Posted on December 6, 2024 by College of Sciences
#CommencementSpotlight
Jeana Godoy, Biology Major
By Ryan Schoensee
Meet Jeana Godoy '24, a biology major with a cell and molecular biology concentration from Guam, USA. Starting in high school, Godoy was passionate about the field of biology and knew from an early age she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Acting on this interest, Godoy earned a certification to work as an emergency room medical assistant while still in high school.
Godoy was admitted to UTSA as a freshman in both the College of Sciences and Honors College in spring 2021. Ever since she moved to San Antonio in 2016, she yearned for a tight-knit society like the one she grew accustomed to in Guam. At UTSA, she found a friendly community that provides students with unique opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere.
"Knowing that UTSA invests in their students' academic success made UTSA an ideal choice for my studies," said Godoy. "Overall, it was truly the supportive community I have surrounded myself with that has made a significant difference in my success and growth."
In the College of Sciences, Godoy loves that her program offers a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts, emphasizing critical thinking and hands-on experiences through labs and fieldwork. She has taken engaging lab courses in the areas of genetics, biology and microbiology, and has found them to greatly enhance her coursework. Additionally, she says the college has provided her with support outside the classroom.
"The College of Sciences has provided me with valuable resources like tutoring and career services, which have helped me navigate challenges and plan for my career."
Godoy, in turn, supports her peers by serving as a science mentor and committee chair at the UTSA College of Sciences Student Success Center. As a science mentor, Godoy helped other students discover UTSA resources, prepare for future careers, and develop a robust sense of belonging. All science mentors serve in different committee groups that host themed events to benefit science students. Godoy's committee focused on experiential learning where they worked to create hands-on learning experiences by hosting skill-based workshops led by industry professionals.
Outside of UTSA, she has served as vice president of Brain Exercise Initiative (BEI), a volunteer organization whose mission is to combat Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases by performing brain exercises with senior residents at local nursing homes. She is also the co-director of The Honeycomb Connection (HCC), an organization that fosters opportunities in research, volunteerism, and academics related to the importance of beekeeping, honeybees, and honey.
During the summer 2024 semester, Godoy was a part of the HONEY Pathway Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. During this program, her research team focused on the antibacterial effects of Manuka honey, which is a specific type of honey made in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate a native bush known as a tea tree. They applied Manuka honey on Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which is a bacterium commonly found on the skin and in the upper respiratory tract, to study the outcome and apply the knowledge to future projects such as inhibiting bacterial growth on medical devices with the use of medicinal grade honey.
Godoy believes pursuing extracurricular activities was important to her education and encourages other students to do the same: "Don't hesitate to explore extracurricular activities to strengthen your resume, find your niche and build lasting friendships. Take the leap and truly make the most of your time at UTSA."
After Godoy graduates this December, she plans to continue her education at UT Health San Antonio and pursue a master's degree in medical laboratory sciences; she eventually wants to attend medical school and become a physician.
— College of Sciences
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