My name is Maria Longoria. I am 20 years old, and I was born in Cuba. I am a junior at the University of Houston Downtown majoring in Biology. I have always been passionate about science and working in the research lab fulfills my interests. As a first-generation Hispanic student, I know sometimes information is limited and we don’t know about the opportunities we have for research but thanks to my amazing advisors I have found my way into thus investigation. I hope to keep inspiring others to continue with research as it leads to new important discoveries.