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Itzel Vazquez

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Itzel Vazquez is a Molecular and Cell Biology major at UC San Diego, committed to advancing diversity and representation in STEM. As a PATHS Scholar and participant in the Research & Methodology Lab Program at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy, she has developed foundational laboratory skills including accurate pipetting, equipment handling, and safety procedures. Her leadership experience throughout high school spanned roles such as Vice President of FIND Youth Advisory Commission and Key Club, where she coordinated community service initiatives and managed teams of 20+ volunteers. Driven by empathy and community impact, Itzel continues to build her leadership through UCSD’s Connected Leadership Training Program while gaining hands‑on experience as a volunteer in the Rosenfeld Lab. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and passionate about pursuing research opportunities that support underserved communities in science.

Education

University of California-San Diego

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Minors:
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

La Quinta High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Biotechnology

    • Dream career goals:

      Itzel aspires a career in interventional radiology, a field that blends imaging, precision, and minimally invasive procedures to improve patient outcomes. Her interest in this specialty aligns with her strengths in hands‑on problem‑solving, attention to detail, and her commitment to expanding access to high‑quality care for underserved communities.

      Sports

      Swimming

      Junior Varsity
      2022 – 20231 year

      Research

      • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

        Rosenfeld Lab — Volunteer/Assistant
        2026 – Present
      • Medicine

        Personal — I created a TikTok account and share medical research I have discovered to the world.
        2024 – Present

      Arts

      • LQHS Choir

        Performance Art
        2022 – 2024

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Personal — Babysitter
        2023 – Present
      • Volunteering

        Amelia Earhart — Tutor
        2023 – 2024

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Entrepreneurship

      Castillo Scholarship
      Winner
      Charles Darwin once stated, “It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent of species that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change.” My mother is one of the most adaptable beings I know. She adapted to the fact that she would be diabetic and anemic for the rest of her life when she gave birth to me. She adapted to the stares and whispers she would get because of her race. She adapted to the hateful remarks she would get because of her accent. She adapted because she had no other choice. When I was born, my mother told me to never let anyone oppress my dreams. My mother comes from Mexico, a place where plenty of dreams are oppressed. She came to the United States at the age of 17, without an education or money. The woman who gave me life, a happy childhood, and care is the reason I am where I am today. I work hard to not only accomplish my dreams, but hers as well. She didn’t experience a childhood so I experienced one for her. She didn’t go to high school, so I went for her. When I was at my lowest she would be right next to me, guiding me towards the right path. My mother suffered so I could succeed, and with that I built my confidence. I have confidence that I will make a difference in the world because I am just as worthy as anybody else. I will do it for my mother who came with nothing but gave me everything. Going back on my timeline, I witnessed my mother's struggle with diabetes and anemia. Watching her work through the daily complexities of managing these chronic conditions was horrifying for a child like myself to see. Due to my mothers inability to speak the English language I would attend all of my mother’s hospital visits as her translator. I saw how nurses would get frustrated with my mother because she couldn’t explain herself in English. I remember how I struggled to explain healthcare terminology to my mother. For individuals with limited English proficiency, such as my mother, navigating the complex medical system is an immense obstacle, from scheduling appointments and understanding insurance coverage to communicating with doctors and pharmacists. I witnessed my mothers pain and embarrassment at not being able to speak a foreign language. Without access to qualified interpreters or translated resources, patients like my mother are at a severe disadvantage, often unable to fully articulate their symptoms, understand diagnosis and treatment plans, or ask critical questions. Ultimately, my goal would be to create a healthcare system that is truly universal. One where high-quality medical care is available to everyone, regardless of their income, location, or language. A healthier, more equitable society benefits us all, and I am deeply committed to making that vision a reality. Her struggles inspired me to pursue a STEM major, a dream that will not be oppressed.