Valuable Experience: Gabriela Contreras

Gabriela Contreras learned quickly there is more to research than reading.

Contreras, 20, is a San Benito sophomore working on a bachelor’s degree in physics — specializing in biophysics — at the University of Texas at Brownsville. She credits her involvement in the Minority Biomedical Research Support, Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement for helping her gain valuable research laboratory experience.

“I see the professors’ patience and their passion for their projects,” she said.

Contreras is spending 10 hours a week shadowing Saraswathy Nair, an assistant professor of Genetic and Molecular Basis of Chronic Diseases in the College of Biomedical Sciences and Health Professions, as she works on obesity and diabetes research.

“I am looking forward to being a junior and having my own project,” she said. “I would have more time in the lab, which is 20 hours a week.”

Nair’s laboratory is in the Biomedical Research Building, which opened in September for faculty members and student laboratory workers. The university will have a formal grand opening for the building at 10 a.m. Feb. 20.

“It’s more convenient,” Contreras said about the building. “It only deals with research.”

Her goal is to do a research poster or have research published before she graduates in May 2014.

Contreras is a graduate of San Benito High School where as a dual enrollment student with UTB she received Emergency Medical Technology and Certified Nurse Assistant certifications.

She said she has enjoyed meeting new people at UTB, particularly those working in research laboratories.

“We became a family since we spend so much time there in the labs,” she said.

Daniel Perry is an informational writer at The University of Texas at Brownsville. For more information log on to www.utb.edu