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Elena Ruff

M.D./Ph.D. Student

About Me

Elena moved from her hometown of La Crescent, Minnesota to Houston in 2017 to pursue her B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. She spent two gap years between Baylor College of Medicine and here at UTHSCSA, working in neuroscience labs. Texas has become her home and her growing family's home. She and her partner welcomed their son in 2024, during her first year in the program. Although not entirely uncharted, her journey has been a non-traditional one, and she is committed to perpetuating a culture in medicine and medical training that embraces personal choices, allowing individuals to pursue both a fulfilling career and a fulfilling life.  

Hobbies/Interests

I play tennis, love going to see live music, and have an ever-growing collection of houseplants. I also love reading classic literature and exploring local coffee shops. 

Research Topic

Neurodegeneration, Molecular Biology

Why I chose MD/PhD

I can’t imagine my future without research or medicine. My passion for one only increases my passion for the other. I think research and medicine have so much to gain from a closer relationship with one another, and I am so excited to be part of that bridge. 

Why I chose MD/PhD at ������

Choosing your school and your home for 8+ years can be daunting. UTHSCSA made that choice so easy, from the competitiveness of the program to all the stories from students who felt supported and heard, it was a clear decision. 

Post-bac work or other affiliations

Research Technician at Baylor College of Medicine 

Research Assistant at UT Health Science Center San Antonio

Education

B.S., Cell and Molecular Biology/Neuroscience, University of St. Thomas, Houston, 2021

Publications

van der Heijden, M. E., Kizek, D. J., Perez, R., Ruff, E. K., Ehrlich, M. E., & Sillitoe, R. V. (2021). Abnormal cerebellar function and tremor in a mouse model for non‐manifesting partially penetrant dystonia type 6. In The Journal of Physiology (Vol. 599, Issue 7, pp. 2037–2054). Wiley.