VOLUME 6 | SUMMER/FALL 2021
CATALYST
The Science of a More Sustainable Future Page 10
The Magazine of The College of Sciences at The University of Texas at San Antonio
CATALYST
Contents
Dean: David R. Silva, Ph.D. Editor: Ryan Schoensee
Message from the Dean
1
Contributing Editor: Lauren Moriarty Graphic Designer: Coral Díaz
Congratulations
2
Copyeditor: Ashley Festa
Good to Know
3
Student Writers: Alex Roush, Amber Powell, Cecilia Nwaichi, Hailey Schmidt, Jalen Ray, Robert Salinas
The College at a Glance
4
Contributing Writers: Jordan Allen, Taylor Bird, Kelly Holguin
A Change for the Better
6
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION
Building a Competitive Edge in a Data-Centered Society
8
Associate Dean for Faculty Success: Kelly Nash, Ph.D.
The Science of a More Sustainable Future
10
Introducing the College of Sciences and Honors College Program
12
Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Associate Dean for Research: Jose Lopez-Ribot, Pharm.D./Ph.D. Associate Dean for Student Success : Edwin Barea-Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Faculty Spotlight
14
Awesome Alum
15
#ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike
16
Giving
20
Peek Inside the New Science and Engineering Building
24
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies: Timothy Yuen, Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Fiscal Administration: Mike Findeisen Assistant Dean for Remote Instruction: Terri Matiella, Ph.D. Senior Executive Development Officer: Kim Fischer
COVER ILLUSTRATION
Ziqi Yu
The College of Sciences One UTSA Circle San Antonio, Texas 78249 (210) 458-4450 www.utsa.edu/sciences
Catalyst is the biannual publication of the College of Sciences at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Catalyst is created for faculty, students, alumni and friends of the college, and it highlights achievements in research, scholarship and community outreach.
facebook.com/UTSASciences twitter.com/UTSASciences instagram.com/utsa.collegeofsciences
Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Student Writers Alex Roush Environmental Science
Amber Powell Multidisciplinary Studies
Uchechi Cecilia Nwaichi Biology
Hailey Schmidt Environmental Science
Message from the Dean Greetings from the College of Sciences. Although this past year was not easy on anyone, I’d like to recognize the remarkable resilience of our students, faculty and staff who were able to rise to the challenge. I am continually grateful to represent and serve our college. Despite the pandemic, we are on track toward our strongest year in awards and research expenditures. Last spring, over 450 Roadrunners graduated from the College of Sciences, and this fall we welcomed hundreds more first-year students to campus. We are dedicated to equipping the next generation of outstanding scientists with a top-tier education. My pride in what we accomplished this year is matched only by my excitement for what’s to come. From our collaborative partnership with the new School of Data Science to the great strides we have made in environmental sustainabil-
Jalen Ray Environmental Science
ity, there are many amazing things happening within the college that I’m excited to share with you in this magazine. We recently reorganized our life sciences programs into three new departments: Integrative Biology; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; and Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology. This long-awaited restructure will continue to improve the academic experience for our stu-
Robert Salinas Geology
Student Artists
dents and provide them with the tools they need to achieve professional success. Additionally, we renamed our Department of Geological Sciences to Earth and Planetary Sciences to better reflect the range of expertise and courses offered within the department that go beyond the standard definition of geology and span a wide range of areas including earth sciences, water and climate, environmental geosciences, oceanography, geological hazards, geoinformatics, and planetary science. Our students now have even more opportunities to pursue emerging areas of study with the potential to change the world. We overcame this past year with the help of our community and friends. Thank you for your continued support of our college and students. Your contributions are paving the way to a bold future that is filled with innovative research discoveries made possible by future world-class scientists. Thank
Brianna Trevino
you for being a part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
Communication
Sincerely,
Ziqi Yu
DAVID R. SILVA, PH.D. Distinguished Professor, Physics and Astronomy Dean, College of Sciences
Chemistry
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
Congratulations u U TSA’s
Cypress Living Laboratory opened for student,
u T he
College of Sciences and the Honors College partnered
faculty and community use. The outdoor classroom
to launch the new College of Sciences and Honors College
is designed to promote habitat and environmental
(COSHON) integrated program that streamlines the ability
education opportunities associated with the Edwards
for honors-eligible students in the sciences to be both
Aquifer watershed, including the laboratory’s adjacent
Honors College students and members of their college
creek ecosystem.
honors program.
u D r.
John McCarrey (Neuroscience, Developmental and
u D r.
Francis Yoshimoto’s (Chemistry) COVID-19-related
Regenerative Biology) and Dr. Eric Brey (Engineering) are
research earned him two citations by the World Health
leading the new Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a joint
Organization. These citations represent one of the highest
initiative between the College of Engineering and College
levels of recognition a research scientist can receive.
of Sciences. u D r. u D r.
Matthew Troia (Integrative Biology) was recognized for
George Perry (Neuroscience, Developmental
his research on the environmental impact of large cities.
and Regenerative Biology) was one of four scientists
The Ecological Society of America awarded Troia and his
appointed to the NervGen Alzheimer’s Disease Scientific
fellow study authors the 2021 Sustainability Science Award.
Advisory Board. u D r. u D r.
Jenny Hsieh (Neuroscience, Developmental and
Regenerative Biology) led a groundbreaking study that
Hector Aguilar (Chemistry) was named a fellow in the
University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
suggests the COVID-19 virus might enter the human brain. Hsieh and Courtney McMahon, a UTSA Ph.D. candidate in
u S ophomore
Mariah Antopia (Biology) was named a Barry
cell and molecular biology, created brain organoids with
Goldwater Scholar, the most prestigious national scholarship
different types of brain cells infected with small amounts
awarded to undergraduate students engaging in research in
of SARS-CoV-2. They found that the brain’s glial cells were
the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics.
susceptible to COVID-19 infection. u G raduate u D r.
