The Alliance in Focus: Daniel Cano Pargas

Sixty members of the UNMC High School Alliance are among the students taking classes at UNMC this academic year.

The students come from high schools around the Omaha area and take college-level classes at UNMC to prepare for health careers.

Today we meet:

• Name: Daniel Cano Pargas
• High school: Abraham Lincoln High School, Council Bluffs
• Year: Senior

How did you get involved in the UNMC High School Alliance?

My friends Scott, Jessica and Hope participated in the program a year before me, and they encouraged me to apply. At first, I was reluctant, but Jessica gave me a thorough description of the courses, my senior schedule opened up, and my counselor gave me a persuasive lecture. After giving the program brochure a good look, I applied immediately.

What sparked your interest in science?

One day when I was 5, I binge-watched “Bill Nye the Science Guy” for about seven hours before my parents noticed. Afterwards, I bombarded them with questions about chemistry and biology. When they couldn’t answer, I bothered my kindergarten teacher. She gave me books about dinosaurs. I grew really fond of science — also dinosaurs.

What are your career aspirations?

After my undergraduate studies, I intend to work in mechanical and biomedical engineering. I’d like to research and design new treatment methods and devices to simplify patient life or facilitate health care. When my youthful prime comes to an end, I’d like to enter graduate school, earn my doctorate, and subsequently teach university students while continuing to do research.

What has been the best part of your UNMC High School Alliance experience so far?

Without a doubt, my favorite part about the UNMC experience is the constant switch between hands-on labs and engaging lectures. At regular high school, it can be easy to fall into routine, but the variety of activities within my courses at UNMC keep me interested and on my toes.