Francisco Neal

M.D./Ph.D. Student

About Me

My name is Francisco Neal, and I am a graduate student in the STX-MSTP. I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and I stayed there through my graduation from high school. I first came to Texas to pursue an undergraduate degree at Austin College. When beginning college, I originally intended to study Zoology, but I pivoted toward the biomedical sciences after gaining relevant research experience on and off campus. I joined the STX-MSTP just after graduating from college, so I did not get much time for additional research experience. Nevertheless, I felt that I was able to integrate into the MSTP quite readily, and I could not envision myself choosing another program. 
 

Hobbies/Interests

Reading, video games, hiking, exercise, drawing

Research Topic

Biochemistry of DNA repair

Why I chose MD/PhD

I took interest in pursuing a career that would enable me to use basic science as a vehicle to drive innovation in the treatment of cancer patients. I was predominantly interested in pursuing research in DNA repair and investigating how we could exploit DNA repair pathways to render cancer cells sensitive to different treatment modalities.

Why I chose MD/PhD at UT Health San Antonio

When first interviewing at UT Health San Antonio, I was impressed by the collegial vibe on campus - students across all of the pre-professional schools and faculty were very approachable and open to working with each other. The amicable vibe of UT Health is what predominantly drew me to this institution.

Education

Molecular Biology/Chemistry, BA, Austin College

Awards