user profile avatar

Samantha Tamayo

1,935

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

As a student with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, I am committed to furthering my education and impact in the healthcare field. Being bilingual in English and Spanish positions me to help bridge language gaps and serve diverse, under-resourced communities. My academic and personal journey has been shaped by a passion for education, science, and service. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in chemistry research aimed at mitigating coastal erosion by evaluating recycled glass sand as a sustainable coastal restoration material. After graduation, I volunteered in a medical mission trip to Guatemala, serving as an English-Spanish translator for a team of doctors and medical students established in Dallas, TX. That experience solidified my desire to make a direct, meaningful difference in people’s lives through healthcare. Later, I contributed to cancer research in a molecular biology lab that focuses on cancer treatment pathways and their effects on cancerous cells. My mentors and coworkers have showed me value of collaboration and innovation. Today, I’m back in school as a Doctor of Optometry student, determined to provide high-quality, compassionate care. I hope to use my skills to address healthcare disparities and break language barriers; I aim to learn, grow, and influence those around me while giving back to the communities that shaped me.

Education

University of the Incarnate Word

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Optometry
  • GPA:
    3.5

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • GPA:
    3.5

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

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

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Optometry

    • Dream career goals:

      Doctor

    • Research Assistant

      The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
      2023 – 20252 years

    Research

    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Research Assistant
      2024 – 2025
    • Chemistry

      The Unversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Research Assistant
      2023 – 2024

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Pre-Optometry Society — President/Historian
      2022 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Worlwide As One — English-Spanish Translator
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Samantha Tamayo Student Profile | Bold.org