Alejandra serves as our Human Resources and Talent Manager. She comes from over 15 years of Human Resources and Finance Administration experience serving various Texas State Agencies; she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Texas A&M International University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Alejandra brings expertise and enthusiasm to South Texas Research Institute and joins in its mission to raise awareness in the Rio Grande Valley area. She is eager to support STRI and the staff in their continuous growth and success.
Stephanie joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Intern. She is currently working towards her degree (B.S in Biomedical Sciences) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and aspires to become a medical doctor one day. Stephanie is excited to be a part of STRI team and hopes to get a better understanding of what happens “behind the scenes” into finding cures for long-term diseases.
Sonya Rios joins our team as a Clinical Research Assistant for South Texas Research Institute- Brownsville. She obtained her Associate’s degree specializing in Pharmacy from South Texas College and is a certified Phlebotomist and Pharmacy Technician, specializing in Sterile Compounding. She brings over 18 years of experience in the medical field, three of which were spent conducting clinical trials. Sonya has gained clinical and internship experience throughout the years and is extremely compassionate towards patients and very enthusiastic to learn more about clinical research.
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.
Alejandro Flores was born and raised in the neighboring border town of Camargo, Tamaulipas, MX. He completed his high school studies at South Texas ISD for Health Professions. He attended the University of Texas-Pan – American in 2012 focusing on a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Alejandro obtained his medical degree from…
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.
Deeandra joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Intern. She is currently working towards her degree (B.S in Biomedical Science) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and aspires to pursue a career as a medical practitioner. Deeandra is excited to be a part of the team and is eager to expand her knowledge in clinical research.
Victor Villarreal moved to the Rio Grande Valley from Kingsville, Texas, where he attended Texas A& M University-Kingsville received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Chemistry and his Master of Science in Chemistry. Before joining the STRI team, he worked in a molecular biology laboratory, where he performed experiments to generate and analyze data. He will draw from these previous experiences to support his position as a Clinical Research Data Coordinator. He hopes that within his role at STRI, he can help the organization make a positive impact within the Rio Grande Valley community for years to come.
Tina Marie Villarreal Garza is joining our Brownsville site as our Office Assistant and Receptionist. She is a Patient Care Technician and a Phlebotomist. She has 10 years of medical experience working in Family medicine, geriatric care, and Gastroenterology.
Xiomara Hernandez is a Rio Grande Valley native who believes in building the future in medicine. With seven years of health care experience, Xiomara joins South Texas Research Institute as a clinical research assistant. 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.