Graduate student receives multiple honors for research excellence

Jaclyn Merlo, MS, a second-year doctoral student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, has been granted a series of awards while working under the mentorship of Shivani B. Ruparel, PhD, associate professor and director of research in the Department of Endodontics. 

While operating in the research lab run by Ruparel, Merlo has been honored with the following awards: 

• Trainee Professional Development Award from the Society of Neuroscience 

• Travel Award to attend the Annual National Institutes of Health Heal Initiative Meeting 

• Travel Award to attend the Annual United States Association for the Study of Pain Meeting 

• 1st Place in Oral Presentation at the School of Dentistry’s Dental Science Symposium 

“It has been a pleasure to mentor Jaclyn. She is a remarkably ambitious and aspiring young scientist who tirelessly dedicates herself to her work in my lab. She has demonstrated exceptional determination and resilience and is always willing to do more with a smile on her face.  She is a valuable member of my lab,” said Ruparel. 

“I am truly grateful to be a representative of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio at these conferences. The mentorship and guidance I have received has been tremendous. I will continue to work towards my goals filled with hope for the future,” said Merlo.