By: Pelle Muñoz
UTSA College of Sciences
Meet Dahlia Barnes '25, a biology master's student, independent researcher, and long jumper for UTSA's track and field team.
Dahlia began her academic journey at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), a public research institution in the sunny city of Boca Raton, Florida. Having earned her B.S. in biological sciences from the university in 2023, Dahlia set her sights on pursuing a graduate degree.
Since she was a kid, Dahlia knew that she wanted to become a doctor. Her conviction only grew stronger as she advanced, having a natural affinity and immense interest in the science classes her high school offered. Dahlia wanted to do research and expand her knowledge in the vast field of biology, which influenced her decision to choose the Biology Master's Program here at UTSA.
Since becoming a Roadrunner, Dahlia has discovered UTSA to be a hub for community engagement and found family in her peers, whether it's in the lab or out on the field. She also appreciates the organizational and leadership skills that her time as a student athlete has instilled in her, which has helped immensely during her transition to graduate work.
Most of all, Dahlia admired UTSA's dedication to research. "Speaking from my major, I'd have to say the focus on research allows students so many opportunities to collaborate with professionals in their field and gain amazing hands-on experience," she said. "I think this is absolutely awesome."
Having enrolled in the fall of 2023, Dahlia is eager to get involved with the number of organizations and initiatives available for students on campus. Even with the hefty commitment that comes with athletics and coursework, she is excited to explore the numerous possibilities that lie ahead.
Being a student athlete for most of her life, Dahlia is no stranger to adapting to adversity and overcoming obstacles. During her time as an undergraduate, she underwent two surgeries, but remained steadfast in following her passion for track and field.
This decade-long passion has continued since starting her journey at UTSA as a graduate transfer student from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Dahlia has balanced her role as a long jumper on UTSA's track and field team with her biology graduate studies. Her tenacity and passion in the face of hardships highlight her dedication as a scientist and athlete.
Dahlia has been immensely thankful to have been met with understanding and support in her journey as a student athlete. "The athletics department actually makes it so much easier when dealing with certain things related to classes and scheduling and professors here at UTSA have been understanding of travel and competitions and have been so accommodating and I am very grateful for that."
In conjunction with her athletic career, Dahlia has also been working under Hyoung-gon Lee, associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, on an independent study. Her study is centered around Alzheimer's disease and poses questions about how a high-fat diet might affect individuals who have been diagnosed with the disease. She hopes to publish her findings by the end of the semester.
"I'd say that Dr. Lee has become my favorite professor, not only because of a specific class that I took with him, but because he has also become a mentor to me in some way and I am very appreciative of that."
Even during her short time at UTSA, Dahlia has picked up valuable lessons from her experience. "When I started in the fall, I had a hard time adjusting from the test and exam formats in undergrad, but I learned to adjust with the help of my professors and then the only challenge is just staying on top of your work," she said. "When those are no longer an issue, success is attainable."
Upon graduating with her M.S. in biology from UTSA, Dahlia hopes to apply to medical school so she can practice anesthesiology. Despite the challenges she's faced as a student athlete, Dahlia remains undeterred in the pursuit of her dreams. With unwavering determination and a resilient spirit, she has pushed onward and hopes to encourage others to do the same in the face of adversity.
"As long you are passionate about your goals and you put your mind to it, anything is possible."