Content by Sandra Zaragoza
Nine undergraduate college students from across the country are spending their summer learning what it takes to improve the health and well-being of teens in South Texas.
Now in its second year, the UT Teen Health Summer Internship Program is giving students hands-on experience in adolescent health education, community outreach, research and clinical care. In exchange, the interns support UT Teen Health’s mission to strengthen community ties and promote youth health and wellness throughout San Antonio and South Texas.
UT Teen Health, housed at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio, has worked since 2003 to provide medically accurate, age-appropriate health education to teens and the adults who support them. The program is led by Founder and CEO Kristen Plastino, MD, and Director Jennifer Todd, JD, RN.
Since 2003, UT Teen Health has focused on improving adolescent health and wellness in greater San Antonio and South Texas through training, research and community outreach. UT Teen Health has reached more than 350,000 youth, 5,000 educators, 41 community youth serving organizations and school districts to provide evidence-based training and support on a wide variety of topics including adolescent growth and development, healthy relationships and trauma-informed care.
“The UT Teen Health Summer Internship Program is helping prepare the next generation of healthcare and public health leaders while advancing our mission to promote positive youth development and adolescent well-being,” Todd said. “It’s exciting to see the impact these students are having on the youth in our community as they follow their interests and grow as professionals.”
Real-word experience across public health
Throughout the summer, interns work alongside UT San Antonio faculty, physicians, researchers and community partners. Their work spans several areas, including adolescent health education and youth development, community outreach and engagement, injury and violence prevention initiatives, clinical assessments and research that supports UT Teen Health projects and broader public health efforts.
The research component gives interns a firsthand look at how data and evidence form programs designed to help teens make healthy decisions and build strong futures.
Meet the 2026 interns
This year’s cohort includes six new and three returning interns, two of whom have stepped into leadership roles this summer. Sophia Arnold is serving as chief intern, and Nikaend Kumar Sathyanarayanan is serving as chief intern of research — a progression that underscores the program’s emphasis on mentorship and professional growth.
Sophia Arnold, a junior at The University of Texas at San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology.
Valarie Banigo, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with a goal of becoming an OB/GYN.
Alex Courtines, a junior at the University of Michigan pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration while following a pre-medicine pathway.
Manuel Cruz IV, a junior at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in biology with a pre-medical science concentration.
Gabriela E. Gaona, a sophomore at Emory University in Atlanta, pursuing a major in human health with a minor in Spanish on the pre-medical track.
Ximena Gutierrez Gonzalez, a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in pre-medical sciences and a minor in politics and law.
Timothy Potter, a sophomore at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in international relations with an undecided pre-health minor.
Nikaend Kumar Sathyanarayanan, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a pre-medical curriculum with the goal of becoming a surgeon.
Caroline Tichy , a senior at Tulane University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience.
An invitation to faculty
As the internship program continues to grow, UT Teen Health is inviting faculty from any of UT San Antonio’s health professional schools to get involved through shadowing opportunities, mentorship, research collaboration or other forms of professional engagement, Todd said.
Those interested in learning more about the internship program, or exploring collaboration opportunities, can contact Chief Intern Sophia Arnold at arnolds@uthscsa.edu.