Doug Frantz (Chemistry), Dr. Stanton McHardy
(Chemistry) and Dr. John Quarles (Computer Science)
student Rebecca Nunu (Earth and Planetary
Sciences) received the UTSA Graduate School’s Outstanding Thesis award.
were recognized with the prestigious Senior Member designation by the National Academy of Inventors.
u G raduate
student Kaitlyn Varela (Chemistry) was awarded
both the National Science Foundation Graduate Research u U ndergraduate
and graduate STEM students presented
their research findings in the Center for Advanced
Fellowships Program and the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship. The Ford Foundation fellowship is part of a
Measurements in Extreme Environment’s (CAMEE) first
national competition by the National Academies of Sciences,
spring research showcase.
Engineering and Medicine and is only awarded to select individuals who demonstrate academic achievement and are committed to a career in teaching or research.
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Good to Know “Being from San Antonio, I knew I always wanted to return
at the right time and serve my community, which provided me with so much growth. I was intentional on my next professional move, and the criteria I was looking for included: working for a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), supporting STEM students and having freedom for creation and innovation toward student development and success. The Student Success Center (SSC) role matched all of my expectations and much more, as UTSA is thriving in all of these areas. “As a first-generation college student, I had to learn how
to navigate the university on my own. Students have so many unanswered questions about college—we should make it easy for them to pick their experience. I missed
Daniel Ramirez-Escobedo is the director of the College of Sciences Student Success Center. He joined UTSA in April.
out on several key opportunities in college because I didn’t have the information about them, and I was afraid to ask questions. I want to provide students with as much information as possible so they are aware of their
The College of Sciences Student Success Center is a comprehensive resource center
opportunities and they can make informed decisions that
for all science students. The center promotes
are in their best interest.
student success by working closely with
“I hope all students in the College of Sciences see the SSC as
a place where they can go for answers and support. I would like to provide opportunities for students in every academic year and to create a program to build student leaders. We
faculty, the Tomás Rivera Center and the UTSA CareerEdge Center to provide academic and career support and to help transfer students transition to UTSA
hope that through SSC services, students will be able to
successfully. The center aims to empower
define their science identity and confidently navigate their
students to take ownership of their learning
science journey beyond graduation. Our mission is to help
experiences, leading to overall student
students find their place at UTSA and within the College of
success, graduation, and personal and
Sciences. We want students to see themselves represented
professional growth.
within their discipline, and we will support their journey by providing exceptional resources along the way.”
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
The College at a Glance
There were 341 actively funded research projects in 2020. These projects spanned a number of disciplines including brain health, nanotechnology, stem cells, medicinal drugs, infectious diseases, vaccine development and cybersecurity.
Hispanic/Latinx Students
First-Generation Students
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Degree Programs
Departments
Faculty
In May 2021, 451 students graduated from the College of Sciences. Almost half (47.7%) were Hispanic or Latino. Of those students:
a doctorate
On Giving Day 2021, we raised more than $37,000 from over 70 donors. The college wishes to thank alum Keith Herndon for his impactful challenge gift. Herndon is a 1981 computer science graduate who moved to Houston to work for Shell Oil Company and went on to work at Baker Hughes, an energy transformation company.
Infographics: Brianna Trevino
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
A Change for the Better
New department structure enhances existing degrees and brings new opportunities for UTSA students By Jalen Ray
UTSA is reorganizing the Department of Biology and the Department of Environmental Science and Ecology into three new departments this fall. The new departments will be the Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology (NDRB), the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) and the Department of Integrative Biology (IB).
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Previously, the Department of Biology served over 2,000 majors and offered 222 sections of biology in addition to independent studies. The new structure will give students more opportunities for transdisciplinary studies within the life sciences. “This restructure is a means of realigning our goals as professors and our research interests in order to allow us to work together in
This restructure is a means of realigning our goals as professors
an autonomous way to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and disciplines,” said Dr. Janis Bush, chair of the Department of IB. In order to support this diversity, the new departments are collaborating with each other to create changes to their individual classes
and our research interests in order to allow us to work together in an autonomous way to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
and curriculums. “We have made several changes to the MMI department’s courses as far as adjusting classes to get students better prepared for whatever it is they want to do once they leave this university,” explained Dr. Astrid Cardona, chair of the MMI department. “One of the biggest changes we are making is offering diverse electives for our students
This realization is the main reason for the restructure, and the
so they can participate in courses in other biological departments
changes seen in the NDRB department extend to the MMI and IB
like the IB department if they want to.”
departments as well. The MMI department will offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs and the IB department will now
Electives are not new to these departments, but the new structure
house the B.A. and B.S. in Environmental Studies, which migrated
will allow the departments to work with each other more efficiently
from the former Department of Environmental Science and Ecology.
and create elective courses that will better fit students’ interests.
In addition, the IB department will be the home for the general
Creating diverse course work for students isn’t the only benefit
biology degree and all lower-division biology courses.
of the new department structure. Each department will also have
The department chairs want this change to be as smooth and
the ability to expand its fields of expertise and offer improved,
easy as possible. “Hopefully, students won’t notice too much of a
specialized classes, ultimately leading to greater opportunities for
difference with how things will be run,” Bush said. “This will be a
the students. For example, the NDRB department is proposing a new
change seen the most on the faculty level.”
undergraduate degree and minor in neuroscience along with a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Before
Creating this new vision for the life sciences reflects other major
the creation of this new degree, the former Department of Biology
research universities’ structures. “If you look at some of the more
offered only two undergraduate degrees: a BS in Biology and a BS
recognized colleges, such as the University of Arizona, UC Irvine
in Microbiology and Immunology.
and Harvard, they have the biology sector split into more focused fields,” said Dr. Timothy Yuen, associate dean for Undergraduate
“Through separation, the NDRB department will have the ability to
Studies.
create new degrees and research programs,” explained Dr. Jenny Hsieh, chair of the Department of NDRB. “By originally putting
“I joined UTSA 11 years ago, and even then, there was talk of build-
neuroscience in the biology department, we didn’t fully capture its
ing more specialized departments,” Cardona said. “This is truly
multidisciplinary aspects. For example, reorienting our department
amazing to see.”
opens up new opportunities to develop future programs in stem cell biology, precision medicine and regenerative sciences.” 7
UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
Building a Competitive Edge in a Data-Centered Society In #CyberCityUSA, construction is underway on a new home for the UTSA School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center By Alex Roush December marked the beginning of construction of UTSA’s School of
collaborating on UTSA’s Main Campus with partners such as Dell
Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center. The $90
Technologies, the Texas Department of Information Resources
million facility is located at the Downtown Campus, next to San Pedro
and the U.S. Secret Service. More than 30 additional partners have
Creek Culture Park, and includes 84,500 square feet for the School of
agreed to join the NSCC as soon as the new facility is open.
