Cristal Torres-Rodriguez, BS

Cristal completed her Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Throughout her undergraduate journey, she seized remarkable opportunities to delve into neuroscience research. As a participant in the Neuroscience Opportunity to Increase Diversity program, known as Neuro-ID, she investigated Deep Brain Stimulation for the extinction of opiate addiction. Her commitment to understanding the complexities of the brain led her to the University of Michigan’s Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity program, where she focused on studying VTA-DA dopaminergic neurons during NREM sleep.

She applied to the Neuroprep Program because, as a first-generation college student, she believes she will greatly benefit from the immersive research opportunities provided by participating faculty members as she prepares to apply for PhD programs in Neuroscience. Additionally, she seeks to deepen her involvement in translational research, aspiring to contribute to positive changes in health through scientific inquiry. Outside of academia, she enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, camping, and spending time by the river with friends and family.