Congratulations Jaclyn Merlo
Jaclyn Merlo
GSBS Outstanding PhD Student Research Award
This award is for the student who shows an outstanding record of research accomplishments over the last year. The recipient of the Outstanding Student Research Award has thrived in this changing environment, overcome obstacles, and/or pushed forward despite difficult circumstances.
Jaclyn Merlo is a third-year IBMS student in the Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics (MIMG) Discipline in Dr. Shivani Ruparel’s lab. Jaclyn’s exceptional work ethic, national recognition, and contributions to the research community make her highly deserving of the Outstanding PhD Student Research Award. Jaclyn has been nationally recognized for her impressive research accomplishments. Over the past year, she presented her work at five national meetings, including an invited oral presentation at the 13th Annual Gulf Coast Consortium Translational Pain Research Conference. She received two travel awards in 2024 and has secured funding for her stipend through the NIH NIDCR Diversity Supplement and the Craniofacial Oral-biology Student Training in Academic Research (COSTAR). Jaclyn has published two first-author papers this academic year, bringing her total to nine publications as a third-year PhD student. Additionally, she serves as VP of Public Relations and Secretary for the UTHSCSA chapter of Toastmasters International.
Jacyln’s dedication and commitment to advancing pain research has positioned her as a rising leader in the field.