Data Science (SDS) and 72,000 square feet for the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC). Each will contain laboratories, research
The NSCC also houses the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation
space and classrooms. Summer 2022 is the anticipated opening of
Institute (CyManII). CyManII combines the strengths of the
the facility.
Department of Energy National Laboratories with the advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity expertise of Oak Ridge National
UTSA has already demonstrated excellence in the cyber sciences.
Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory and Sandia National
The university received all three National Center of Excellence
Laboratory. CyManII also partners with industry leaders to promote
designations from the National Security Agency and the U.S.
collaborative research and competitive innovation. The institute aims
Department of Homeland Security, a feat accomplished by few
to address the cybersecurity challenges in U.S. manufacturing by
other schools in the U.S. UTSA’s cybersecurity program was named
detecting and mitigating virtual vulnerabilities and modernizing the
No. 1 in the nation according to a 2014 national survey of certified
industry for cyber and energy efficient manufacturing.
information technology security professionals conducted by the Ponemon Institute for Hewlett-Packard.
In order to meet the nationwide workforce demand, the School of
The SDS and the NSCC are both part of UTSA’s plan to maintain its
disciplines of cyber science. The SDS will also help maintain San
leadership in cyber science. The NSCC aims to advance government-
Antonio’s position as one of the largest cyber science hubs outside
university-industry partnerships in the interest of national security
of Washington, D.C. The school’s location in downtown San Antonio
and provides the opportunity for these partners to engage with
allows government, industry and community partners access to
scholars educated in multiple disciplines related to cybersecurity.
UTSA’s nationally recognized programs and expertise.
Data Science aims to cultivate students highly skilled in the many
Although the center won’t be built for another year, the SCC is already
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
The SDS is a transdisciplinary school that will include more
As a response to this data-centered society, the Department of
than 70 faculty members from UTSA’s departments of Computer
Mathematics is adapting instruction techniques to focus on a more
Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics and Data Sciences, and
hands-on approach. In contrast to traditional instruction, the adapted
Information Systems and Cyber Security. It will offer eight certificate
techniques will allow students opportunities to use research projects
programs, seven undergraduate degrees and 13 graduate degrees.
to gain a full understanding of course concepts.
This collaborative initiative is jointly supported by the College of
To students who may be intimidated by the topics of cyber science
Sciences, the Carlos Alvarez College of Business and the College
and data analysis, Gutiérrez says this: “The bottom line is, don’t be
of Engineering. The College of Sciences Department of Computer
afraid. It’s a lot easier than what it looks like. It’s like coming close to
Science and the Department of Mathematics are represented
a monster just to realize that it’s a friendly pet, that it actually can be
in the School of Data Science with degrees and certificates in
your best friend if you lose the fear and get close to it.”
mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and neuroscience. “Everything in the 21st century is centered around data, and everything that has to do with data involves mathematics,” said Dr. Juan B. Gutiérrez, chair of the Department of Mathematics. “It is not possible to do sophisticated data analysis, or even trivial data
The university’s new School of Data Science, expected
analysis, without a good grasp of the mathematics behind it.”
to open in 2022, will further
The Department of Mathematics recently created the Bachelor of
set UTSA and San Antonio
Science in Mathematics of Data and Computing in order to help meet the need in the workplace for professionals with advanced quantitative data skills. Gutiérrez stressed the importance of mathematics in understanding data. “In the end, everything is an equation, and students need to learn how to read the questions,” he said. “They need to learn what it says when they see an equation,
apart as pioneers in big data, cybersecurity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
know what to do with it and how to put it in a computer.”
Construction at the building’s
Gutiérrez thinks a deeper understanding of the mathematics
downtown San Antonio site,
related to data analysis will put the students in an ideal position in the workplace and will provide professionals with the opportunity to lead teams, advance up the corporate ladder and command higher salaries.
where Dolorosa Street meets San Pedro Creek, officially started in December.
“We live in a society of knowledge,” he said. “Knowledge, nowadays, is data, and data requires mathematics. So there is no escape; the only way out of it is through.”
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
The Science of a More Sustainable Future The College of Sciences is providing the tools and support needed to develop and implement environmental sustainability in San Antonio and around the world By Robert Salinas
In February, a severe winter storm slammed through Texas.
“These changes help to warm higher latitudes, which
Residents endured days of freezing temperatures, and
in turn destabilize the conditions that hold the polar jet
millions were knocked off the power grid. As Texans dealt
stream from dipping farther south. While these changes
with blackouts and a lack of running water, unusual weather
will not be constant throughout the year, they can increase
raged around the world—including a deadly tornado in
volatile weather pattern intensity and frequency.”
