2019 Scholars
Alexa Frei
Mentor: Ann V. Griffith, PhD
Champion High School
Alexa dedicates her time to personal, professional and academic development. She has presented posters on bullying and cyberbullying, participated in HOSA and currently serves as a science peer tutor. As a participant, Alexa has been involved with the UT Health Public Health Camp. In her spare time, Alexa volunteers for local organizations.
Dorian Chavez
Mentor: Gangadhara R. Sareddy, PhD
Brackenridge High School
While maintaining a high grade point average and serving as the current valedictorian of his class, Dorian choses to participate in many extracurricular activities. He is in Upward Bound and serves on the Student Council. As a committee chairperson in Upward Bound, Dorian states that he has become a leader at his school, while student council has allowed him to showcase his creativity and school spirit.
Estephanie Diaz-Montoya
Mentor: Danet Lapiz-Bluhm, PhD, RN, MSCI
STEM Early College High School
With nearly a perfect GPA, Estephanie is enrolled in all honors, Pre-AP and AP courses at STEM Early College High School. Estephanie has a passion for all areas of science. She is a member of the FRC Robotics and BEST Robotics teams. She states that being a member of these organizations has allowed her to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Jozlyn Vazquez-Salinas
Mentor: Jennifer Sharpe Potter, PhD, MPH
Fox Tech High School
As a Fox Tech High School student, Jozlyn is a member of their swim team. She states that participating in sports has taught her the value of dedication and perseverance. She is an active member in the Academic Decathlon.
Laura Beuhler
Mentor: Hye Young Lee, PhD
Alamo Heights High School
Laura has continued to remain active in many activities since middle school. These activities have led to her growth in high school societies and clubs. Laura is a member in the Young Democrats Club, National Spanish Honor Society, United Methodist Church Youth Group, SASL Symphony Belle Program and Rocketry Program. She is also the Alamo Heights Science Olympiad Team Captain and a member of the Spurs Varsity Dance Team.
Leah Gomez
Mentor: Ratna K. Vadlamudi, PhD
St. Mary’s Hall
Leah is involved in academics, extracurricular and volunteering activities. At St. Mary’s Hall, she is on the Speech, Debate and JV Soccer team. In a leadership role, Leah was elected to serve as the Community Service Council Sophomore Class Representative. She is a member of the Bishop’s Chapel Society and is a Baron Ambassador. In her free time, Leah volunteers at a variety of organizations, such as UHS and SNIPSA.
Leilani Peter
Mentor: Brij B. Singh, PhD
STEM Academy @ Lee
Leilani is in the Math Honor Society and serving as a math tutor for her peers. Additionally, she is in the Orchestra, serving as the Historian. She is an active member of HOSA and recently competed in the Biomedical Laboratory Science category. Leilani received a full Academic Achievement Scholarship to study advanced sciences at the University of Cambridge through Oxbridge Academic Programs, where she received an award for Most Outstanding Molecular Biology Pupil.
Miranda Gonzalez
Mentor: Bess Frost, PhD
Judson Early College Academy
Miranda thoroughly enjoys volunteering her time with the Adopt-A-Highway Program, the “Little Library” in Via Coronado and as a junior volunteer at UHS. She also volunteers with Wreaths Across America, the SA Food Bank, the Seguin Public Library, and the SA Animal Defense League. At school, Miranda is active in NHS, UIL Calculator Applications, and serves as the President of JECA Cooking Club.
Nicholas Long
Mentor: Swati Banerjee, PhD
Canyon High School
Nicholas is in active member at his church, serving on the student leadership team. Through his church, he has serviced on multiple mission trips. Additionally, Nicholas is a part of the Canyon HOSA club and baseball team. He has also attended Duke Talent Identification Program sessions. Nicholas is trained in the arts and has been studying piano for twelve years.
Sasha Tunsiricharoengul
Mentor: Patrick Sung, PhD
BASIS-Shavano
Sasha is the founder of the HOSA chapter at BASIS. She competes in the Biomedical Laboratory Science event and as member of the debate team. Sasha is a member of Girls Learn International. She volunteers at a local hospice facility where she documents patient stories, serving as a legacy writer. Additionally, she volunteers at UHS as a Junior Volunteer, tutors at a local refugee shelter and as a counselor at Camp CAMP. She is a selected delegate for the Commission of the Status of Women where she will have the opportunity to voice her views at the UN headquarters. She has played the piano for 12 years and has had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall.
Selena Flores
Mentor: Bertha “Penny” Flores, PhD, RN, MSCI
Travis Early College High School
Selena has a passion for organizations that focus on female empowerment and global awareness. Respectively, she serves as a member of Gamma Sigma Girls and Girl Up. Selena also participates in the academic decathlon and Mu Alpha Theta. She states that her involvement with these programs has allowed her to develop her communication and collaboration skills.
Shreya Dheenan
Mentor: David S. Libich, PhD
Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Shreya is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, The Programming club, the Robotics Team, the National Hispanic Institute, and the Students Demand Action Group which advocates for gun sense laws. In leadership roles, she serves as President of Student Council and Secretary of the Science National Honor Society. Shreya also participates in the Junior Academy of Science Fair and Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
Sreeram Pasupuleti
Mentor: Panneerdoss Subbarayalu, PhD
Health Careers High School
Sreeram serves as the president of HOSA chapter and a Youth Ambassador for Health Careers. He has volunteered over 440 hours over the span of 18 months, including working at the San Antonio Food Bank, as a Counselor at Camp CAMP, at the Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, and with Kinetic Kids. Sreeram is ranked as an Eagle Scout, the highest rank achievable by a Boy Scout.