Kaytlin Alzugaray

Kaytlin Alzugaray is on her way to becoming a leader in the fight against cancer — a disease that has affected multiple members of her family.

The 21-year-old has five years of cancer research under her belt, presented at more than 20 conferences and participated in a summer research programs at Harvard Medical School. 

Kaytlin started her FIU career in 2016 at FIU’s Academy for Advanced Academics, a dual-enrollment program. Shortly after completing a biology course, she was recruited for Peer Led Team Training (PLTL). She was a senior in high school helping to teach courses to college students in FIU’s Department of Biological Sciences. Later, she became a PLTL supervisor, participating in the active learning program. 

As an FIU Honors College student, Kaytlin has excelled — earning two bachelor’s degrees and three certifications. She’s been named a prestigious Goldwater Scholar and received FIU’s Global Learning Medallion for her ovarian cancer research capstone project, as well as the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award. 

She credits the MARC U*STAR program for giving her the opportunity to advance her research and form professional relationships with faculty.  

Kaytlin’s also completed more than 1,530 hours in various clinical settings as an emergency medical technician and paramedic.  

Next, Kaytlin wants to earn an M.D-Ph.D. and become a physician-scientist to continue researching new cancer treatment alternatives and discover new pharmacological treatment options for cancer patients worldwide. 

Giselle M. Cancio
Senior Content Managing Editor, Digital
College of Arts, Sciences & Education