Mya Rodriguez, a PhD candidate in the laboratory of Andrea Stavoe, PhD, in the McGovern Medical School Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Terry J. Crow, PhD, Scholarship in Neuroscience. This award recognizes Rodriguez for her outstanding academic achievements and research excellence.

Rodriguez earned her MS degree in Experimental Psychology – Behavioral Neuroscience from Angelo State University, where she explored how natural compounds such as lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), known for its potential cognitive benefits, may influence memory and brain health.

Now pursuing her doctoral research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in the Neuroscience Program, Rodriguez studies how specialized brain cells manage the process of cellular recycling and renewal as the brain ages. Under the mentorship of Stavoe, she aims to uncover insights that could deepen understanding of how neurons maintain their health over time.

Faculty mentors describe Rodriguez as a driven, curious, and highly capable scientist whose work reflects both intellectual rigor and creativity. Beyond her research, Rodriguez plays an active role in student leadership — serving on the Neuroscience Program Student Council, and as secretary of the Graduate School Student Council.

Congratulations to Rodriguez, who expressed deep gratitude for the scholarship, noting that it inspires her to continue pursuing meaningful research in neuroscience.