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Published June 25, 2026
By Darlene Muguiro
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ College of Health Sciences

Genesis Romero, an upcoming senior in the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Program, has become the second student at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ to receive a nationally competitive scholarship from the American Proficiency Institute (API). Romero is one of only four students in the country to receive the prestigious award this year, which is directed to upcoming juniors and seniors enrolled in medical laboratory science programs. 

From an early age, Romero demonstrated a strong curiosity about science, health care, and the natural world. Throughout her academic journey, mentors and educators recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a rigorous scientific career. While balancing family responsibilities and academic challenges, Romero remained committed to her education and eventually enrolled at Clint Early College Academy, where a teacher helped her recognize the opportunities available through higher education and the health sciences.  

“We visited several campuses throughout Texas and New Mexico, and one of those was ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ,” Romero said. “I shared with my teacher that I loved biology, looking under microscopes, and taking care of people. She told me that the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ CLS Program would be a great fit for me. She also said that it would be challenging, but that I could get it done.”  

In addition to her academic studies, Romero dedicated much of her adolescence to community service. Between the ages of 13 and 18, she volunteered more than 1,000 hours with A.Y.U.D.A., Inc. in the San Elizario area. Her work included supporting community health fairs, food pantry initiatives, health promotion events, and public health outreach programs. As a bilingual volunteer, she frequently served as a translator between healthcare professionals, including Texas Tech health educators, and Spanish-speaking community members, helping families better understand health information and available resources.  

“Working directly with families in the community showed me how important health education and access to health care really are,” Romero said. “Many people simply needed someone who could explain information in a way that was understandable and culturally relevant. Those experiences reinforced my desire to pursue a career where I could contribute to improving health outcomes.”  

Following her graduation from the Academy, Romero enrolled at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. She says her family was not initially familiar with the field of laboratory medicine, but over time they came to understand the importance of the profession and became excited about her career path. 

Along with the support of her family, Romero has found a second family within the CLS Program. The long days of classes, laboratory exercises, and weekend study sessions created strong bonds among her cohort that have endured through challenges and successes.  

“We all entered the program with different backgrounds, but we share the same commitment to serving patients,” she said. “The challenges of the program brought us closer together, and our cohort became a support system that helped each of us grow both academically and professionally.” 

Now at the start of her second year in the professional phase of the program, Romero is preparing for clinical rotations that will allow her to apply her classroom and laboratory training in real healthcare settings. She anticipates completing much of her clinical training at University Medical Center. With the support of the API award, she can focus on completing the remaining requirements for her degree and preparing for a career in laboratory medicine.  

Romero says she ultimately plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in endocrinology, with a particular focus on women’s health. She believes her background in laboratory science will provide a strong foundation for both clinical practice and future research.  

“I really want to get into endocrinology because hormones influence nearly every aspect of our health,” she said. “As we continue to see increases in conditions like diabetes, metabolic disorders, and hormone-related diseases, I want to contribute to both patient care and research. Laboratory science has taught me how important accurate diagnostics are, and I want to combine that analytical foundation with medicine so that I can become a well-rounded physician for my future patients.” 

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Go Miners!