Brianna Ortega’s interest in cancer research is driven by her determination to improve patient outcomes and quality of life through scientific innovation. After losing her father to cancer as a child, Ortega’s awareness of the challenges faced by patients and their families inspired her to pursue a career in biomedical research. This goal, shaped by her lived experiences and perspective as a native El Pasoan on the U.S.-Mexico border, evolved throughout her education and has led her to continue this journey in science in college.
In 2026, Ortega earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas at El Paso. Her first research experience as an undergraduate student began when she joined the lab of Dr. Giulio Francia in 2023, focusing on evaluating the effects of a combinatory metronomic chemotherapy regimen in a preclinical murine model of breast to brain metastasis via in vivo imaging. During her time in the Francia Lab, she became increasingly passionate about developing treatment options that address therapeutic limitations for metastatic cancers. This has led Ortega to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where she aims to integrate developmental neurobiology and tumor cell biology to further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying primary pediatric brain tumor development and secondary metastasis to the brain.
Witnessing hindered patient outcomes due to limited medical resources has solidified her goal of developing treatment options that overcome both biological and socio-cultural hurdles. Ortega is committed to making meaningful contributions to pediatric cancer research during her time as a member of St. Jude’s inclusive and collaborative community.
Joining the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to pursue her PhD in Biomedical Sciences provides Ortega with the opportunity to advance cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases while growing as a scientist in a welcoming and diverse environment. The collective unity of scientists making significant efforts to contribute toward St. Jude’s mission is inspiring and she is honored to be a member of the mission-driven community.
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Education:
2026 BS, Biological Sciences (Concentration in Biomedical Science) – University of Texas at El Paso
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2026 umma Cum Laude, UTEP
2025 Accelerating STEM Success through Experiences for Transfer/Third-year Students (ASSETS) Program (NSF-funded), UTEP
2023 Hawkins Scholarship, UTEP
2022-26 Dean’s List, UTEP
2022-25 Cardinal Health Foundation Scholarship