Isaiah Dawkins

M.D./Ph.D. Student

About Me

Hey there! I’m Isaiah, and I hail from the beautiful border town of El Paso, Texas. I earned my bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Brown University, where I assisted in developing trans-Tango, a novel trans-synaptic labeling technique. After graduating, I moved to New York City to work in a biochemistry lab, focusing on neuroimmune regulation of melanoma. These research experiences, coupled with volunteering in a hospice care center, cultivated my deep curiosity to understand the circuitry underlying neurological disorders. Outside of my scientific pursuits, you can find me at the climbing gym, out for a run, or thrifting, all while listening to Frank Ocean. I am excited to grow within the STX-MSTP program! 

Hobbies/Interests

Bouldering, Running, Reading, Thrifting, Listening to music

Research Topic

Neuropsychiatry, Neurodegeneration, Stress, Neural Circuits

Why I chose MD/PhD

I aspire to be a physician who not only applies existing medical knowledge to care for people but also fearlessly embraces the vast unknowns of science. The dual degree equips me with the tools and platform to integrate these complementary parts of myself.

Why I chose MD/PhD at UT Health San Antonio

Growing up in a southern border community, it was important for me to train as a future physician-scientist in a diverse — and largely Hispanic — city like San Antonio. I was drawn by the vast research opportunities in neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatry, which assured me I could find my niche here. Beyond that, UTHSA boasts a truly contagious spirit of openness and collaboration.

Post-bac work or other affiliations

Weill Cornell Medical College

Education

B.S., Neuroscience, Brown University, 2023

Publications

Stückler, S., Dawkins, X. I., Fuxjager, M. J., et al. (2023). From masquerading to blending in: Ontogenetic shifts in antipredator camouflage in Wallace’s flying frogs. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 77(102). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-023-03376-w