Name: Mauricio Valenzuela

Title of Program: College Scholars, Biochemistry and Computational Biology.

E-mail Address: mvalenz1@utk.edu

Hometown: Asuncion, Paraguay       

Year: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2009

Description of Program:  Study of the structure and specificity of enzymes using computer simulations, QM/MM techniques and Molecular Dynamics.

Departmental Emphases: Biochemistry, Chemistry and Bioinformatics.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hong Guo

Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After graduation, I plan to attend Medical School, and pursue an MD/PhD degree.

Other Academic Interests: Physics and Math

Study Abroad: Not planning studying abroad at the moment.

Research Experiences or Internships: Undergraduate Chemistry Research Assistant for the past year, McNair Research Summer Institute, current Undergraduate BCMB Research Assistant.

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities:

I like to read, play soccer and chess, and watch movies. President and Cofounder of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), National Society of Collegiate Scholars, AED Honors Pre Medical Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Dean’s Student Advisory Committee Representative, Spanish and Chemistry Tutor.

Additional Information: I’m originally from Paraguay. I have a passion for the medical field and my career goal is to become a doctor. I like traveling and appreciate the diversity of cultures and traditions. I like soccer and dancing.