North Carolina and snow in Greece. The devastation left in the storm’s wake continues to impact the entire planet.
damage structures and cause fatalities among unprepared
The winter storm was caused by a variation in the polar vor-
human and wildlife populations. At UTSA’s NASA MIRO Cen-
tex. Polar vortex fluctuations occur when polar jet streams
ter for Advanced Measurements in Extreme Environments,
push into lower latitudes, aided by arctic warming, which
students are using remote sensing to track cryosphere
helps to magnify the vortex.
changes due to climate change and to better understand
“Climate change has caused a reduction in Arctic Sea ice, which in turn reduces the reflective ice surface into a dark absorptive surface,” explained Dr. Hongjie Xie, a professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
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The changes can also reduce arctic animal habitats,
and predict patterns, a topic Xie has been working on since 2004 with funding from agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Sustainable Storm Water Management From Arctic Sea studies to monarch butterfly preservation, students and faculty in the College of Sciences are conducting invaluable research in an effort to protect natural resources and encourage environmental sustainability in San Antonio and beyond. Several local research projects focus on storm water management and are funded by a three-year, $1-million grant through the City of San Antonio’s Proposition 1 Edwards Aquifer Protection Program. “Being the seventh largest city, water issues have been one of water quantity,” said Dr. Saugata Datta, chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. “But population growth has caused the issues to now become one of water quality as well, which leads to an increased concern in keeping water contaminants such as nitrates and phosphates low.” Due to the region’s reliance on groundwater, San Antonio needs more stringent policies to protect local aquifers, as well as increased communication among the various South Texas aquifer authorities. To help identify potential solutions, the Institute for Water Research, Sustainability and Policy (IWRSP) contributes data collected in cross-
The Mesquite Learning Laboratory is located on UTSA’s Main Campus near a second bioswale. The green roof showcases the merits of green roofs to students and the community. Similarly, a rain garden displays the possibility of low-impact development. A nearby trail leads to a pollinator garden as well as a bird blind, where students can observe birds without disturbing them. The laboratory is designed to promote habitat and environmental education opportunities associated with the Edwards Aquifer watershed, including the laboratory’s adjacent creek ecosystem. The college’s Monarch and Milkweed Project further pairs environmental research with direct community involvement. Participants observe and maintain local monarch butterfly and native bee habitats. Funded by the Texas Comptroller Office, the research will result in a comprehensive report on the current status of native milkweed species for a large area of Texas and will also determine which milkweed host plants are preferred by monarchs. Combined with findings about the milkweed species’ optimal growth requirements, this study will guide statewide management strategies and conservation efforts and ultimately help refine recommendations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
disciplinary research of water quantity, water quality and flood control to local and state governments.
Tuggle Scholars, a program designed to Growing the Next Generation of Environmental Scientists Teaching and Research in Environmental Ecology (TREE), funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and active since 2010, provides developmental leadership skills to help students become ideal candidates for federal employment in natural resource conservation such as the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Forest
mentor and train leaders in environmental science and ecology, helped graduate student Sally Lent fund her thesis study on analysis and maintenance of urban green spaces as habitats for native bees.
Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and the USDA. To develop their communication and leadership skills, the program’s fellows assist in UTSA’s Educating Youth in Environmental Science (EYES), an elementary school outreach program. TREE fellows also have the opportunity to assist in the maintenance of UTSA’s ongoing bioswale project, another initiative funded by a grant from the Proposition 1 Edwards Aquifer Protection Program. The bioswale draws on the principles of low-impact development as a model to naturally remove pollutants from untreated storm water at its source. “I hope the program will show how effective the bioswale is and encourage other entities in and around San Antonio to build similar types of bioswales,” said Dr. Janis Bush, TREE/EYE program director
“It’s been great that I can do my research while enlisting the help of undergraduates, who in turn gain research experience of their own,” she said. Learn more about Sally on page 19.
and chair of the Department of Integrative Biology. 11
UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
Introducing the College of Sciences and Honors College Program A new intercollege partnership enhances the honors student experience By Kelly Holguin The Honors College and the College of Sciences have partnered to
distinguished senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, and
develop an integrated program that streamlines the ability for honors-
Dr. Terri Matiella, senior lecturer in the Department of Integrative
eligible students in the sciences to be both Honors College students
Biology—to develop the COSHON program.
and members of their college honors program.
“The Honors College curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary and
The new College of Sciences and Honors College (COSHON) program
experiential, while the college honors programs focus on disciplinary
brings academically talented science students through more
depth and application,” Fleuriet explained. “Together, they offer
engaging courses and opportunities for intellectual discussion. With
undergraduates the opportunity to maximize their professional and
a more than 95% retention rate for the first cohort of the program,
academic preparation with excellent teaching, research activities,
this collaboration opens the door for other colleges to successfully
service to their communities and personal development.”
collaborate with the Honors College in the future.
Honors College students are required to complete six experiences
The UTSA Honors College is a small, select college that fosters a
within the broad categories of service, professional development,
strong sense of community and success for its high-achieving
intellectual achievement and research, cultural exploration, engaged
students, all within the larger framework of a research university.
living, and skill development. The COSHON program helps students
The “dual citizenship” of Honors College students can be confusing
achieve these experiences through activities that will directly benefit
when they are also enrolled in the honors program of their respective
their future in the sciences.
academic colleges.
The two colleges jointly held an information session for College of
To alleviate this confusion, Dr. Jill Fleuriet, interim acting dean of the
Sciences and Honors College students, breaking down the program
Honors College; Dr. Sean Kelly, interim dean of the College of Liberal
requirements and how they connected to the experiential learning
and Fine Arts; Lydia Bueno, assistant dean of the Honors College;
requirements of the Honors College. The Honors College also helped
and Alegra Lozano, Honors College counselor, collaborated with
the College of Sciences host several workshops to inform faculty of
the co-directors of the COS honors program—Hector Aguilar,
the Honors College pedagogy. Additionally, the COSHON program
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
will offer an Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (AIS) course for new cohorts each semester. This course allows students to better understand the requirements of both colleges as well as the opportunities available in the College of Sciences. Students in this combined program who are also first-generation college students benefit from specialized sessions with Honors College academic counselors who not only advise on curriculum requirements but also provide important resources and assistance to help them be successful in college. The program has received positive feedback from students, who say the emphasis on building a strong community of like-minded individuals will further their educational experience. “The collaboration between the Honors College and College of Sciences honors program has been beneficial as I have already been able to not
Being in the COSHON program allows me to pursue activities that will help me in my degree and get credit for them. I get the all-around experience of the Honors College and at the same time the STEM focus of the College of Sciences, and it makes me feel like I always have people who can help me with my goals.
