Cristina Garcia, IBA Scholar August 2020-December 2021 graduated with this Fall 2021 with a BS in Pre-Medicine.  Some of Christina's accomplishments include University of Iowa President's List (Spring 2021, Fall 2021), Dean's List (Fall 2020 to Fall 2021, ICRU (Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates) Summer Fellowship 2020, Iowa Advantage Iowa Award, Advantage Iowa Grant, National Scholars Award, Minority American Science Award (UICA), and a Research Development Scholarship. She began working in the Green Lab in January 2020 and the Hansen Lab in March 2021.

Cristina became an IBA member in August 2020 and served as a mentor in the IBA/LSAMP Peer Mentoring Program. Cristina also served as a teaching assistant for the Fall 2020 Animal Behavior lecture and lab course in the Department of Biology and the Fall 2021 Neurobiology Lab course in the Department of Biology. She received the 2020-2021 Arthur J. and Flora D. Levin Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award and the 2020-2021 Arthur J. and Flora D. Levin Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award.

"The Green Lab taught me numerous valuable research skills and techniques that will benefit my future research. My mentors fostered an in depth of knowledge of neurobiology and immunology and encouraged my professional development. The IBA program gave me the opportunity to pursue my interest in research, which in turn has provided the experience needed to continue research as a lifelong part of my career. The IBA program also provided me with a strong network of peers and advisors, who provided continuous support to reach personal goals."

"I am applying to medical school in Spring 2022. I am continuing to conduct research and intend to gain more experience in a clinical setting. I volunteer with the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. I recently became a Clinic Coordinator/Liasion at Dream City for the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic."