Rebecca Sanchez, PhD

Dr. Rebecca Sanchez is an Associate Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ABS) at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM). She earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Zoology in 2005 from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Her undergraduate research focused on more unique and efficient ways of delivering viral genes into fish for effective DNA vaccination against Channel Catfish virus (Ictalurid herpesvirus 1) in commercially farmed fish populations.    

Dr. Sanchez earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Microbiology & Immunology in 2013 from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her doctoral thesis focused primarily on identifying the different mechanisms by which Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV) evade the host’s innate antiviral responses in various cell types.    

Dr. Sanchez is originally from the New Orleans area where, in pursuit of her passion for science education especially among grades K through 12 in underserved communities, she developed, coordinated, and volunteered for various S.T.E.A.M. days and nights at local elementary, middle, and high schools within the city. In addition, she worked with teachers developing curriculum for and training them how to implement supplemental science learning activities in the classroom.  

In addition to delivering the Microbiology curriculum to students in the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs at UIWSOM, she is also passionate about increasing science literacy and retaining diverse students in S.T.E.A.M. with mentoring and research opportunities. Working towards that goal, Dr. Sanchez mentors multiple SOM student-led research projects while also being the Principal Investigator (PI) of various other projects.   

Finally, Dr. Sanchez is passionate about encouraging SOM students to maintain their mental and physical fitness through routine exercise. She does this through the UIWSOM Running & Wellness Club, in which she is the faculty advisor. The UIWSOM Running & Wellness Club was officially created in October 2020 and partners yearly with the San Antonio Food Bank to raise monetary funds and collect donations for the Food Bank during the month of November. In addition to weekly Club gatherings, Dr. Sanchez and students often participate in many local 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races as well as triathlons.

• PhD in Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, 2013
• BS in Zoology, Auburn University, 2005