only be engaged in courses that are tailored to me, but also to build relationships with professors and students like me along the way,” said freshman student Mason Bourque. “I feel a great sense of camaraderie
Hamza Patwa Sophomore Physics Major
and family in the Honors College and the College of Sciences honors program because many of us share the same scientific passions and academic aspirations that have led us to connect with one another, despite the circumstances. I am confident that being in both programs will enable me to get the most out of my education.” Freshman student Finn Burmeister-Morton shares his enthusiasm for being in COSHON, where he can pursue his interests in STEM while gaining the advantages that the Honors College affords. “Not only have I been able to create a more cohesive degree plan, but I also meet and interact with like-minded, yet still diverse, peers. I couldn’t be happier as a member of the first cohort of this program, and I believe that as the program expands, its positive impact on students will grow with it,” Burmeister-Morton said. With 45 of the 47 students in the initial cohort returning for their second semester this spring, the program demonstrates the success of intercollege collaboration. Aguilar and Matiella are committed to continue improving the program through student feedback each semester and creating opportunities for students to further connect. “Overall, the experience has been very positive, and we have been pleased with the collaboration of the Honors administration and academic
COSHON has provided the necessary support within an academic setting to not only encourage my interests in microbiology and immunology but additionally expand my knowledge of other fields in STEM. The Data and Visualization course offered this semester through the program helped me understand how closely correlated and beneficial it can be to apply methods of coding or programming to extrapolate information applicable to the health and well-being of a person.
counselors in creating and launching the COSHON program,” Matiella said. “We feel this program brings together the best aspects of the College of Sciences and the Honors College for a unique educational experience for
Alexis Ho Sophomore Biology Major
these academically talented students,” Aguilar agreed. 13
UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Mariah Hopkins Dr. Mariah Hopkins has been chased by an
those patterns for human-wildlife conflict
In recognition of her ongoing efforts to im-
ostrich, had her lunch stolen by a baboon
and disease spread. Now, she is developing
prove the academic experience for students,
and came eye-to-eye with a 40-ton humpback
a research program that evaluates the
Hopkins was recently awarded the President’s
whale—all in the name of research. Before
effectiveness of innovative instructional
Distinguished Achievement Award for Core
joining the College of Sciences, she taught
technologies and pedagogical techniques
Curriculum Teaching. The award recognizes
courses at the University of California at
for STEM education. In 2020, she initiated
faculty who expertly implement UTSA’s core
Berkeley and the University of Texas at Austin,
a research project comparing the impact
curriculum focus, including the development
and she developed field biology training
of different virtual lab formats on learning
of critical-thinking skills, communication skills,
programs and conservation programs in
outcomes for introductory biology students.
empirical and quantitative skills, and team-
the U.S. and Central America. She spent two
This project is part of ongoing efforts to
work in their courses.
years studying several species of monkeys at
improve experiential learning opportunities
a remote tropical forest site in Panama that
for students in large-format science courses.
was accessible only by boat. She has also
“It is incredibly rewarding to see my students succeed,” she said. “That success can be
conducted research on African wildlife while
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hopkins has
something as simple as students making
living in the savanna in a thatched-roof hut
embraced innovative technologies such as
connections between content and their daily
with no electricity or running water.
simulations, case studies, biointeractives
lives. It can be students working through
and virtual labs to engage students and
a problem and developing a newfound
Hopkins now brings that adventurous spirit
provide additional experiential learning
confidence in their abilities or identifying
to her classroom. “Biology is the study of life,
opportunities. In Fall 2020, she partnered
as scientists for the first time. It can also
and to me there is no greater mystery,” she
with Academic Innovation to implement this
happen after college, when students are able
said. “I get to spend my day figuring out
experiential learning model in her non-majors
to market the skills that they have learned in
how life works and teaching students about
Introductory Biology class, and she has since
class to land internships, jobs and admission
the amazing life forms on this planet and
expanded the model to several other courses.
to graduate school. Witnessing the impact
the underlying processes that make that
The model is hugely successful; students
of my courses on my students’ college and
life possible.”
report that they learned more, felt more
career trajectories is one of the greatest
engaged, were excited about the material
rewards I have experienced as a teacher.”
The majority of her previous research focused
and could see the real-world value of content
on understanding and predicting animal
more easily than in traditional class formats.
space-use patterns and the implications of
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Awesome Alum: Rhyan Sawyer By Amber Powell Rhyan Sawyer ’21, a physics Ph.D. alumnus and the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Student Presentation Award from the American Geophysical Union (AGU), is a postdoctoral research scholar in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa. Sawyer’s interest in physics began in Kansas. “When I took physics in high school, I realized that it was essentially mathematics applied to real-world problems,” Sawyer said. “The ability to use mathematics, logic and reasoning to understand real-world phenomena intrigued me. I knew I wanted to study physics.” UTSA’s joint program with the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) space sciences division inspired Sawyer to become a Roadrunner. After graduating from Emporia State University in 2016 with a B.S. in physics, Sawyer joined UTSA’s joint doctoral program in 2018. The joint program provides many opportunities to study applied space physics with industry experts. During his time at UTSA, Sawyer collaborated extensively with several of SwRI’s engineers and scientists.
He worked on several NASA missions, including Cassini, Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) and TRICE-2. Prior to joining the research lab, he did not have any experience working with space flight hardware. The steep learning curve was daunting, but the support of staff members proved immeasurably valuable. “I received incredible guidance from my mentors,” he said. “Each one helped me improve my skills as a researcher and provided me with the abilities I needed within the lab to successfully conduct the experiments.” Sawyer’s research efforts earned him recognition from the AGU, an affiliate of the National Academy of Sciences. AGU recently presented him with the Outstanding Student Presentation Award. This prestigious award recognizes both the quality of a student’s research and the presentation, and it is only awarded to the top 2% to 5% of the student presenters in each section. His research investigated data from a TRICE-2, a series of two sounding rockets launched from northern Norway in 2018. Each rocket payload carried an ion
UTSA set me up for success by not only teaching me about the topic of my research, but also teaching me how to conduct scientific research inside and outside of the lab. This helped me develop my skills as a researcher, which will be invaluable throughout the rest of my career.
instrument capable of measuring the energy of incident ions. Sawyer’s research focused on a population of low-energy ions, and his presentation inferred where they may have come from as well as what interactions led to their detection. Sawyer traveled to Andoya, Norway, and viewed the TRICE-2 launch in person. “Watching a rocket launch with the instrument that you have been working on in the lab for several months was exciting and rewarding,” he said.
