CHS Announces 2024 Outstanding Seniors
Published May 3, 2024
By Darlene Muguiro
UTEP College of Health Sciences
This May, the College of Health Sciences is celebrating its sixth cohort of Outstanding Seniors. The designation of CHS Outstanding Senior is awarded to ten graduating seniors in the College each academic year. These students are selected on the basis of academic achievement, personal excellence, and positive impact on the College of Health Sciences. This year, CHS will recognize students in a special ceremony to take place on the UTEP campus.
The 2024 College of Health Sciences Outstanding Seniors include:
Christian Carbajal (Public Health): Christian began his academic journey as a transfer student from El Paso Community College, where he studied culinary arts. It was there that he became interested in nutrition, which ultimately led him to UTEP’s bachelor of public health program. Despite his full-time work and school schedules, Christian found time for community service as both a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association and as an officer for Students for Public Health. He also advocated for students facing food insecurity as a member of the UTEP Food Equity Council. Following graduation, Christian plans to continue his education and pursue dual master’s degrees in public health and nutrition sciences, with the goal of becoming a registered dietician. He will also pursue a Certified Health Education Specialist credential to equip him with critical skills for serving communities within the field of public health nutrition.
Graduation Honors: Christian is on track to graduate summa cum laude and will also serve as the CHS Undergraduate Student Marshal in the May 24 commencement.
Joshua Cayme (Kinesiology): From the beginning of his academic career, Joshua followed the adage “You get out what you put in.” He jumped immediately into the Freshman Year Research Intensive Sequence program, which enabled him to participate in real-world research projects and ultimately publish a co-authored manuscript. He worked hard to overcome challenges in making new connections due to his reserved nature, first applying to become a Miner Ambassador. A memorable encounter with President Wilson gave him the encouragement he needed to continue, and he ultimately earned officer positions in the Kinesiology Club and Medical Professions Organization, and a senator position in the Student Government Association. These experiences enhanced his leadership skills and helped him to realize the value of his voice and the power of running toward social interaction instead of away from it. After graduation, Joshua plans to attend medical school and become a physician-scientist.
Graduation Honors: Joshua is on track to graduate summa cum laude and will serve as the University Banner Bearer in the May 24 commencement.
Jizelle Duarte (Rehabilitation Sciences): Jizelle’s most meaningful experiences at UTEP revolved around her participation in the Language and Fluency Lab. There, she honed her professional skillset by presenting at local and state conferences and participating in a unique research internship at New York University – experiences she believes will open numerous doors for her future career. While developing as an undergraduate scholar, Jizelle also grew in her roles with the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, ultimately holding four different officer positions that expanded her public speaking, team-building and problem-solving skills. Jizelle’s future plans include pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and eventually a Ph.D. She plans to focus her clinical work in neonatal intensive care units, strengthening newborn-caregiver communication skills, while also pursuing research.
Graduation Honor: Jizelle is on track to graduate cum laude.
Carolyne Endlich (Social Work): By overcoming multiple challenging situations in her first internship experience, Carolyne learned how to advocate for others and herself. She continued using her voice to support others and develop as a leader through her positions with the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority; as a peer leader, mentoring other students who were beginning their UTEP journey; and in her role providing closed captioning for professor’s videos and lectures to ensure they met ADA compliance. Some of her most memorable experiences at UTEP were study sessions with her friends, who all supported her on her journey toward academic excellence. Following graduation, Carolyne will begin the advanced standing program for the UTEP Master of Social Work degree. Ultimately, she plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hopes to identify her career specialization through her next internship experience in the MSW program.
Graduation Honor: Carolyne is on track to graduate summa cum laude.
Jessica Garcia Nungaray (Social Work): Jessica’s most cherished experience in the Bachelor of Social Work program was interning at El Paso Villa Maria, a transitional home for women experiencing homelessness, as a Loretto Justice fellow. The experience was life-changing, allowing her to network and create lifelong bonds with other professionals, as well as to better understand the barriers that home-free individuals and women, in particular, face. While interning, Jessica also studied full time, served as the BSW senior class representative, and participated in community service as a member of the Student Association of Social Work.
