Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Meet Mia Rodriguez, an outstanding UNT student who is graduating with high honors for her biology degree this fall.

Meet Mia Rodriguez, an outstanding UNT student who is graduating with high honors for her biology degree this fall. Mia recently attended the 2024 NDiSTEM Conference hosted by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), where she also received an Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation for her work. 

Mia Rodriguez“I loved my experience at SACNAS! It was a warm community of scientists from diverse backgrounds, and I met some amazing role models and fellow students,” she said. “This was my first time presenting at an in-person scientific conference and I feel very honored and grateful to win an award and represent UNT!” 

The award-winning research she presented at SACNAS was conducted over the summer as part of a research internship at UT Southwestern, where she worked in a cancer metabolism laboratory investigating how mitochondrial processes are linked to cell function and fitness. 

“Our research has the potential to inform treatments for a range of diseases linked to altered metabolism,” said Mia. “At the conference, my poster captured the attention of many fellow students and scientists, many of whom expressed interest in seeing how our work develops in the future.” 

Prior to her internship, Mia worked with UNT faculty Dr. Lee Hughes as a part of the Student Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomic (SEA-PHAGES) program. 

“In the PHAGES program, I discovered my passion for biological research, which inspired me to look for more research opportunities,” said Mia. Since that first research experience, Mia said she feels very fortunate for the many outstanding mentors who have encouraged her along the way. 

"Dr. Alam has been a great role model and strongly encouraged me to apply for summer research programs,” she said. “Jose Robledo, President of the SACNAS UNT Chapter, encouraged me to apply for a SACNAS Travel Scholarship and helped me write my personal statement. I deeply appreciate the genuine commitment to my success that I have experienced from all my mentors, both at UNT and UT.” 

Mia is set to walk the commencement stage this week and plans to continue to be active with SACNAS and pursue a career in research.