Persephone Alicea Ruiz
M.D./Ph.D. Student
Persephone Alicea is a graduate student in the South 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD Program). She will enter into the graduate school portion of the training program in 2026.
About Me
I’m a proud San Antonio native that’s honored to complete my medical education within the community that raised me! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø at Austin. During my undergraduate years, I engaged as a student researcher, surgical recovery specialist, and rugby player. Following my graduation from UT Austin, my wife and I moved to Vancouver, BC. While in Canada, I continued research at the University of British Columbia. As a research technician at the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), I worked under the supervision of Dr. Brian Kwon. My research focused on the development of a minimally invasive biosensor capable of providing real-time hemodynamic spinal cord monitoring following spinal cord injuries. Now as a graduate student, I’m supervised by Dr. Peter Fox and Dr. Ralph DeFronzo. My current research is aimed at understanding the neurological impacts of type 2 diabetes and the pharmacotherapies used to treat this chronic condition. In addition to my current research, I’m also passionate about pre-med mentorship and understanding the public health issues most relevant to the San Antonio community. In my free time, you can likely find me on an outdoor adventure with my wife and dog or spending time with my family.
Hobbies/Interests
Rugby, hiking, cooking, board games, video games
Research Topic
Neuroscience, Neuroradiology, Diabetes
Why I chose MD/PhD
I chose an MD/PhD program because it is a unique training opportunity that offers the expertise to serve through traditional clinical means while also driving new innovations. These abilities are essential for the evolution of medicine and its practice.
Why I chose MD/PhD at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø
UT Health SA is an amazing institution comprised of compassionate faculty, excellent researchers, and dedicated students. The culture of UT health SA is unlike any other, and it’s only here that I can learn from and serve the community that got me where I am today.
Education
Biochemistry, BSA, University of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø at Austin