Emily Aller
M.D./Ph.D. Student
Emily is a graduate student in the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD Program) studying Translational Cancer Biology under the mentorship of Ratna Vadlamudi, PhD and Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli, PhD. For her research, Emily is studying the therapeutic utility of a novel anti-cancer drug in treating therapy resistant endometrial cancers. For her clinical specialty, Emily is considering pursuing surgical oncology
About Me
I'm a Texan through and through: born and raised in Fort Worth, I've never lived outside of the state. I grew up surrounded by a very tight-knit Italian-American family, so when I went to college, I stayed pretty close to home, attending the tiny liberal arts school, Austin College. While there I began doing research, discovered my passion for fighting cancer, and ended up graduating with a BA double major in Biology and Anthropology. After college, I came straight down to San Antonio for medical school, made some amazing friends, and eventually realized that I wanted to get my PhD too. When I'm not studying, in class, or in the lab, I enjoy exploring San Antonio with my friends, hanging out with my cat, Spork, or doing my favorite activity of all--sleeping.
Hobbies/Interests
I tend to be a serial hobbyist-- so at any given time, my hobby might range from baking to drawing to teaching myself to code or whatever else has my interest at the time. No matter my current hobbies though, I'm always a foodie who loves trying new restaurants or coffee shops, and I'm always down to watch a good show.
Research Topic
Cancer Biology, DNA Damage Repair
Why I chose MD/PhD
I've always known that I wanted to go into medicine, but when I was introduced into the world of research during undergrad I fell in love with the scientific process and discovery that it entails. Trying to choose between making a personal impact on patients by treating them and contributing to the science that enables us to do so felt impossible-- so I decided to do both.
Why I chose MD/PhD at UT Health San Antonio
I initially came to San Antonio as only a Medical Student, but eventually realized that I wanted to formalize my research training in order to be the best researcher and doctor that I could be. As daunting as that transfer initially seemed, though, I was quickly welcomed in by a program of friendly, passionate, and helpful administrators, PIs, and students who immediately made the MD/PhD program feel like home.
Education
B.A., Biology/Anthropology, Austin College, 2021