2021-22 McNair Scholars

Leen Abbas

Leen Abbas

Integrative Physiology
Biography: Leen is originally from Sudan but has called Colorado home since 2016. She is completing her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Integrative physiology while conducting research at the Sleep and Development Lab . Her current research interests are about sleep and circadian health in children. She will be completing her Master’s degree at CU Boulder in Integrative Physiology in Fall 2022. When she's not in school, she loves to bake,...
Natalie Alvarado

Natalie Alvarado

Environmental Engineering
Biography: Natalie Alvarado is a Latina, first-generation college student completing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. While at CU, Natalie was involved in many research projects including space research at Colorado Space Grant Consortium, plant sensor research with Dr. Robert McLeod’s group at CU, and renewable energy research with Dr. Jason Quinn at Colorado State University. Natalie’s overall...
Daniel Gutierrez-Mendoza

Daniel Gutierrez-Mendoza

Aerospace Engineering
Biography: Daniel was born and raised in Mexico City, where he attended high school and dreamed of someday becoming a rocket scientist or a spacecraft designer. At age 17 he moved to Boulder to purse an Aerospace Engineering degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating this May 2022. He plans to pursue a masters degree in aerospace engineering. When Daniel is not in school or doing research, he...
Austin Katzer

Austin Katzer

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Biography: Austin is from Plano, Texas and has an extensive research background ranging from environmental toxicology to Evo-Devo research.He will pursue a PhD at Stanford University doing research in Genetics and Developmental Biology. He has found a passion for these areas and is excited to start grad school! Research: Understanding the Establishment of twist Neural Crest Gene Regulatory Systems and Their Evolutionary Significance in Chordates Research Faculty Mentor: Dr. Daniel...
Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez

Political Science & Ethnic Studies
Biography: Maria is a Latina first generation student graduating with a bachelor's degree in Political science and Ethnic Studies. Along with two minors in multicultural leadership and Women & Gender Studies. She is also a part of the Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program (MASP), McNeill Student success program, and Multicultural Leadership Scholars program During her undergraduate career she was able to take part in two research projects, present at conferences,...
Sofia Martinez-Castillo

Sofia Martinez-Castillo

Mathematics & Economics
Biography: Sofia Martinez-Castillo is a first-generation college student from Colorado. She is studying mathematics and economics. She is also working as a learning assistant in math for the Student Academic Success Center. She plans on attending Colorado School of Mines in the fall for a PhD in Applied Mathematics. Research: Her research interests lie within mathematical biology and computational mathematics. My recent project was working on the SIR model for...
Rocio Monroy-Tello

Rocio Monroy-Tello

Molecular • Cellular • and Developmental Biology
Biography: Rocio is a senior MCDB major from Denver, CO and is also getting a Certificate of Public Health. Her future endeavors are to get a Masters of Public Health in the Environmental and Occupational Health Department from the Colorado School of Public Health and then pursue medical school. Since summer of 2021, she has been in the Root Lab in the Neuroscience and Psychology Department at CU Boulder where...
Sofi Ozambela

Sofia Ozambela

Creative Technology & Design
Biography: Sofia is an engineer, artist, and designer. If she had to give herself one title for the rest of her life, it might be a "doer" because of her diverse interests, her love for learning, and her desire to do new things. In spring of 2022, She will graduate with a B.S. from the Creative Design and Technology (CTD) program in the school of Engineering at CU Boulder. Before...
Joaquin Ramirez

Joaquin Ramirez

Aerospace Engineering
Biography: Joaquin Ramirez became enamored by space in his early childhood. Inspired by the beauty of the cosmos and yearning to one day reach them himself, Ramirez graduates with a bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering as he takes one step closer to the stars. Joaquin is the first-ever in his family to graduate college. Joaquin is excited to intern as a systems engineer for Sierra Space this summer, where he will...