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
#ThisIs WhatA Scientist Looks Like 16
Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Liz Cervantes By Hailey Schmidt
Community is essential to the college experience. It gives students a sense of belonging and encourages us to achieve goals greater than ourselves. For Liz Cervantes, community is personal. Cervantes is a biochemistry major from Richmond, Texas. She is part of the RISE (Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement)
The RISE program also helped her get out of her comfort zone
program. RISE is a federally funded program aimed at increasing
and improve her public speaking skills. At the college’s spring
the number of faculty, students and investigators in biomedical
2021 Undergraduate Research Showcase, she won first place
sciences from underrepresented communities. Cervantes credits
in oral presentation and placed second in the three-minute
this program with her academic and personal success.
thesis competition for her research on the potential of biochar, a charcoal-like substance, to retain pathogenic bacteria.
“I was surrounded by people who were really high-achieving, and they pushed me to do that, too,” Cervantes said. “That’s why I try
Cervantes’ experiences at UTSA have led her to success
my best to be like them, and it’s always been a very empowering
beyond San Antonio. This past summer, she participated in
community. They motivate you. ... Having this network is awesome
a prestigious neuroscience program at the Mayo Clinic to
because you will always have your friends.”
conduct behavioral studies on zebrafish. Although Cervantes was excited to join the program, she said she was intimidated
Cervantes is passionate about the importance of representation
at first.
in the scientific community. “I have to remind myself that I earned this, and I earned my As a first-generation college student, she appreciated that the
spot,” she said.
RISE program allowed her to learn about academia from people who understood her background.
After graduating this fall, Cervantes intends to pursue a Ph.D. and continue her work in biochemistry, either in the biomedical
“We all go through this struggle together,” she said. “You may not
industry or in academia. Regardless of where her work takes
see yourself represented when you go to a Ph.D. program, but if
her, Cervantes hopes to give back to underrepresented
you want to be the change you wish to see in the world, you have
communities and inspire other minorities to pursue STEM fields,
to go through that struggle.”
just as she did.
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
Lindsay Peck By Cecilia Nwaichi
During the challenging atmosphere of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsay Peck started her freshman year at UTSA. Despite Fall 2020’s unique uncertainty, Peck was confident she chose the right university. Peck, who is originally from Austin, Texas, made her decision with a holistic understanding of everything UTSA had to offer. On a campus tour, she learned about the university’s resources, such as financial and educational programs, academic organizations, study abroad opportunities and
professors. “All the professors I have had in the College of
student support services. This helped Peck picture the
Sciences clearly love their field and want you to love it, too,”
abundance of possibilities she would have as a Roadrunner.
she said.
Now in her second semester and a student in the Honors
As a woman in STEM, Peck wants to make a positive impact
College, Peck says becoming a Roadrunner means belonging
in the medical field and help improve health equity among
to an extended family of people who have contributed toward
all populations. Her favorite student organization at UTSA is
making the university a great place to pursue dreams.
Women in Medicine because it has helped her connect with like-minded peers interested in the field of healthcare. The
“UTSA’s ability to offer me access to every aspect of a great
student organization invites healthcare professionals to speak
college experience is what drew me here, and it’s what
at their meetings on a wide variety of topics such as sexual
makes UTSA different,” said Peck. “UTSA also stood out to
health, racism in healthcare and COVID-19. As part of this
me as a university that truly cared about the students and
student organization, Peck also had an opportunity to tour a
their success.”
cadaver lab at the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences in Spring Branch, Texas.
Peck is majoring in biology and plans to become a physician assistant. Ever since she was young, her goal has been to
“I fully intend to make the most of the opportunities that
work in the medical field. “I want other people to learn about
have been given to me as I pursue and complete my college
their body and to help them heal,” she said. “I think that a
studies,” said Peck, who plans to represent UTSA as a proud
career as a physician assistant will allow me to be close to my
Roadrunner alumna. “When I graduate, I plan on paying forward
patients while also being able to see a multitude of them.”
the opportunities given to me by doing my part to support and light the way for future UTSA students by representing my alma
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Since becoming a Roadrunner, Peck has been amazed at
mater with pride, purpose and integrity as I set out to make my
the level of engagement and support she receives from her
mark in my personal and professional endeavors.”
Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
Sally Lent Show of hands: How many of you were told to go outside more as a kid? Not so much for Sally Lent. She spent her youth outside catching grasshoppers, chasing butterflies, and turning over loose rocks and logs to look for beetles. Her adolescence was made up of days discovering the great outdoors and making friends with little critters. Over the years, Lent has held on to her wonder of nature and has channeled it into her scholarly pursuits. “I chose to study environmental science because I’ve always been fascinated by nature,” Lent said. “I wanted to keep that curiosity alive and make a career out of my passion.”
For her thesis, Lent is studying how bees can vary between different green spaces within an urban landscape. In this project,
Originally from Peru, Lent is earning her M.S. in environmental
she is conducting bee and vegetation surveys and collecting data
science. She chose UTSA for its eclectic community and be-
from several study sites. Lent hopes the outcome of this study
cause she wanted to make a difference at a younger university.
will offer insight on the impact of urban development on native Central Texas bee populations.
