Grant Holders

Occult Aplasia of the Frontal Sinus: A Single-Institution Radioanatomical Study

Jinelis, a student at Ponce Health Sciences University, has distinguished herself through her commitment to otolaryngology and research, having presented her work at the 10th World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery of the Paranasal Sinuses, Skull Base, Brain, Spine, and Orbit. Given the absence of a residency program in this specialty at her institution, she co-founded an Otolaryngology Interest Group to expand opportunities for exposure and mentorship for her fellow students. Her participation in medical missions serving underserved communities has further strengthened her interest in global health and disparities in access to medical care. As a first-generation physician-in-training from a low-resource background, she continues to overcome economic barriers to advance her professional development, with the aspiration of representing Puerto Rico on the international academic stage.

A Device, an Era, and Its Lessons: VEPTR in Early-Onset Scoliosis

Joseph is currently a Research Fellow in Orthopedic Surgery at Ponce Health Sciences University. One of his research projects was accepted as a poster presentation for the prestigious World Congress of the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) in Tokyo. His participation offers an opportunity to share his findings with international experts and strengthen his collaborative networks. Furthermore, he aims to contribute to the academic growth of the Orthopedic Surgery program at PHSU and demonstrate Puerto Rico’s potential to produce medical research with an international impact.

From Father to Offspring: Fish Oil Supplementation Reprograms Adipose Tissue Metabolism

Mariana is a second-year medical student at the Medical Sciences Campus. She was selected to give an oral presentation at ObesityWeek on research conducted at Syracuse University, which explores how the interplay between paternal diet and offspring diet—in conjunction with fish oil—can help mitigate the adverse effects of obesity. Her participation reflects both her commitment to scientific research and her interest in integrating scientific advancements into clinical care. She aspires to build a career focused on nutrition, metabolism, and chronic diseases, with the goal of contributing to the improvement of health and quality of life for patients in Puerto Rico.