The International NeuroHIV Cure Consortium is proud to host talented undergraduates and high school students in our inaugural Summer Mentee Program.
Summer 2021 Mentees
Julian Pacheco at OHSU with Dr Lydie Trautmann
A graduate of Portland State University, Julian Pacheco originally pursued a career in conservation. During his time as a Wildlife Technician for the Bureau of Land Management, he found his interests growing in new directions and discovered a passion for computer science, particularly bioinformatics. Julian took the leap and enrolled in the Bioscience Technology Program at Portland Community College (PCC). Julian learned of this INHCC internship through an advisor at PCC and he knew this would be a great opportunity to learn from a team highly revered in the research community and with a diverse wealth of experience. He hopes to build on knowledge and experience in opportunities such as this summer program, as he aims for graduate studies in Bioinformatics at the University of Oregon or at OHSU.
Ruth Esmeralda Javier Ramirez at OHSU with Dr Lydie Trautmann
A Bioscience Major at Portland Community College (PCC), Ruth Esmeralda Javier Ramirez (known as Esmey) wanted to join the INHCC summer program because of her interest in the research work at OHSU that she learned of while reading the post for this opportunity. Vaccine therapy and virology are her favorite subjects and she is excited to learn more about how researchers are working on finding a vaccine for HIV. Esmey hopes to continue her education at OHSU to become a research scientist. She would be thrilled to have the opportunity to work in one of these research programs at OHSU one day.
A Bioscience Major at Portland Community College (PCC), Ruth Esmeralda Javier Ramirez (known as Esmey) wanted to join the INHCC summer program because of her interest in the research work at OHSU that she learned of while reading the post for this opportunity. Vaccine therapy and virology are her favorite subjects and she is excited to learn more about how researchers are working on finding a vaccine for HIV. Esmey hopes to continue her education at OHSU to become a research scientist. She would be thrilled to have the opportunity to work in one of these research programs at OHSU one day.
Jocelyn Ramirez at Yale University with Dr Serena Spudich
Jocelyn Ramirez is a rising senior at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Connecticut. A member of Yale Pathways to Science who has participated in various programs like Brain Education Day and Girl Science Investigation. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Class of 2022 Treasurer. Her interest in neuroscience began in middle school, when she branched out to different programs and events related to neuroscience. After she graduates high school, she plans on going to college to major in a STEM field.
Jocelyn Ramirez is a rising senior at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Connecticut. A member of Yale Pathways to Science who has participated in various programs like Brain Education Day and Girl Science Investigation. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Class of 2022 Treasurer. Her interest in neuroscience began in middle school, when she branched out to different programs and events related to neuroscience. After she graduates high school, she plans on going to college to major in a STEM field.
Daiana Vasquez Bracero at Yale University with Dr Serena Spudich
Daiana C. Vazquez Bracero graduated from Hill Regional Career High School in the spring of 2021 and will be attending Quinnipiac University this fall as a Health Science Major working toward entry into the pre-med program. Throughout her high school years, Daiana participated in various health and science programs, building her knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body and the various careers in medicine. One of the programs she enjoyed the most was the Yale Simulation Lab, where she was familiarized to suturing, intubating, inserting IVs, and ultrasounds. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree, she plans to continue her career by studying medicine and pursuing a PhD. As an INHCC intern, she is interested in learning from a variety of accomplished researchers and having a closer look at the work of a research scientist.
Daiana C. Vazquez Bracero graduated from Hill Regional Career High School in the spring of 2021 and will be attending Quinnipiac University this fall as a Health Science Major working toward entry into the pre-med program. Throughout her high school years, Daiana participated in various health and science programs, building her knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body and the various careers in medicine. One of the programs she enjoyed the most was the Yale Simulation Lab, where she was familiarized to suturing, intubating, inserting IVs, and ultrasounds. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree, she plans to continue her career by studying medicine and pursuing a PhD. As an INHCC intern, she is interested in learning from a variety of accomplished researchers and having a closer look at the work of a research scientist.
Abigail Ramirez at Weill Cornell Medical Center with Dr Lishomwa Ndhlovu
Abigail Ramirez attends Hunter College High School in New York. Abigail applied for this Summer Mentee program to learn more about virology and to better understand the scientific research process. She aims to reduce inequities in US healthcare that people of color face. By learning more about HIV research & eradication efforts through this summer program, she hopes to better understand how to contribute in reducing the racial disparity found in US healthcare. Abigail wishes to study public health and anthropology for undergraduate studies, followed by epidemiology in post-graduate work. Ultimately, Abigail hopes to work toward reducing maternal mortality rates for black women, which is twice as large as rates among most other races. She envisions working in public health and/or reproductive health organizations to meet this challenge. Among many quotes that inspire her, Angela Davis’ “I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I’m changing the things I cannot accept” is a favorite motivator.
Abigail Ramirez attends Hunter College High School in New York. Abigail applied for this Summer Mentee program to learn more about virology and to better understand the scientific research process. She aims to reduce inequities in US healthcare that people of color face. By learning more about HIV research & eradication efforts through this summer program, she hopes to better understand how to contribute in reducing the racial disparity found in US healthcare. Abigail wishes to study public health and anthropology for undergraduate studies, followed by epidemiology in post-graduate work. Ultimately, Abigail hopes to work toward reducing maternal mortality rates for black women, which is twice as large as rates among most other races. She envisions working in public health and/or reproductive health organizations to meet this challenge. Among many quotes that inspire her, Angela Davis’ “I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I’m changing the things I cannot accept” is a favorite motivator.
