CBC Hispanic Heritage Student Spotlight: Yzzaili Medina
"Hello, my name is Yzzaili Medina and I am a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Naval Science here at the University of Arizona! I am from Phoenix, AZ, so not too far from Tucson. I am Hispanic and first-generation, and I am proud to represent my family here at the U of A.
This year, I am beginning my undergraduate research experience in the Duckworth Lab with Dr. Renee Duckworth and grad student Juliana Kosters. I will have the privilege to explore individual variation in stress handling, baseline endocrine stress levels, and cognitive performance in adult zebra finches exposed to prenatal stress to examine whether variation in inferred HPA-axis activity mediates the relationship between coping style and cognitive flexibility. Within this research group, we will utilize materials such as corticosterone ELISA kit use and analysis, behavioral video scoring, and comparative analysis of behavioral and molecular work. Within this lab, I wanted to bring the best of both worlds, ecology and evolutionary biology and chemistry to not only build a stronger understanding in biochemistry but to also explore behavior and evolutionary changes to bring light to these concepts within the life around us.
With my classes and research, I am a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, where I dedicate a lot of my time to improving my skills and abilities in all facets of leadership and what it means to be a leader.
My future has been molded by the expectations and support of my family. My mother and father have not only defined but embodied what it means to sacrifice and persevere despite it all. They have sacrificed so much for me to have the opportunity and challenges I am honored to accept every day. It is the words my parents have told me a million times,
“Everything will get difficult, mija, but the strength within your heart and mind will let you embrace and overcome it.”
For many years, it has been my turn to show compassion, to maintain motivation, and to keep pushing forward regardless of the circumstances. I will continue to pursue my passions and make my family proud.
What my family has ingrained into me; are values of the culture they carried that demonstrate to remain brave and have the courage to embrace anything and learn from obstacles that may slow you down. To fall and getting back up because the support and strength of the hands that cared for you will always be there, though calloused and strained, it will always be a sign of fearlessness in the face of adversity." ~ Yzzaili Medina