Posted on June 28, 2024 by College of Sciences
#ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike
Karyme Lozano, Biology Major
By Pelle Muñoz
Meet Karyme Lozano '25, a biology senior and Project Outreach Coordinator for The Honeycomb Connections and biology researcher at UTSA.
Hailing from Los Fresnos, Texas, Karyme took dual credit courses that allowed her to earn college credits as a high school student. Upon completing these credits, she transferred them from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Texas Southmost College to UTSA. As a result, she began her academic journey at UTSA as a sophomore, leveraging the credits she had earned to accelerate her progress towards a B.S. in biology.
The allure of UTSA in Karyme's mind stemmed from its distinction as a Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education R1 Research university. This prestigious classification places UTSA among the top 4% of research universities in the nation.
The university offers diverse programs and extracurricular activities, fostering both academic and real-world experiences like internships and study abroad opportunities. UTSA's supportive faculty and strong sense of community encourage student innovation and success, making it a unique and exceptional institution for higher education.
"I was excited about the opportunity to be part of a dynamic academic environment that prioritizes cutting-edge research and innovation," she said. "UTSA's commitment to excellence in research and its vibrant community made it the ideal choice for pursuing my academic and professional goals."
Karyme's decision to pursue a degree in the field of biology felt like the natural progression of her studies. She credits the solid foundation laid by her high school education for her aspirations to pursue a career in the healthcare field. "Even as a kid, I was fascinated by how our bodies protect us and keep us going, even handling things we don't think about every day. Ultimately, it was this fascination and love for biology and medicine that led me to choose my major."
During her time at UTSA, Karyme has become a proud member of the NextGen Program's HONEY Pathway. The program, offered by the USDA, is an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators. Through this program, undergraduate and graduate students are provided with unique opportunities to engage in hands-on research, gain practical experience in agricultural sciences, and develop leadership skills vital for success in the field.
Currently, she is working on research initiatives under Ferhat Ozturk, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Integrative Biology. Karyme is an active member of the Medicinal Properties of Honey CUREs Lab, which is among a host of research opportunities offered by the integrative biology department's Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) partnerships.
In collaboration with her lab partner, Christina Ndayisenga, Karyme's research project investigates the effects of honey on different types of burn wounds. Additionally, they are exploring the potential benefits of honey in treating damaged livers caused by alcohol consumption and its ability to expedite alcohol metabolism. The pair are preparing to present their findings at upcoming symposiums.
"I am enthusiastic about continuing my research experience next year, as it has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and has further fueled my passion for scientific inquiry and innovation."
Karyme has also participated in numerous personal and professional development experiences outside of the classroom. She currently holds the position of Project Outreach Coordinator for The Honeycomb Connections, and is set to serve as Co-Director for the upcoming year. The Honeycomb Connections is an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities, fostering research experiences, offering mentorship, and facilitating the acquisition of practical skills relevant to honeybees, beekeeping, and the medicinal properties of honey
She also had the opportunity to attend the 100th USDA conference held in Arlington, Virginia. One of the most unique aspects for Karyme was the opportunity to gain experience in the diverse research topics presented by students from across the U.S. "It was fascinating to hear their personal stories and understand what motivated them to pursue research in their respective fields," she said. "Additionally, the conference shed light on the myriad of opportunities available within the USDA specifically tailored for undergraduate students like myself. It was an enlightening experience for me."
Karyme's time at UTSA taught her to be unafraid of asking questions because the worst thing you can get is a "no." This guidance has been instrumental in her academic journey, as it has empowered her to take initiative and seek out opportunities, whether it was through research projects, internships, or mentorships. "By following this advice, I've been able to engage more actively in my academic pursuits and seize opportunities that have greatly enriched my educational experience."
After finishing her bachelor’s in biology at UTSA in 2025, Karyme plans to attend the medical laboratory science program at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Currently, she is celebrating her acceptance for a beekeeping apprenticeship for this upcoming summer. "I hope to gain valuable experience that will enable me to manage my own beehives and contribute to the preservation of the bees!"
— College of Sciences
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