Marcos Gomez Ambriz

Marcos Gomez Ambriz, known as "Gomez," is a first-generation Mexican American student from Phoenix, Arizona. At the age of 20, his mother, Maria Teresa Ambriz, left her hometown of Michoacán, Mexico, for the United States. Maria left family, friends and a career in search of the American dream and to provide Gomez better opportunities. Growing up, Gomez learned to navigate a complex world by watching his mother work night and day to provide for her family. The first in his family to graduate from high school, Gomez never expected a college education. With the guidance of his high school counselor and advanced placement biology teacher – who both saw his potential in science, technology, engineering and math – Gomez applied to the University of Arizona. Today, Gomez is a double major Honors College student and Arizona Assurance Scholar, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in physiology and Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

Gomez has served the University as a chemistry and biochemistry ambassador, resident assistant in Árbol de la Vida and Honors Village, researcher in Dr. Andrew Capaldi’s lab, ASUA College of Medicine senator, Project Soar mentor, hospice volunteer and member of the Student Affairs Policy and Research Policy committee. Exploring his interest in sports medicine, Gomez did a sports medicine internship with FC Tucson and worked as a physical therapy technician. Gomez wrote his undergraduate honors thesis on elite and recreational runners participating in marathons and the effects of detraining.

While negotiating college, Gomez learned the importance of mentorship and support in order to thrive as a first-generation student. Motivated by his mother, Gomez devoted his college career to being a role model for and mentoring students like himself. Gomez has received various awards, including Chemistry and Biochemistry Student of the Month, the Silver and Sage Scholarship, the Wildcat Excellence Award and Dean’s List with Academic Distinction. He also was a member of the 2019 Homecoming Court. Gomez is applying for a yearlong internship with an orthopedic surgeon and plans to attend medical school.