She plans to leverage her expertise in chemical biology and artificial intelligence to drive advancements in health and wellness. 

Andrea Valenzuela is a PhD candidate in chemical biology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the biomedical application of artificial intelligence for personalized medicine, specifically aiming to tailor tuberculosis drug combinations using machine learning algorithms. 

Andrea has won numerous accolades throughout her academic career. As an undergraduate at Northeastern Illinois University, Andrea was recognized as a McNair Scholar, a Star Scholar, and as a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Analytical Chemistry Award. She has also been an MIT ACCESS Scholar, Princeton MOLBIO Scholar, and Harvard SHURP Scholar. While at U-M, Andrea has received a Cellular Biotechnology Training Program Fellowship, a National Science Foundation Honorable Mention, and a Rackham Merit Fellowship. Additionally, Andrea has participated in high-impact internship programs at pharmaceutical companies, including as an emerging science and innovation intern at Pfizer and as a software development intern at GSK.

In addition to her research and professional achievements, Andrea is committed to increasing diversity in STEM fields. She has been an active member of the Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science since her undergraduate years, contributing to the organization’s efforts in recruitment, community building, and mentorship for underrepresented students. Andrea also serves as resident director of Henderson House (HH) at U-M, where she supports a cooperative living environment that offers the most affordable on-campus living option for women students.  The HH Board of Governors Chair recognizes Andrea’s leadership as instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and in maintaining the house’s legacy of support and community.

When Andrea concludes her PhD, she envisions combining her passion for scientific innovation and her desire to make a meaningful impact on society. She plans to leverage her expertise in chemical biology and artificial intelligence to drive advancements in health and wellness. 

CEW+ celebrates Andrea’s commitment to science and names her an Irma M. Wyman Scholar.