During her undergraduate program, Lent conducted a yearlong study funded by UTSA’s Sustainability Office on the diversity of
Although Lent loved playing with and learning about insects as
bees in Bexar County. It was her first research project, and she
a kid, she became afraid of them as she grew older. It was only
took what she learned into her graduate studies.
at UTSA that she overcame her fear and rediscovered her interest after taking an entomology course with Dr. Jessica Beckham,
“This experience helped me gain confidence as both a student
lecturer in the Department of Integrative Biology, and Dr. Terri
and researcher by allowing me to apply what I learned in my
Matiella, senior lecturer in the Department of Integrative Biology.
classes to a real-world problem,” she said.
“Entomology reminded me of my love for insects, which has ultimately led me to where I am with my research,” Lent said.
In 2020, Lent landed an internship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via their Directorate Fellows Program. In this
Lent might not be where she is today if she had not made an
program, she studied western bumblebees and interacted
effort to connect with her professors and take her education
with many renowned bumblebee researchers. The project gave
outside the classroom.
Lent valuable insight into the wildlife agency and allowed her to make research contributions to an ongoing conservation
“Use every opportunity available to you, as it could lead to
project. The results of the project will be published in the Fish
discovering things that you’re passionate about,” Lent advises
and Wildlife Service’s final species status assessment for the
other students. “My professors helped me get connected to some
western bumblebee.
unique opportunities that allowed me to explore my interests.”
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
GIVING
Message from Advancement Council Chair Curtis T. Vaughan III is a proud supporter of the College of Sciences.
The Advancement Council provides leadership, support and consultation to the College of Sciences
Dear Friends, UTSA has earned recognition as one of the great public research universities in Texas. The College of Sciences’ achievements in research, discovery and teaching have been central to that distinction and have created great momentum for the future. Fundamental to our growth is generous philanthropic support. Annual gifts and endowments are an invaluable source of stability and resilience. Astrophysics was a passion of my late father. Years ago, when UTSA was just beginning, my father, mother and our family created The Vaughan Family Endowed Professorship in Physics at UTSA to recruit and retain the very brightest scientists to the university. Ours and other gifts have attracted outstanding researchers and teachers in disciplines ranging from cancer, heart and brain research to water sustainability, cybersecurity, virtual reality and STEM education. As a friend of the College of Sciences, you can take great pride in your contributions to the college’s eminence and continued excellence and growth. Thanks to you, Roadrunners are graduating with the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to be successful. I am a proud supporter of the College of Sciences and UTSA, and I am grateful to my father and mother for passing along a legacy of giving to their children and grandchildren. I watch with excitement as the university continues to advance, making a huge impact on the lives of so many. As the chair of the College of Sciences Advancement Council, I hope to inspire others to invest in their passions at UTSA and help build upon our excellence for future Roadrunners and all of San Antonio and the South Texas region. I encourage you to make a gift to the College of Sciences to help students achieve their dreams, change and save lives, and support scientific inquiry to solve the great problems humanity faces. With all of us working together, we can accomplish great things. Be well and Go ‘Runners!
CURTIS T. VAUGHAN III Chair, UTSA College of Sciences Advancement Council
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To make a gift, contact the College of Sciences development team—Kim Fischer at kim.fischer@utsa.edu or Taylor Bird at taylor.bird@utsa.edu—or give online at utsa.edu/sciences/giving.
Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
GIVING
Joey Mukherjee’s love of running inspired his unique scholarship.
By Jordan Allen
Helping Computer Science Majors Run Toward Success UTSA alumnus Joey Mukherjee ’95 became interested in the field of
“I got so much out of UTSA’s computer science program and that
computer science at a young age. Recognizing UTSA’s high-quality
has propelled and helped me throughout my career,” he said.
education, he joined the university’s computer science program after graduating from high school. Mukherjee recently created an
Mukherjee has given back to UTSA for the past 20 years. He recog-
endowed scholarship fund, the Joey Mukherjee Endowed Scholarship
nizes that UTSA has a large number of first-generation students and
for Computer Science Majors Who Don’t Run Good—named as an
hopes they are able to have the same opportunities and excellent
homage to the comedy film Zoolander.
education he received. When he was approached about creating a scholarship and learned how easy the process was, he immediately
You might not think computer science and athletics go hand-in-hand,
jumped at the opportunity. Mukherjee has not only established a per-
and neither did Mukherjee. “I recognized that a career in computer
manent endowment to fund his scholarship in perpetuity, but he also
science kind of lends itself to a sedentary lifestyle,” he said.
plans to include a gift to UTSA in his will.
To his surprise, Mukherjee found joy running after work to improve
“UTSA was such a positive experience for me, and I hope it is for the
his focus and stay healthy. A self-professed slow runner, Mukherjee
recipient of this scholarship as well,” he said. “I hope that whoever
enjoys participating in San Antonio’s supportive running community.
receives the scholarship will go on to pay it forward and possibly even create their own scholarship after they’ve graduated. I truly believe
“I decided to join an exercise program at work, and as a requirement,
that paying it forward is so important to support college students.”
we had to sign up for a 5K or 10K,” he said. “I ended up having so much fun with it, and I hope other computer science majors will find this activity sooner than I did to help with focus and stress as they pursue their degrees.” Immediately following his graduation from UTSA, Mukherjee was offered a position at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio. He now works primarily in data analysis in space research for notable projects such as building instruments for spacecraft including New Horizons, which flew by Pluto in 2015, and Juno, which passed by Jupiter in 2016. Mukherjee has worked for SwRI for 26 years and was recently promoted to staff computer scientist.
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
GIVING
Dr. Pete Ramirez’s scholarship helps premed students focus on their studies.
By Taylor Bird
Taking Care of Patients and Premed Students Dr. Pete Ramirez ’81 attended a junior college in his hometown of
When that colleague retired, she established an endowment in her
Laredo, Texas, on a full-ride scholarship. He earned an associate
name to benefit the same program, and Dr. Ramirez took interest.
degree in medical laboratory technology before coming to UTSA
“I thought, good for her; I want to do that someday!”
as part of the first graduating class to earn a combined B.S. in medical technology from both UTSA and UT Health San Antonio. He
Several years later, he did just that—transforming his annual support
remembers struggling with the cost of education.
of UTSA students into a permanent, endowed scholarship that will benefit students forever.
