Klarisse Graduates from the Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy 🎓🔬

Klarisse receives her Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy completion certificate –celebrating her achievement as the first Voelcker Scholar in the Palavicini Lab!

Congratulations to Klarisse Echevarria Velazquez for graduating from the prestigious Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) –and for making history as the first Voelcker Scholar in the Palavicini Lab!

The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy is a highly selective, three-year program at UT Health San Antonio that offers outstanding high school students in the San Antonio area an immersive research experience. Scholars work alongside leading biomedical scientists, engage in hands-on projects, and participate in academic enrichment and college-prep activities throughout the school year. Supported by the Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund, VBRA is dedicated to empowering the next generation of biomedical leaders.

During her time as a Voelcker Scholar, Klarisse contributed to our lab’s research on the effects of ceramide-lowering therapy on lifespan in an inbred mouse line.

We are proud to celebrate Klarisse’s accomplishments and look forward to all the future contributions she will make in biomedical science!

A heartfelt thank you note from Klarisse, expressing her gratitude for mentorship, support, and the research experiences she gained throughout her time as a Voelcker Scholar. Her words beautifully capture the impact that encouragement and opportunity can have on aspiring young scientists!