Hi! My name is Karina Gonzalez and I am a senior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Spanish. I am part of the Lu Lab in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy where we study and develop cancer chemotherapeutics through the use of medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology. Our goal is to increase the overall effectiveness of combination cancer nano-therapies that can both reduce systemic toxicities and prevent tumor recurrence. Currently, I am testing the cytotoxicity of the nano-therapeutics that we have created, which are liposomes that we package with our chemo-drug to determine the most efficient yet safest amount of this combo-therapy for treatment use per type of cancer. At the end of my undergraduate career, I hope to have gained profound insight into the complex-nature of such a prevalent disease as cancer and the functionality of various forms of chemotherapeutics in order to utilize what I have learned to help my future patients one day in my pursuit of a career as a Nurse Practitioner. In my free time, I am involved in medical-related clubs across campus and volunteer for local organizations including Clínica Amistad and Z-Mansion that provide resources and healthcare to the underserved homeless and minority populations both in Tucson and Mexico. I also enjoy playing basketball, hiking, and pursuing my new-found love for goat yoga!
