Cinthia M. Lozano, PhD
My journey into research began unexpectedly during my master's degree at Texas State University. I originally had a background in marketing and communication, but when I needed a scholarship, I applied to work on a research project with a professor who was investigating factors that influence the academic success of teenagers. We clicked right away, and I really loved the experience of conducting research, especially interacting directly with the participants of a study.
I continued my research career while enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin for my PhD, where my focus shifted to consumer behavior and well-being. For the past three years, as a Research Scientist at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), I have worked closely with transplant patients. This extensive background in marketing and consumer behavior allows me to make unique contributions to the medical field; I apply these insights to develop human-centered digital resources that provide patients with the personalized data and information they need to make informed decisions throughout their transplant journey.
I am also working on developing resources for Spanish-speaking patients, including a website and a chatbot in Spanish. Because there is currently limited access to information in Spanish within the transplant field, my team and I are working toward launching the first site to make national data available in Spanish. This is a significant step forward in reducing healthcare disparities within the Hispanic community.
• PhD from The University of Texas at Austin
• Master's degree from Texas State University
• Bachelor’s degree from the Technological University of Central America
• Bachelor’s degree from the Technological University of Central America
• Master's Degree from Texas State University
• PhD from the University of Texas at Austin
• Grant from Green Fund
• Peer-Reviewed Publications: Transplantation, American Journal of Transplantation, and Communication Research.
• Conference Presentations: American Society of Nephrology (ASN), World Transplant Congress (WTC), American Transplant Congress (ATC), Fashion Communication and, the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC).
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible support system I’ve had throughout my journey. My parents have always believed in me, from the very moment I told them I wanted to study abroad. I am originally from Honduras, and when I shared that dream with them, they said, 'Well, we don't have the resources at the moment, but we’re going to pray, support you, and help you make it happen.' They truly supported me every step of the way. My husband has also been instrumental in my success; he is the one who constantly encouraged me to follow my passions and my dreams.
I also attribute my success to my perseverance; I show up even when the odds are not in my favor. Earlier in my career, I was told I wasn’t going to be a successful scholar, and at that moment, I was deeply hurt. I even considered quitting my PhD program at The University of Texas at Austin when I was so close to the finish line. However, I chose to continue working and to persevere. Today, my research has a direct, positive impact on the lives of thousands of transplant patients navigating the healthcare system in the U.S.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be a good listener and an even better observer. People aren't as interested in your job title as they are in feeling heard and understood. When you prioritize listening, you build trust—and trust is the foundation of any successful collaboration or research project.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Put yourself out there. Remember that every time you don't ask, the answer is already no. You must be your own strongest advocate—never allow anyone to make you feel small or doubt the value of your perspective. Your voice is a necessary part of the conversation.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges we face in research is that we depend on funding. We have to go through a grant process, and if the grant is not approved, then we cannot continue to do the research that we're doing that has such a great impact on patients. That's really difficult because the work is so important. I would also love to see more women and more representation of minorities in my field. I think we need to make room for them and have more diversity in research.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is really important to me. Integrity means staying grounded in my roots and my faith. It’s about being the same person at work as I am at home with my family. It means honoring the sacrifices my parents made by living a life that reflects the values they taught me: to be honest, to be dependable, and to stand up for what is right, even when the path is difficult.
Locations
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Austin, TX