme conditions. My future goal is to attend medical school immediately after graduation, a second option for me would be pharmacy school to acquire a PhD. Outside of the lab I love gaming and reading comic books! I also spend a lot of my free time tutoring in organic chemistry or shadowing at DHR.”

Member since Fall 2024.

Nolan Salinas, B3

“Hey, I’m Nolan Salinas! I’m a First-Time Junior at UTRGV pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Biology. I’m currently researching ATP polymerization in underwater hydrothermal vents via a pH gradient with Gabriella for her Master’s Thesis. I’m completely new to Astrobiochemistry, and have found origin-of-life research very interesting. I plan on pursuing medical school once I graduate with my dual degree. My two favorite things in the world are theatre and organic chemistry.”

Member since Fall 2024.

Leah Adame, B1

“Hello, my name is Leah Adame. I am currently collaborating with Mauricio on a project focused on developing nanosensor particles for detecting respirable lunar dust. I hold an Associate of Science degree from South Texas College (STC) and am pursuing a major in Integrated Health Science with a minor in Business. I am also a Luminary Scholar here at UTRGV. My future goal is to attend medical school. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, reading, writing, and learning something new every day. I am a first-year student in the lab, eager to contribute and grow in this exciting environment.”

Member since Fall 2024.