Daniela Chavez de Paz Solis: Outstanding Graduating International Student

Daniela Chavez de Paz Solis of Lima, Peru, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Honors College. She is majoring in biology with a concentration in pre-medical sciences. Chavez’s experiences have connected her passions for science and service, beginning with her efforts to establish a chapter of the Maine Red Cross on the University of Maine’s campus. Her call to become a physician-scientist was further informed by her research collaboration with the University of Miami that has demonstrated the inequities in patient outcomes. Her honors thesis titled, “The Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in Muscle Fiber Regeneration of Zebrafish Affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” combined her knowledge of muscular development and immunology. Having strived to surround herself with people who motivate and challenge her — in and outside of the laboratory — Chavez competed and traveled with the Women’s Club Volleyball team. After graduating in May, she plans to use gap years to strengthen her skills and prepare for medical school. 

Why did you choose to come to UMaine?

Having completed high school at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, continuing my academic journey in Maine felt natural. UMaine was an easy choice because of its large research presence and identity as a primarily-undergraduate institution. The opportunity to participate in advanced research alongside professors and graduate students as an undergraduate, to such an advanced degree, is rare — and UMaine offers that. The supportive environment and hands-on learning opportunities made it the ideal place to grow as a student.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits and how they’ve prepared you for the future:

My time at UMaine has been incredibly formative. I’ve worked in the Henry Lab, where I investigated regeneration fatigue in Duchenne muscular dystrophy models, and in the King Lab, where I used genomic tools to study stress responses in zebrafish infected with Influenza A. I’m currently assisting Dr. Cecilia Chung at the University of Miami in analyzing rheumatic disease patterns in the “All of Us” database to fill critical gaps in care for minority populations. The project explores how geographically biased genomes may affect how immunosuppressants are prescribed and ultimately aims to set better standards of care. Alongside this work, I gained valuable clinical experience that deepened my understanding of patient-centered research and care.

In addition, I’ve been completing my Honors thesis under the guidance of both Dr. King and Dr. Henry, working at the intersection of muscular development and immunology. Having worked with them separately throughout my undergraduate career, I began to form connections between their fields of expertise. This culminated in my thesis project, where I am exploring how specific mechanisms in the immune response cascade affect the regeneration of muscle fibers in zebrafish affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These experiences have sharpened my technical and analytical skills and made me fall in love with the research process — both clinical and basic science. They’ve been formative to my desire to help others, reinforcing my belief that science and service can go hand in hand. These experiences not only solidified my passion for translational medicine but also confirmed my calling to become a physician-scientist — someone who bridges discovery and care to make meaningful contributions to patients’ lives.

Have other students inspired or supported you?

Absolutely. The people who surround me, whether in academic or social settings, have had incredible experiences and a drive to become the best in their field. Whether through student organizations, research participation or volleyball with the club team, I’ve been surrounded by people who challenge and motivate me. Their passion and dedication have pushed me to better myself, become more well-rounded and embrace every opportunity with purpose and excitement.

Have you worked with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better?

Dr. Clarissa Henry has been a pivotal mentor throughout my journey. Beyond her scientific expertise, she has created a uniquely supportive and collaborative dynamic within her lab. Working in the Henry Lab feels like being part of a close-knit family, where everyone is encouraged to grow, challenge themselves and help one another succeed. Her unwavering commitment to fostering both scientific rigor and personal development has helped me build the confidence and resilience I carry into every part of my academic and professional life. Dr. Benjamin King also supported my curiosity and growth in bioinformatics, showing me how to ask more significant questions and approach complex problems. Their mentorship has shaped my academic trajectory and my outlook on what good mentorship should look like.

What has UMaine allowed you to explore beyond academics?

UMaine has allowed me to build a bridge between science and service. Bringing such an essential organization like the American Red Cross to campus, founding and serving as president of the Red Cross Club has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my undergraduate career. It gave me the opportunity to unite two communities — UMaine and Red Cross — that have always needed each other. I’ve helped foster a culture of service, education and compassion by organizing blood drives, health campaigns and disaster preparedness events.

Additionally, I’ve been able to explore my undying passion for volleyball. Being part of the club team during the beginning of my undergraduate years created some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. I’ve bonded with teammates through our shared love for the sport and found myself transformed by the intensity and energy of being on the court. It’s one of the few spaces where I push myself physically to my absolute limits — becoming bold and fearless, different from my day-to-day self — and striving toward something great with others by my side.

What experiences highlight the ingenuity of Mainers?

I had the opportunity to shadow care providers back home in northern Maine for about a month, and it made me truly realize the ingenuity and resourcefulness of rural medicine. Mainers consistently find ways to do their best with what little they have, providing their patients with the highest level of care despite limited resources. This experience deepened my appreciation for the creativity, dedication and compassion that define rural healthcare. This theme was echoed through my work with the Maine Red Cross, whose reach throughout the state is extensive and inspiring. They are constantly innovating new ways to reach every Mainer possible, ensuring people know about available resources and reminding people that they are never alone.

Did a UMaine experience change how you see the world?

Yes. Researching muscular dystrophy and working with clinical data on rheumatic diseases opened my eyes to the stark inequities in healthcare access and patient outcomes. These experiences revealed the multifaceted nature of medicine: it is not just a field of scientific discovery but a profoundly human and social endeavor. They reshaped my understanding of caring for others and inspired me to approach medicine with curiosity, precision, empathy, awareness and a deep commitment to justice.

Describe UMaine in one word and explain:

Empowering.

UMaine gave me the tools, support and confidence to pursue dreams that once felt out of reach. Whether in the lab, the classroom or the community, I’ve found mentors, peers and experiences that have shaped who I am and aspire to become.

What’s on the horizon after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to take a few gap years to further strengthen my skills as a researcher and future care provider. During this time, I plan to continue my work in molecular biology and data science while gaining more clinical experience in diverse settings. These years will allow me to deepen my understanding of patient care, refine my research questions and take some time to prepare for and conquer the MCAT.  I have accepted a National Institutes of Health Postbaccalaureate IRTA research fellowship at the National Human Genome Research Institute, where I will train in the infectious disease sector and prepare to apply to M.D-Ph.D. programs in the near future.

My ultimate goal remains to work at the intersection of research and medicine, particularly in underserved communities where innovation and empathy are equally vital.

Contact: Ashley Yates; ashley.depew@maine.edu