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Name: Mariana Benitez, Ph.D. Civil Engineering
Field: Civil Engineering
Degree: BS Civil Engineering (UTEP)

I plan to obtain a public sector position where I can continue to apply my doctorate studies and ultimately conduct research in Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. My goal is to become a part of a team that improves the resilience of our City of El Paso and in the regional/federal level.

Name: Samuel Castillo, Ph.D. Biology
Field: Biology
Degree: BS Biology (UTEP)

I plan to earn a post-doctoral position within the National Institute of Mental Health in order to explore my research interests in the field of Neuroscience. I aspire to become a Neuroscience professor so that I can inspire future generations of researchers, and to discover novel treatments for mood-related illnesses.

Name: Alfonso Fernandez, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
Field: Mechanical Engineering
Degree: BS Mechanical Engineering (UTEP)

I will become the most knowledgeable researcher in laser powder bed fusion and monitoring capabilities.

Name: Israel Garia Carachure, Ph.D. Psychology
Field: Psychology
Degree: BA Biological Psychology/Neuroscience (California State Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, San Bernadino)

Upon graduating with my doctoral degree at UTEP, I plan to receive postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) where I aim to further hone my skills to becoming an independent investigator. My ultimate goal is to obtain a tenure-track position at a research-oriented institution and mentor underrepresented students seeking STEM careers.

Name: Leonardo Gutierrez Sierra, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
Field: Mechanical Engineering
Degree: BS Mechanical Engineering (UTEP)

After obtaining my doctoral degree, I would like to continue my research in the additive manufacturing field at a research laboratory or in industry. Afterwards, I would like to return to academia and become a professor in a mechanical engineering department to aid upcoming future engineers by teaching and sharing my experiences.

Name: Colin Knight, Ph.D. Biology
Field: Biology
Degree: BS Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry (UTEP)

Upon completion of my PhD, I plan to obtain a post-doctoral position where I can continue working in immunology. Ultimately I plan to continue conducting research and mentoring young scientist either in academia or a government research lab.

Name: Luis Martinez, Ph.D. Materials Science & Engineering
Field: Materials Science & Engineering
Degree: BS Physics Applied to Electronics (Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Puerto Rico at Humacao)
MS Physics (UTEP)

One of my objectives is to become a researcher in a national lab where i can develop myself as a professional scientist. After acquiring enough knowledge, the next step for me would be to become a professor in my Alma Mater (Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Puerto Rico at Humacao).

Name: Laura Montes, Ph.D. Biology
Field: Biology
Degree: BS Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry (UTEP)

My plan after obtaining my Ph.D. is to acquire a post-doctoral position with a research focus in Neurodevelopmental and Neuroscience to be able to combine all the techniques that I have acquired as an undergraduate and graduate student. My ultimate goal is to become a faculty member and principal investigator to teach, guide, and help students especially minorities.

Name: Rosa Perez, Ph.D. Biology
Field: Biology
Degree: BS Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry (UTEP)

After completion of my Ph.D., I want to obtain a post-doctoral position where I can continue doing research related to neuroscience, and motor diseases, through the application of the different techniques that I have learned as an undergraduate and the ones I will learn as a graduate student. My ultimate career goal is to become a university professor having a tenure-track position, and a principal investigator running my own lab, encouraging, teaching, training, and mentoring students, especially minorities.

Name: Sasha Peterson, Ph.D. Environmental Science & Engineering
Field: Environmental Science & Engineering
Degree: BS Geological Sciences (Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Anchorage Alaska)

It is my goal to obtain a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering where I can continue to learn about arctic coastal processes and its complex relationship in global climate change. I hope to follow a path in which I can teach and conduct research at a university, while also being involved in community outreach on climate change and arctic science.

Name: Jaime Regis, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
Field: Mechanical Engineering
Degree: BS Mechanical Engineering (UTEP)

I plan to obtain a post-doctoral position where I will continue my research in the field of Mechanical Engineering. My ultimate goal is to become a Mechanical Engineering professor so that I not only get to conduct my own research, but create opportunities for minority students to be more involved in STEM related research as well.

Name: Arlene Smith, Ph.D. Materials Science & Engineering
Field: Chemistry
Degree: BS Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (UTEP)

My objective to obtain my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering while enhancing my research skills to prepare me for a career in academia. My ultimate plan is to encourage other minority students to strive to achieve their goals and improve the disparity in participation among historically underrepresented groups in STEM.

Name: Jose Chavez
Field: Electrical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2011, Electrical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

My motivation to attend graduate school is that I feel a curiosity to learn more about the semiconductor field and then apply the knowledge to make significant contributions through my research. My plans after graduation are to work for a national laboratory to get a taste of the state of the art research environment that can only be found in these institutions. After this, I plan to become a professor in order to teach others what I have learned and to motivate new prospective researchers.

