Three UT Southwestern learners who are passionate about serving their community were awarded scholarships during this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration.

Austin Rios was presented the $5,000 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for Community Service. Two finalists – medical student Benjamin “Benji” Popokh and graduate student Priscilla Del Valle – received $500 scholarships each.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Rios drew connections between Dr. King’s pursuit of civil rights and the vital advocacy for health equity. He outlined his approach to increase representation, accessibility, and inclusivity in health care through service and mentorship.

“Whether your contributions are big or small, long-lasting or short, we all have the capacity to put action into Dr. King’s philosophy. Ask yourself how you can contribute to this effort and set out to do so, bearing in mind the incredible responsibility we carry to pay it forward,” he said.

Scholarship Recipient Austin Rios

Second-year medical student

Mr. Rios’ journey to medical school was marked by personal resilience and detours. From honoring his local roots to leading advocacy on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., his path has been characterized by a commitment to others and an excitement for exploration and discovery.

When he was 10 years old, Mr. Rios, along with his family, lost health insurance coverage. He experienced health care system accessibility barriers firsthand, which ignited his goal to become a physician. Currently, the University of Texas at Dallas graduate is pursuing an interest in HIV and LGBTQ+ dermatology.

As a second-year student, Mr. Rios frequents the Agape Clinic at Grace United Methodist Church in Dallas where he has been a dedicated volunteer for the past six years. In 2021, he helped administer COVID-19 vaccines, contributing to the operation of the first mega public vaccination site at Fair Park. He was involved in the startup of an LGBTQ+ clinic and is an active member of the Dallas County Medical Reserve Corps.

At UT Southwestern, Mr. Rios is recognized for his commitment to mentoring Dallas-area high school students as part of the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program.

Determined to help break down systematic barriers for the next generation of health leaders, Mr. Rios said he believes Dr. King’s goal for a beloved community is not a distant utopia but rather a vision that can be realized through collective efforts. With a personal understanding of the health disparities many patients experience, Mr. Rios focuses his mission in medicine on assisting under-resourced communities and opening doors for others to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps.

Finalist

Benjamin “Benji” Popokh

Second-year medical student

Mr. Popokh, who grew up in Plano, Texas, was inspired to pursue medicine because of its potential to heal the individual. He said medicine is the ideal profession for servant-leadership and leaving a positive impact. Mr. Popokh, a graduate of UT Austin, began volunteering in middle school, visiting the Heritage Farmstead Museum to help with animal care, site maintenance, and visitor guidance.

Some of his favorite places to volunteer in Dallas are the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, which he visits weekly and speaks with individuals working to overcome addiction, and Bryan’s House, a place for children with special needs to learn, grow, and play.

He has recruited numerous students and residents to join his volunteer efforts at Bryan’s House, as well as in the national Back on My Feet program, which empowers people to break free from the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and/or addiction through fitness, community support, and employment resources. Mr. Popokh has raised money for both organizations through “fund-racing” campaigns, including $1,500 for Bryan’s House and over $750 for Back on My Feet through the Dallas Ultra Marathon.

He is interested in a career in either pediatric or surgical oncology and aspires to continue finding ways to combine his personal interests with his community.

“At 8 years old, I decided to pursue a career in medicine as my cousin was battling brain cancer. He was taken care of by amazing physicians and surgeons at UT Southwestern, and it’s an honor to be here now, learning from and working with my childhood heroes. As a future physician, I hope to be a good friend, role model, and leader within my community. I hope to serve my community and create a better world for all,” Mr. Popokh said.

Finalist

Priscilla Del Valle

Fifth-year graduate student

Ms. Del Valle is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cell and Molecular Biology Program who conducts research in the Koh Lab. Her focus is on unraveling the intricate mechanisms that beneficial microorganisms in the gut use to interact with the immune system, information that can be useful in development of immunotherapies to fight cancer. An El Paso, Texas, native, Ms. Del Valle earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2018.

Her academic journey includes experience in the UTSW Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) in 2017, through which she gained valuable insights into graduate school life. Inspired by the program, she officially joined UT Southwestern as a graduate student in 2019.

Ms. Del Valle is an active contributor to the UTSW chapter of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), currently serving as Vice President.

Her commitment extends beyond the laboratory, as Ms. Del Valle has contributed significantly to impactful community service initiatives with the Dallas Independent School District and local shelters. She is passionate about sharing her journey as a woman and minority in science, with a goal of inspiring and paving the way for the next generation of female scientists.

“Receiving the MLK Scholarship was a true honor for me. My community service experiences have been instrumental in my growth as a scientist, propelling me toward fulfilling future goals. I aspire to establish myself in the biotech industry, actively contributing to the progression of science, and I aim to maintain my involvement in community outreach to assist younger generations in their pursuit of a scientific career,” Ms. Del Valle said.