Francisco Neal
M.D./Ph.D. Student
About Me
My name is Francisco Neal, and I am a graduate student in the STX-MSTP. I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and I stayed there through my graduation from high school. I first came to Texas to pursue an undergraduate degree at Austin College. When beginning college, I originally intended to study Zoology, but I pivoted toward the biomedical sciences after gaining relevant research experience on and off campus. I joined the STX-MSTP just after graduating from college, so I did not get much time for additional research experience. Nevertheless, I felt that I was able to integrate into the MSTP quite readily, and I could not envision myself choosing another program.
Hobbies/Interests
Reading, video games, hiking, exercise, drawing
Research Topic
Biochemistry of DNA repair
Why I chose MD/PhD
I took interest in pursuing a career that would enable me to use basic science as a vehicle to drive innovation in the treatment of cancer patients. I was predominantly interested in pursuing research in DNA repair and investigating how we could exploit DNA repair pathways to render cancer cells sensitive to different treatment modalities.
Why I chose MD/PhD at Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï
When first interviewing at Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï, I was impressed by the collegial vibe on campus - students across all of the pre-professional schools and faculty were very approachable and open to working with each other. The amicable vibe of Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï is what predominantly drew me to this institution.
Education
Molecular Biology/Chemistry, BA, Austin College
Awards
Gold Humanism Honor Society
Alpha Omega Alpha