Staff

Team members from Neurosurgery pose for a victory photo after completing a 5k together.

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Running Series 2022 – Department Team Members Complete 5K Together

December 6, 2022

This past weekend, several team members from the Department of Neurosurgery participated in the 14th annual Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Running Series. The event, which includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, typically attracts about 20,000 runners each year. Darren Poidevin, Monica Garcia, Maria Paz, and Marissa Velez supported each other throughout the […]



Cerise Cisneros and Nicole Wisniewski smile together in a photo.

Welcome, Cerise Cisneros and Nicole Wisniewski!

August 23, 2022

The Department of Neurosurgery is happy to announce that Cerise Cisneros and Nicole Wisniewski have joined our research team. Cerise (right) and Nicole (left) are research assistants who will work on clinical trials and registries. Cerise is a 2021 graduate of St. Mary’s University. Nicole is a 2022 graduate of the University of Notre Dame.



Maria Paz and Alejandra Reyes smile for their photo.

Employees of the Month for July 2022 – Maria Paz and Alejandra Reyes

July 11, 2022

We are pleased to share the news that the Employees of the Month for July are Maria Paz and Alejandra Reyes. Their coworkers recognize their hard work and appreciate their constant commitment to excellence. Congratulations, Maria and Alejandra! We thank you for all the contributions you make to the success of our department.



Antonio Martinez smiles for photo

Employee of the Quarter for the Month of June 2022 – Antonio Martinez

June 6, 2022

We are pleased to share the news that the Employee of the Quarter for the month of June is Antonio Martinez. Antonio has been with our team for approximately a year and a half. His co-workers have commended his hard work, friendly demeanor, and excellent patient care. Congratulations, Antonio! We thank you for all the […]



Mr. Mirza smiling in profile photo.

Raghed Mirza Joins Department of Neurosurgery

February 28, 2022

The Department of Neurosurgery is excited to announce that Raghed Mirza, MBA, M.Sc., has officially joined our team as our new Associate Director of Finance & Administration. Mr. Mirza’s previous experience includes his work as the Director for Budget and Purchasing Services at Columbia Basin College, the Faculty Financial Officer for Mount Royal University, and […]



Emmanuel Luna smiling for his staff photo

Emmanuel Luna Joins the Department of Neurosurgery

June 1, 2021

The Department of Neurosurgery is excited to announce that Emmanuel Luna has joined our staff as our business administrator. Before he joined our department, Emmanuel worked as an office manager in the Infectious Diseases Division of the Department of Medicine and an employment coordinator in the Department of Anesthesiology. We are all looking forward to […]



Graduate Student Kristi Guerrero smiles for her staff photo.

Kristi Dietert Awarded Grant Position from the Translational Science Training (TST) TL1 Program at UT Health

May 5, 2021

The Department of Neurosurgery is proud to share the news that research trainee Kristi Dietert was recently awarded a grant position from the Translational Science Training (TST) TL1 Program at UT Health. The goal of this program is to enhance the quality and scope of the doctoral research experience by offering interdisciplinary training and mentorship […]



Staff members gather together over a Zoom call to wish Dr. Sun farewell.

Farewell Gathering for Dr. Derrick Sun

May 3, 2021

Team members from the Department of Neurosurgery gathered over a Zoom call to bid farewell to their friend and colleague, Derrick Sun, M.D. After team members took turns recounting memories, Chair John Floyd, M.D., presented Dr. Sun with a shining star memento and a pair of old-fashioned San Antonio spurs. We all wish Dr. Sun […]



Marissa Velez smiling for her staff photo.

Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award Winner – Marissa Velez

April 28, 2021

We are pleased to share the news that the winner of our Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award for the month of March is Marissa Velez. Marissa is a referral coordinator who has been with us for the past three years. Co-workers describe Marissa as a kind-hearted team player who is generous with her time and great […]




Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award Winner – Mary Ann Barragan

February 4, 2021

We are pleased to share the news that the winner of our Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award for the month of December is Mary Ann Barragan. Mary Ann has been with the Department of Neurosurgery for ten years. She originally served as a senior administrative assistant while finishing her nursing degree. She went on to work […]