David Vera '27

Biography

David Vera ’27 is a first-generation Aggie and college student. He began his educational journey at Texas A&M International University, where he was introduced to undergraduate research in materials science and chemistry, an experience that inspired his current major choice. When David was not studying, he worked nights in a doctor’s clinic as a janitor and also shadowed the clinic’s doctor and two orthopedic surgeons.

Before attending Texas A&M, David participated in biological research regarding the inhibition of breast cancer metastasis to bone tissue over a summer at the Mays Cancer Center in San Antonio. He presented his research in an undergraduate symposium and earned second place. At Texas A&M, David has participated in undergraduate research in materials science and biology in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he assisted with applying nanomaterials to cell cultures and analyzing the materials’ effects. He hopes to expand his involvement in projects related to bone tissue repair, regeneration, and engineering.

After his undergraduate studies, David hopes to pursue a medical scientist training program to earn an M.D. and a Ph.D. in either biochemistry or biomedical engineering, with a focus on treating severe congenital defects and injury repair. Afterward, David hopes to become a biomedical researcher and surgeon and eventually a professor.

Some of David’s other passions are spending time with his family and friends, reading, napping, and bonding with his dog. David is grateful for the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship Program because, as a first-generation, low-income student, David would not be able to pursue his studies without the generous support of the program. Beyond monetary aid, the scholarship program has allowed David to become immersed in a culture surrounded by excellent peers and find mentorship from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences departmental leadership.