Itzel Velázquez Sánchez

As a neuroscience and psychology double-major, Itzel Velázquez Sánchez is no stranger to hard work and dedication. While at UChicago, she studied attention and visual working memory in the Awh Vogel Lab; researched how neighborhood-level factors impact HIV prevalence and access to healthcare services for the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination; and conducted telemedicine research with the Alkureishi Lab. 

However hard she works, Velázquez Sánchez believes in prioritizing one’s social and emotional health. “As UChicago students, there is so much pressure to always excel, but know the work will always get done, and you need to cherish the experiences offered outside of school,”  she said. “Taking time away from academics helps you recharge and can bring new inspiration. Even if you are doing work, take it off campus and explore coffee shops all around the city.”

Upon reflecting on her time at UChicago, Velázquez Sánchez feels more empowered to go out into the world.

"I have made strong relationships that have allowed for my own growth, and have stepped out of my comfort zone in classes out of my field, leaving with a more holistic view of the world,” she said.

Velázquez Sánchez will be taking a gap year to work as a clinical research coordinator at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York before applying to graduate school.