UCI School of Medicine Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Jose Vasquez

Jose Vasquez, lab assistant in the Beier Laboratory, has been described by his senior colleagues as a lifelong mentor who has never stopped helping others in all aspects of life. He took an atypical path through higher education in order to support his family after they immigrated from El Salvador, first becoming a pharmacy technician, then obtaining an EMT license. He then transferred to UCI and graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in neurobiology.

During his time as an undergraduate, Jose served as co-chair of the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS) and worked as a tutor. Since becoming a full-time staff member in the lab after graduation, he has been praised for his mentorship of undergraduate students and his research acumen with graduate students and faculty. He is currently applying to medical school for the 2024 application cycle.

“Through my research and future career in medicine, I will conduct meaningful studies and provide culturally sensitive care that will positively shape my community,” says Vasquez. “My journey inspires me to be a source of empowerment for aspiring Latino scientists and physicians, reinforcing the profound significance of the Hispanic community in shaping my life's purpose.”

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