Hillary was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2021 at New Mexico State University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Her dissertation focuses on developing small volume (nL – uL) exosome assays, utilizing and refining an in-lab-designed 3D-printed instrument for Taylor dispersion analysis. The exosome assays will then be applied to understand the role of exosome secretion in neurodegenerative disorders, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. The ultimate goal of her research is to measure the release of exosomes that carry characteristic membrane proteins such as CD9, CD63, and/or CD81 from mouse hypothalamic tissue slices cultured ex vivo in a microfluidic perfusion device designed and developed by her lab. Following the completion of her Ph.D., Hillary wants to pursue a postdoc in medical research. In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike and spending time with her family.

Mentor: Dr. Peter Smoak, Kinesiology

Co-Mentor: Dr. Ivette Guzman, Plant & Environmental Sciences

My name is David Castillo, and I am from Vail, Colorado. I hold a bachelor’s in Sport and Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition, and a master’s in Exercise Physiology from the University of Northern Colorado. During my graduate studies, I had the privilege of interning at the University’s Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, where I gained valuable insights into exercise interventions and their positive impact on patients' quality of life. Therefore, my research interest lies in exploring immune responses of cancer and diabetes patients following exercise and dietary interventions, with a focus on underlying pathways. Currently, I work with Dr. Smoak on his research regarding inflammation regulation in pancreatic β-cells. Following graduation, I plan to pursue a postdoc in biochemistry and rehabilitation medicine and then an academic teaching and research position. Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with my family, friends, and four-legged son Hulk.

 Isela Garcia, MPH

Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Palacios, Public Health Sciences

Co-Mentor: Dr. Merranda Romero Marin, Human Development & Family Science

Isela Garcia is a native fronteriza - she grew up in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, then studied, worked, and lived in El Paso, TX, and Las Cruces, NM. Ms. Garcia is currently a student in the inaugural class of the Health Equity Sciences PhD program at NMSU and the graduate certificate program in Borderlands and Ethnic Studies. Her research interest is advancing equitable health promotion for Hispanic/Latine, borderland, and rural populations. Primarily, Isela’s research focuses on the cultural adaptation of evidence-based interventions for cancer-diagnosed young Latina mothers from the borderlands. As part of the Socio-Cultural and Behavioral Sciences concentration, Ms. Garcia’s research will focus on the cultural aspect of health equity as she continues collaborating in interdisciplinary research with investigators from NMSU and other institutions in the US and abroad. Once she is Dr. Garcia, Isela’s goal is to lead community-based research that would advance health equity in Hispanic/Latine populations, ideally in a Hispanic-serving institution where she can mentor future Hispanic/Latine researchers. To unwind from her doctoral student life, Isela enjoys working on crochet, embroidery, or building Lego sets in the company of her two black cats.          

Hello! I am Hailey Luker, I am from the small “quaint” town of Alamogordo. I have been in Las Cruces since 2017 and am in love with the great view of the Organ mountains that I get to see every day. I got my Bachelor of Science in Biology and my Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology in 2021. After graduation, I promptly delved into scientific research in Dr. Immo Hansen’s Molecular Vector Physiology Laboratory, where I am currently working as a Ph.D. candidate/graduate student. My research focuses on arthropod vector olfaction and mosquito nutrient signaling and reproduction. I am passionate about scientific research, and I love working on the bench. After I receive my Ph. D. in Biology with an emphasis in Cell and Organismal Biology, I plan to do a post-doc that will allow me to continue molecular research.

Priscila Navarrete

My name is Priscila Navarrete and I am from El Paso, Texas; however, I grew up in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. I received my bachelor's in biology with a minor in chemistry from New Mexico State University. My interest in developmental biology came from gaining hands on experience in a microbiology lab during my undergraduate senior year. I had the opportunity to work with Physella acuta mitohaplotypes with different invasive abilities where a partner and I were able to determine if there was a difference in fecundity and survivability between the two. My research now as a graduate student focuses on oocyte maturation, more specifically cellular mechanics in the developing embryo within echinoderms. My ultimate goal after receiving my PhD is to become an embryologist with a clinical focus. I would like to secure a position that allows me to further develop my research skills and expertise while focusing on procedures like IVF, genetic testing, and embryo transfers within fertility clinics. Some fun facts about me are that I love coffee, I enjoy taking roadtrips, and my favorite color is pink.

My name is Jaxon Salazar, and I come from a small village in Northern New Mexico called Dixon. In 2022, after completing my studies in Las Vegas, NM, I relocated to Las Cruces. My academic journey began during college, where I decided to use my knowledge to make a lasting impact on the world through scientific discovery and research.  I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from NMHU in 2020, a significant milestone coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. Subsequently, I pursued my master's degree but soon discovered a passion for leading my own research and lab. This led me to transition to a PhD program at NMSU.  My current research focuses on Neprilysin, a metallopeptidase that cleaves peptide hormones, and its relationship with immunity and cancer. I am investigating whether a specific mutated form of Neprilysin can enhance immunity and its potential correlation with cisplatin resistance. Upon completing my PhD, I aspire to continue my academic journey by becoming a professor, establishing my own research lab, and mentoring future scientists. A fun fact about me is I love Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.

I was born in Eagle Pass, TX but grew up in the Navajo Nation near Gallup, NM. I obtained my B.S. in Biochemistry degree from NMSU the spring of 2024. My work involves the investigation of nitrosyl-Cerium complexes. Nitrosyl is a well-known ligand for transition metals relevant to biological processes and nitrogen oxide pollution mitigation in catalytic converters. Cerium has recently been discovered to be biologically active in some bacteria and has a lowere toxicity dose than Iron. Fundamental research of Cerium Nitrosyl complexes can open the doors to medical and materials advancements.