Edinburg

Erick Vela joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Scheduler in our Edinburg location. He obtained his associate’s degree in medical practice management from Kaplan College. Erick brings more than eight years of experience in the medical field. STRI is excited to have Erick on our team and to enhance our service to the South Texas community.

Jillian is a native of the Rio Grande Valley. She obtained her B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Texas-Pan American. She worked as an educator in the RGV before relocating to North Carolina. While there, she worked in the healthcare setting, caring for patients from diverse populations and backgrounds. She joins South Texas Research Institute with a blended perspective of educating and caring for the community in clinical research. She is enthusiastic about raising awareness of liver health and supporting the vision of STRI.

Eliza Alaniz joins South Texas Research Institute as a Lab Technician. She moved to the Rio Grande Valley from Zapata County and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 7 years. She obtained her Phlebotomy and EKG certification from Valley Grande Institute. Eliza is excited to help and give back to her community and learn more about the diseases that affect them.

Margarita Vega joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Coordinator. As a certified phlebotomist and patient care technician, she has had experience in diverse clinical settings for over 12 years. Margarita has played various roles in clinical research, which has allowed her to expand her knowledge and expertise in different areas stemming from laboratory to direct patient interaction as a research medical assistant. She is enthusiastic about making a positive contribution to our community as a clinical research coordinator.

Xiomara Hernandez is a Rio Grande Valley native who believes in building the future in medicine. With eight years of health care experience, Xiomara is part of our clinical team as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017 with a B.S. in Biomedical Science, then in 2018 with an M.S. in Health Science with a concentration in Nutrition. In 2019, she obtained the Phlebotomy Technician certification with the NHA. Xiomara is eager to give back to her community and learn more about liver disease.

Yazzini Salinas joins South Texas Research Institute with over 15 years of medical experience working in a hospital setting, including gastroenterology and kidney transplant. She was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and is dedicated to improving patient care for her community. She is motivated, optimistic, and excited to raise awareness of liver health and support the vision of STRI.