Elias Tzoc-Pacheco
Elias Tzoc-Pacheco, originally from Totonicapan, Guatemala, graduated in 2019 from Hamilton High School in Ohio. In Hamilton, Elias served on a municipal commission for youth as well as on a philanthropic board for the local community foundation.
At Columbia University, he plans to major in Biomedical Engineering and continue research into immunobiology and novel therapies for autoimmune disorders.
In December 2017, a family trip back to his hometown in Guatemala confirmed Elias’ interest in the biomedical sciences with a long term goal of expanding healthcare to underserved communities in Latin America. In Summer 2017, he participated in the Jackson Laboratory’s Summer Student Program in Bar Harbor, Maine where he worked in an immunology lab developing an experimental design for potential therapies to prevent fibrosis of heart tissue. Working with various mentors also helped solidify his professional pursuit of obtaining an M.D./Ph.D following his undergraduate studies. This summer, Elias has continued his research interest at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in a lab focusing on the mechanisms driving hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, an autoimmune disease.
Elias is excited to further his education from small town suburbia to the sprawling NYC metropolis. An adventurous appetite, a taste of comedy shows, and along with a love of concerts and many musical artists keeps him busy in his off time. He looks forward to having the Big Apple further drive these interests and learn more about our world.