JAVÃûÅ®ÓŹÝ

Published April 17, 2026
By Darlene Muguiro
UTEP College of Health Sciences

This May, five CHS students will serve in honorific roles at the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony at the Don Haskins Center. These students were selected for their positions based on academic achievement, extracurricular participation, and community and JAVÃûÅ®ÓÅ¹Ý service. Our second story features Yeizlyn Morales, Banner Bearer for the College of Health Sciences.

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Yeizlyn Morales, a candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences degree, recalls arriving on the UTEP campus determined but “uncertain.” The first-generation college attendee had made the bold leap to leave Mexico with her family so she could pursue her dream of a degree. She ultimately decided upon a career in rehabilitation sciences, the perfect blend of science and service that would give her the opportunity to help restore dignity and independence in others.

Shortly after beginning her degree, Morales realized that in order to succeed, she had to challenge herself outside of the classroom. She began to seek opportunities and mentorship, and ultimately joined the Neurological Disorders and Stress Management Lab, a role she says became a defining moment in her academic development.

“Through research examining resilience and employment outcomes among individuals with multiple sclerosis, I learned how scholarship can shape healthcare delivery,” she said.

During her time in the NDSM Lab, she participated in literature reviews and data interpretation, contributed to a peer-reviewed publication examining resilience and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis, and also presented at conferences including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. These experiences allowed her to connect with others outside of UTEP, strengthened her analytical thinking skills, and ultimately reinforced her commitment to evidence-based practice.

While balancing a nearly perfect 4.0 GPA with her role as a student researcher, Morales also worked in an outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation clinic, where she was able to connect her classroom knowledge to a real-world setting. This spring, she also completed 45 shadowing hours in Cartago, Costa Rica. The experience of working in an environment with limited resources made a lasting impression.

“Observing adaptable and culturally responsive care deepened my cultural humility and highlighted the importance of flexibility and equity in global rehabilitation practice,” she said.

After graduation, Morales will pursue a physical therapy degree, with a focus on serving diverse communities.  

“I arrived at UTEP determined, but uncertain. I leave with clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose,” she said. “The College of Health Sciences has not only prepared me academically, it has shaped me into a leader who understands that excellence is not only about achievement, but about impact and representation.”

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Go Miners!