Sofia Lopez

Student Researcher
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami | Aug 2022 – Nov 2024

• Conducted translational research utilizing stem cell–derived retinal organoids to model retinoblastoma progression and mechanisms of brain metastasis.
• Contributed to cardiovascular research using human heart organoids to investigate molecular pathways underlying cardiac disease.
• Assisted with experimental design, cell culture, data collection, and analysis to support ongoing laboratory investigations.

Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Miami | Aug 2021 – May 2022

• Performed structured classroom observations in low-income preschool settings to evaluate socio-emotional and early academic development.
• Collected and analyzed behavioral data to assess developmental outcomes and educational disparities.

• Adis, E., Rodriguez, S., Schachner, B., Borges, S., Lopez, S., et al. (2023, August). Developing a Human Model of Retinoblastoma Brain Metastasis. 3rd International Conference in Vision Science and Eye, London, England.
• Yenisehirli, G., Zuniga, A., Rodriguez, S., Adis, E. V., Quintana, G., Borges, S., Lopez, S., et al. (2024). Identifying Class 1 HDACs as a Vulnerability for Aggressive Uveal Melanoma. Cancer Research, 4581.
• Shtanko, Y., Rodriguez, S., Schachner, B., Adis, E., McLaughlin, S., Borges, S., Lopez, S., et al. (2024). Characterizing Pathways for Metastasis of Retinoblastoma in Forebrain Organoids. Cancer Research, 7569.

Yenisehirli, G., Braun, S., Borges, S., Zuniga, A., Quintana, G., Kutsnetsov, J., Rodriguez, S., Adis, E., K. Lopez, S. Lopez, Stathias, V., et al.
Epigenetic Compound Screen Reveals BET Inhibition as a Promising Strategy for Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

The Latino Medical Student Association- Member 2025 - Present

Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity – Member, 2022–2023

Mission Trip Organizer and Volunteer
Costa Rica | Mar 2023

• Independently designed and led an international service initiative supporting underserved communities in Costa Rica.
• Coordinated logistics with a local church and organized donations of essential supplies for four families.
• Volunteered in a school setting assisting children with special needs and promoting inclusive education.

Dean’s Ambassador
University of Miami School of Education | Aug 2022 – Dec 2023

• Served as a liaison between students and the Dean to promote student initiatives and engagement.

Organic Chemistry Workshop Leader
University of Miami | Aug 2021 – May 2022

• Facilitated peer workshops reinforcing key Organic Chemistry concepts and problem-solving skills.

President’s & Provost’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List – University of Miami – Spring 2022

Provost’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List – University of Miami – Fall 2022

Provost’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List – University of Miami – Spring 2023

President’s & Provost’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List – University of Miami – Fall 2023

Dean’s List – University of Miami – Fall 2021

President’s & Provost’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List – University of Miami – Spring 2021

President’s & Provost’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List – University of Miami – Fall 2020