“I worked 15 to 17 hours a week as a work-study student in the biology department at UTSA setting up labs and working in the central area for supplies,” he said. “It was a great opportunity and one I enjoyed, but it was hard to get scholarships and grants. After working for five years as a microbiologist, I was admitted into medical school in 1986, which was even harder and more expensive
I always thought to myself, if I ever succeeded, wherever I ended up, I wanted to give back.
than my undergrad. Graduating with so much debt was scary.” Since 2012, Dr. Ramirez, a pathologist in San Antonio, has
As Dr. Ramirez planned for the future, he took comfort in knowing
established the Peter Enrique Ramirez M.D. Scholarship to provide
that the students he cares so deeply for will receive the help they
funding to premed students at UTSA so they can focus on their
need, which is why he also chose to include UTSA in his estate plans.
studies with fewer financial worries. He remembers what it was
“I thought, who is going to take care of the students when I’m gone?
like to receive help when he needed it most.
I was worried about that.”
“When I did get help, I was so grateful,” Dr. Ramirez said. “Every
He hopes to inspire a thoughtful, giving attitude in others, too.
little bit helps.”
“That’s the message I really want to get across to students and others out there more than anything else—when you succeed, be thankful to
Dr. Ramirez first worked with a medical technology colleague to
those who helped you along the way. Those institutions that helped
establish an endowed scholarship at UT Health San Antonio to
you need your support so they can continue to help others.”
assist students in the clinical laboratory sciences program he graduated from. “It was a big, yearlong campaign to get the funds
Thanks to Dr. Ramirez’s generosity, there will be many future success
needed to establish the endowment, and it’s grown so much since
stories and more opportunities to ensure others have the same
then,” he said.
chance to excel and give back.
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Summer/Fall 2021 | Catalyst | UTSA
GIVING By Taylor Bird
Maggie Bennette is pictured in front of the Haleakala Observatory in Maui, Hawaii. It’s the state’s first astronomical research observatory.
Envisioning the Perfect Philanthropic Fit “Given that my family’s background is in education, it was a perfect fit,” Maggie Bennette explained. Born in Guangzhou, China, Bennette grew up with a family that highly valued education and has been deeply associated with it for generations. “In a way, being involved with the university feels familiar,” she said. When it came time for Bennette to update her will, her attorney asked if there were any philanthropic organizations she would like to include. She set out to find an organization that aligned with her values, passions and goals. Around that time, she met Dr. Chris Packham, professor of astronomy at UTSA, who invited her to a Friends of Astronomy event in San Antonio. She found a welcoming, active community of like-minded people. As she attended events and learned more about UTSA, it seemed as though the stars had aligned. “I love President Taylor Eighmy’s ambitious vision for UTSA. ... I thought, this is wonderful, and I would like to be a part of it,” she said. Bennette was especially excited for the development of the Downtown Campus, as well as for research and teaching in all areas of the university. “San Antonio has this rich history and culture, and UTSA’s Downtown Campus integrates that with the new and progressive,” she said. “Having the university in the core of the city elevates San Antonio.”
At a College of Sciences Advancement Council on-campus luncheon, she learned about the Cypress Living Laboratory, which also resonated with her. “When I learned about the off-grid teaching lab and how its focus would be water and environmental conservation, I was very interested,” she said. For the past 25 years, Bennette’s company, Creative Industries, has provided environmentally conscious, energy-efficient residential lighting products that are as stylish as they are innovative. In addition to the educational and research value the Cypress Living Laboratory will provide, the architectural and design elements of the building echoed some of her company’s own design inspirations. “The Cypress Living Lab was everything that speaks to my soul, my passion,” she said. Bennette found what she was seeking at UTSA—a philanthropic cause that reflected her passions and a vision she wanted to help realize. Bennette’s planned gift will support the College of Sciences. Now a member of the College of Sciences Advancement Council, which provides leadership, support and consultation to the college, Bennette is excited to bring others on board. “I look forward to continuing to be an ambassador for the university,” she said. “Every time I attend events or parties I think, ‘Oh, they would be great for UTSA.’ I think connecting with UTSA serves a great purpose for everyone.” Thanks to Bennette’s generosity, thoughtful planning and advocacy, UTSA’s vision is becoming a reality.
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UTSA | Catalyst | Summer/Fall 2021
Peek Inside the New Science and Engineering Building Fast Facts
The Brain Health Consortium is located in the Science and Engineering Building (SEB) and includes
u T he
Science and Engineering
18 full members and 33 affiliate
Building (SEB) was the largest
members with expertise in stem
construction project in university
cells and precision medicine, neu-
history.
roscience, biomedical engineering,
u U TSA
psychology, and behavior. In this
research expenditures have
now surpassed $100 million per
innovative space, students and
year. More than $40 million of
researchers conduct collaborative
that total is within the College
studies to better understand how
of Sciences.
the brain functions and how mech-
u T he
anisms affect systems like learning,
first floor of the SEB has a
17,000-square-feet Makerspace
memory and motivation.
with everything UTSA students need to bring their ideas to life.
Many of the building’s laboratories are surrounded in glass so students
u T he
3D PrintLab houses over 25
and visitors can witness the work in
plastic 3D printers. In Spring 2021,
real time, a concept referred to as
the Metal 3D print room opened to accommodate students who
science on display.
need to print design parts with a stronger material.
UTSA recently opened Guadalupe Hall, the university’s newest student residential community. The College of Sciences’ Biology Freshman Interest Group (FIG) is housed in the hall. A FIG is a group of freshmen students who live together in the residence hall and take two to three sets of selected courses during their first year at UTSA. The Biology FIG offers students the experience of a small community within a large university and access to peer mentors who are cross-trained as supplemental instructors.
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The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio, Texas 78249
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
San Antonio, TX Permit No. 2474
The College of Sciences is conducting various research projects that will protect the environment and build a more sustainable future. Learn more on page 10.
