Posted on April 1, 2026 by Klesse College Staff
Meet Camila Perez, a Spring 2026 graduate, whose time at Klesse College was not only filled with friendships and good times, but also all the building blocks needed for her to forge a new path in a field she’s passionate about. Throughout her four years at UT San Antonio, Camila was able to merge her desire to help others with the firsthand experiences she obtained during her time as a first responder, a lab assistant, and an intern at Eli Lilly, which led her to the study of neurotrauma. Now, Camila is ready to graduate and take all of these memories with her towards a career in this discipline.
Read the full Q & A with Camila down below to learn more about her journey towards this exciting moment and what she plans to do next!
What made you decide to attend UT San Antonio?
I was born in Mexico and raised in the Middle East, so I was searching for a university that felt both welcoming and familiar. UT San Antonio immediately felt like a home away from home and a place where I could reconnect with my culture while being surrounded by students whose stories, resilience, and ambitions reflected my own. It offered not just an education, but a second home.
Did you have any experience with your field before starting at Klesse College? If not, what inspired you to pursue a career in your field?
I began university as a Biology major, but my path shifted after working as a First Responder for two years during my undergraduate studies. Being exposed to real medical emergencies made me realize I was drawn not only to patient care but to the science and innovation behind improving patient outcomes, especially in neurotrauma. That interest deepened when my current research mentor visited one of my classes to present her work in traumatic brain injury. Joining her lab became a turning point, and it confirmed my desire to pursue biomedical engineering and translational neuroscience research.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at UT San Antonio?
What I appreciated most was the unwavering sense of possibility. UT San Antonio fostered an environment where I felt supported in pursuing every ambition I had, even the ones that once felt out of reach. I built meaningful friendships, found mentors who invested in my growth, and was encouraged to challenge myself. Because of that support, I was able to excel academically, study abroad, conduct research, intern with Eli Lilly, and stay actively engaged on campus. Those experiences shaped not only my education, but who I am becoming as a professional and as a person.
What have you learned, in your time at UT San Antonio, that surprised you the most?
I learned to stop living in the “what if” and instead adopt a “why not me” mindset. UTSA taught me that growth comes from stepping into opportunities, even when they feel intimidating, and trusting that you are capable of rising to them. The biggest lesson was to be present, take initiative, and make the most of every experience, because those moments ultimately shape your direction and confidence.
What are your goals or plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical and translational neuroscience, with a focus on neurotrauma and neurodegeneration. My long-term goal is to help bridge research and patient care by contributing to more inclusive and equitable clinical trial design. I am especially passionate about ensuring underserved communities, particularly Latino and Middle Eastern populations, which reflect my own background, are represented in research that ultimately shapes the future of medicine.
What advice do you have for people considering the programs at UT San Antonio?
Be kind, to others and to yourself. Take chances, even when they feel uncomfortable. Form genuine friendships and seek out mentors who challenge and inspire you. Most importantly, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. research, internships, study abroad, and leadership roles, because those experiences will shape you far beyond the classroom. Let your desire to grow always outweigh the fear that may try to keep you small. If you show up, stay curious, and remain open to possibilities, UT San Antonio will meet you with more opportunities than you imagined.
What is your life motto/ slogan?
There is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Who helped you get to today?
I would not be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family. From moving continents in pursuit of better opportunities to the quiet, daily sacrifices that often go unseen, my parents and my brother have been the foundation of everything I have accomplished. They instilled in me a deep work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and the determination to persevere regardless of any circumstance. Through their resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love, they showed me what it truly means to keep going, even when the path is uncertain. Every milestone I reach carries their fingerprints.
I am also incredibly grateful for the mentors who guided and believed in me along the way. Dr. Gaviria has been a constant source of encouragement and support; she genuinely cares about her students and always encourages us to become the best versions of ourselves. I am especially thankful to my research mentor, Dr. Memar, for her mentorship, her trust, and her belief in me not only as a student, but as a future researcher. Their guidance has shaped both my academic path and my confidence in what I am capable of achieving.
— Klesse College Staff