After graduation, Jessica will continue her studies in the advanced standing Master of Social Work program at UTEP. Ultimately, she plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice in the border region, potentially in a school or medical setting.
Graduation Honors: Jessica is on track to graduate summa cum laude and will also serve as the CHS College Banner Bearer at the May 2024 commencement.
Madison Jacques (Clinical Laboratory Science): Inspired by her family members’ battles with chronic autoimmune disorders, Madison set out on a path to uncover solutions through clinical laboratory science. She balanced her coursework with service as the CLS Class of 2024 president and volunteer work at community health fairs, where she provided critical health screenings for El Pasoans in need. The experiences were particularly meaningful, allowing Madison to not only apply the clinical skills she was learning in the classroom, but also to gain sensitivity and real-world experience in patient care. Madison’s future goal is to become the first person in her family to earn a doctorate, with a specialization in bioengineering and clinical research. Ultimately, she hopes to return to the College of Health Sciences and teach, where she will mentor future students and continue the cycle of passion for health and the laboratory.
Graduation Honor: Madison is on track to graduate cum laude.
Victoria Rocha (Kinesiology): Victoria’s most cherished experiences at UTEP revolved around her participation in the MiNER Laboratory. There, she honed her research and professional skillsets, which ultimately led to an award-winning track record at state conferences in sports medicine. While juggling a demanding schedule of academics and extracurricular activities – including service as vice-president of the Kinesiology Club – Victoria also became her mother’s primary caretaker. During this time, her passion for physical therapy blossomed, and she decided to dedicate her life to compassionate care for others. After graduating cum laude in December 2023, Victoria began working and volunteering in various physical therapy settings in preparation for a future application to the UTEP Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Aixa Rojas-Bustamante (Kinesiology): As a first-generation American, Aixa felt intense pressure to excel at UTEP, knowing that her parents had made significant sacrifices to send her to the United States to study. While working to master the English language, she juggled her studies, work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Muscle Molecular Physiology Laboratory and as a physical therapy technician, and a leadership role as the vice-president of the Pre-Physical Therapy Association. Aixa’s successes in navigating college as an immigrant made her family tremendously proud and also taught her that she is more resilient than she ever imagined. Following graduation, Aixa began the UT Health San Antonio’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program as a member of their Class of 2027.
Graduation Honors: Aixa graduated summa cum laude in December 2023 and also served as the CHS Undergraduate Banner Bearer for the December commencement.
Adhel Tac (Health Promotion): As a student athlete, Adhel juggled a busy schedule of academics, extracurricular activities, and training for the UTEP women’s varsity basketball team. While the stress of her schedule led to a temporary diagnosis of stress cardiomyopathy, she emerged with resilience and an understanding of the need to prioritize self-care. Her most meaningful experiences were community outreach events she participated in as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, including sports clinics where area school children learned about teamwork, sportsmanship, and goal-setting. After graduation, Adhel plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health. Long term, she hopes to complete a physician’s assistant program and become a licensed PA while simultaneously pursuing opportunities to play basketball professionally.
Graduation Honor: Adhel is on track to graduate magna cum laude.
Kennadi Trevino (Public Health): Like many UTEP students who transfer to UTEP from El Paso Community College, Kennadi took advantage of any opportunity that provided a sense of belonging on campus. As a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and secretary for the Medical Professions Organization, she made critical connections and developed leadership skills, and also found personal fulfillment through service to her community. She also credits the support and guidance of CHS professors in helping her transition successfully to UTEP. Outside of campus, her work as a pharmacy technician honed her clinical skills and understanding of public health and patient care. After graduation, Kennadi will travel to Midland to begin the Physician Assistant program at Texas Tech. Upon completion of the program, she aspires to return to El Paso serve as an affordable healthcare provider, addressing the healthcare needs of the community. Ultimately, she aims to rise to a leadership position in healthcare, where she can advocate for accessible and equitable healthcare services for all residents.
Graduation Honor: Kennadi is on track to graduate magna cum laude and was also selected as a 2024 UTEP Top Ten Senior.
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