At age 6, Alexandra Atalis knew she wanted to pursue a top college education. Through expectations from her endearing yaya (Greek for grandmother) Atalis studied hard and always strived for the best. This attitude landed her at one of the best universities in the nation: The University of Texas at Austin.

She is a leader in the Delta Delta Delta sorority, which she credits with helping her develop administrative skills. When’s she’s not taking classes for her major (biomedical engineering), Atalis enjoys courses in history and English, subjects she says were a struggle for her in high school. Supportive professors make all the difference, she says.

But her most memorable academic experience came far from the Forty Acres. At one of the most famous scientific sites in the world, Atalis took part in a hands-on study abroad program in Cambridge, England. There, she took a biomedical transport class and had the experience of a lifetime exploring the city.

Atalis, the recipient of the Mrs. Harold B. Myers Texas Exes Scholarship, says her science research experience has not only enriched her academic skills—it’s taught her the meaning of perseverance.

One week before being accepted to work in the biophotonic lab of James Tunnell, Atalis learned that her mother had ovarian cancer. Working in the lab under the tragic circumstances helped her cope. Atalis learned to juggle multiple experiments under great pressure; waiting for the right answer taught her patience. In the lab, Atalis studies an alternative form of chemotherapy with early cancer treatment and detection.

This TEA scholar has learned to stay humble and enjoy the challenges that the University provides.

“I’ve definitely been humbled being here, surrounded by the best and brightest students,” Atalis says. “It’s very challenging here at UT, but being surrounded by such talented students keeps me motivated.”