"Our team works to protect the memory, what we inherit from our grandparents and that runs in our blood. Memory requires of the senses to be activated, that is why when we smell something we can be transported to other moment and place. In addition to remember, the arts help us to reach a sublime place in the universe"
Dr. Gladys Maestre
Gladys Maestre, MD, PhD, is the Director of the South Texas Alzheimer Disease Research Center (STAC) and Alzheimer's Disease Resources Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) and a Professor of Neuroscience at the UTRGV School of Medicine.
Dr. Maestre previously served as visiting professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the G.H. Sergievsky Center in Columbia University. Dr. Maestre received a Doctor of Medicine degree from University of Zulia. She received both her Masters in Genetic Epidemiology and her PhD in pathobiology from Columbia University. She recently completed her Masters of Arts in Neuroarchitecture from Iuav University of Venice.
Dr. Maestre is a neuroscientist who has worked with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias for more than 20 years. She is the PI of the Maracaibo Aging Study, a unique community-based cohort of individuals who have undergone in-depth assessments for cognitive, neuroimaging, and cardiovascular traits since 1997. As PI on several NIA and Fogarty International Center funded grants, her research has explored cultural, educational, and genetic risks for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, as well as cognitive function and health among minorities and ethnically diverse populations across the life span
I am Dr. Jesús Melgarejo, assistant professor of Neuroscience at the UTRGV School of Medicine, my research focused on understanding the relationship between blood pressure dysregulation and Alzheimer's disease-related disorders. My research includes utilizing brain MRI markers for clues on cerebral small vessel disease, brain atrophy, or decreased cognitive functioning.
I am a research psychiatrist studying the multifactorial nature of neuropsychiatric disorders. My work is aimed at discovering biological underpinnings of mental disorders and to generate knowledge with clinical usability. Our calculation of genetic risks for neuropsychiatric disorders was the cornerstone for the genetic testing statement of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics.
As a dedicated Community Health Worker for Alzheimer's Research, I am passionate about bridging the gap between underserved populations and the healthcare services they need. My work is rooted in empathy, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to improving community well-being. By building trust and strong relationships within the community, I aim to reduce health disparities and promote equity for all.
Hi my name Cristian Maestre. I am originally from Venezuela and hold a Bachelor's degree in Structural Architecture, which I completed in Panama City, Panama. Currently, my research focuses on the application of neuroscience to architecture, encompassing urban design, wayfinding, spatial design, perception, human behavior, and well-being. In my free time, I enjoy playing the accordion and exercising.
My educational background is in Kinesiology, Wellness, Public Health, and now Gerontology. I have experience working in the community in the areas of community engagement, community health, public health, program planning, research and the aging population overall. I am working to support community engagement efforts aimed at assisting and educating the local RGV community about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as part of the OREC core.
My name is Claudia Alaniz. I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. I graduated high school and joined the US Navy, where I served for 10 years. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration in 2015 from University of Texas at Brownsville. I obtained my Masters in Business Administration in 2018 from Our Lady of the Lake University. I am currently the Program Coordinator for Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research.
I'm Neyra Garcia started working within research as an Undergraduate RA for a Human Development and Family Studies lab at the University of Texas at Austin. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work on several activities related to research. During my time with the Alzheimer’s Research Team, I have worked within the Resource Center of Minority Aging Research to support Community-Academic Partnerships and aid in the Research Education of early career scientists.
My name is Shana Garza and I will be starting a PhD in Human Genetics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). I am working on finishing my master's thesis on the Association and Shared Genetic Variants Between AD Blood-Based Biomarkers and MRI AD-Signatures in Mexican Americans. My main task is to complete the thesis and submit a manuscript for publication.
My name is Andrea Ramirez and I graduated Spring 2025 from UTRGV with her Bachelor in Health Professions in Integrated Health Sciences. During my summer internship, I will be facilitating Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (DVCID) evaluation assistance. I will be learning to evaluate and provide the UDS 3 Neuropsychological Battery and shadowing Dr. Mejia's procedure.
My name is Christine Vega, I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's in Biochemistry. I work with Dr. Melgarejo and Cristian Maestre in regard to their research on memorability and imageability as they apply to landscapes and urban planning, and how taking advantage of this inherent cognitive ability can assist those with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
My name is Kennedy Calloway. I am currently becoming a senior in the fall at UTRGV studying Biology. I am on the DP1-Social Pinpoint team. I am currently working with my mentor Neyra Garcia In order to get our information out to the public we have to convey it in a way that isn't as scientific as we are used to. I am here to help Neyra navigate through Social Pinpoint and how we can use our creative skills to work for our community and team.
My name is Caroline De La Garza is pursuing her Masters of Fine Arts in English from UTRGV and hopes to graduate 2026. I am happy to join the Neuroscience Institute to help with creating Community Briefs that are engaging, informative, and memorable. The community brief deliverables are related to scientific articles and public health. My goal is to transform research articles into accessible flyers that are distributed throughout the community.
My name is Leslie Martinez. I'm a 4th year Biomedical Science student and President of the National Marrow Donor Program. I assist with scheduling and ensure that all appointments proceed smoothly without any disruptions. I also handle the organization and maintenance of necessary documentation, including the medical supply inventory and NIH informational materials for lobby display. My goal is to gain valuable experience to better understand and contribute to my role at the Center.”
My name is Brenda Portillo. I will be graduating with the Class of 2027 with a major in Biological SciencesMy role as a student assistant primarily involves providing support and assistance to faculty and staff. In my case, I am responsible for supporting the Clinical Core Team of the South Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. My main assignments include reviewing and updating documentation records. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the research process.
My name is Estrella Palomo. I am currently in my second year as a Neuroscience major at UT Austin. In my role, I will be working closely with our faculty as a rotating student, aiming to learn more about neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and their impact, understand clinical data, and recognize patterns in cognitive decline. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the disease and learn how to interpret clinical data to better understand patterns in cognitive decline.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | (956) 296-3920 |
|---|---|
| memory@utrgv.edu |