Name: Paul Delgado
Field: Computational Science
Degree: B.S. in 2003, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of New Mexico

I'm in graduate school because I absolutely love solving partial differential equations using numerical methods, and I want learn how I can use this knowledge to model complex, multi-scale problems like oil and water management. I want to continue research in multiscale modeling as a researcher in a national laboratory or in academia.

Name: David Espalin Jr.
Field: Material Science and Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2010, Mechanical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

My decision to attend graduate school was based on my passion for research and the desire to gain a profound understanding of the physical phenomena that occurs in advanced manufacturing processes. Even before completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that my passion for research was motivated by the constant challenge of learning something new. As such, enrolling in graduate school was a logical choice that has enabled me to become exposed to more complex engineering topics. Moreover, graduate school has allowed me to begin developing my mentoring skills which I feel will be central to my academic future. I would like to further refine my research skills be participating in future post doctoral research. Ultimately, I plan on obtaining a faculty position that allows me to conduct research in the area of Additive Manufacturing.

Name: Angelica (Angie) Lopez
Field: Biology
Degree: B.S. in 2010, Microbiology, Cornell Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é

The idea of attending graduate school was one I started considering in high school and strived to make concrete during my undergraduate studies in college. I was unsure if I would get a M.S. first and then a Ph.D. or start with a Ph.D. but I knew that I loved conducting research and coveted a career as a research scientist. Infectious diseases have always caught my attention ever since I started my studies in biology and the studies of the mechanisms with which they cause disease have an intriguing allure.After I graduate from graduate school, I plan to pursue a postdoc in the field of infectious diseases in a lab that studies the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of organisms that hold my interest. Ultimately, I would like to be a principal investigator in this area and command my own lab at a research intensive university, where I can foster and mentor young minds who propose to also follow a path in research.

Name: Carmen Lozano
Field: Environmental Science
Degree: B.S. in 2011, Environmental Science , New Mexico State Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é

My motivation for attending graduate school stems from the desire to gain factual knowledge and learn ideas have always fascinated me. Growing up, I gained an awareness of my local community's environmental problems, which generated greater curiosity in me to try to understand anthropogenic effects on natural environments. Obtaining a higher education provides me with the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and increases my ability to contribute to the advancement of scientific research. My aspirations to cultivate research and contribute to the Environmental Science field, in particular water quality reinforce the desire to pursue a doctorate. By enriching my education, I plan to pass scientific vitality to future researchers as a university professor.

Name: Ricardo Mccreary Jr.
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in 2009, Chemistry, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Interested in various subjects throughout my education, Chemistry allowed me to understand processes that encompassed all my interests. While studying chemistry as an undergraduate I desired to improve the way I developed ideas to contribute to the scientific community and society.Becoming involved in research as an undergraduate at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso allowed me to understand how such a research environment can allow me such develop such tools. Pursing graduate studies would and has allowed me obtain a realistic taste of processes and concepts towards approaching, resolving, and reinventing solutions. Furthermore, being in such a research related environment would allow me to share ideas with others regionally and internationally through seminars, conference, and through the classroom setting. After graduation I plan to continue my studies towards obtaining my Ph.D.; afterwards, which will allow me to continue to develop as a researcher and instructor.

Name: Jorge Mireles
Field: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2011, Mechanical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Through my college career I have been strongly motivated by my mentor and my colleagues to continue with an advanced degree. I started doing research very early while in high school through early research programs and later got involved with the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) in which I was a part of for the rest of my baccalaureate career. Before graduate school I had been enjoying performing research for five years and my passion for my work still grows with every new project I am involved with. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in metallurgy and materials engineering at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso. After graduation I hope to continue performing research and go on to acquire a doctoral degree.

Name: Karla Prieto
Field: Biology
Degree: B.S. in 2010, Biology, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

After one semester of completing my Bachelor's degree in Biology, I felt the need to continue learning and decided to further my education with a higher degree. As the first graduate student in my family,I plan on creating a new path where I can serve as a role model to motivate and guide others. Even do, my first language is Spanish and I still struggle to understand and express myself in a foreign language, I want to prove that there are no obstacles to achieve your goals independently of your deficiencies. More than getting the top job, I want to become well-informed and reach the highest education I can get. After graduation, I planned on becoming a talented, dedicated and more importantly knowledgeable scientist.

Name: Jennifer C. Ramos-Chavez
Field: Biological Sciences
Degree: B.S. in 2010, Biological Sciences , Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Being the first in my family to graduate from college, I felt that I should not set my limits on just a Bachelors degree. I have always striven for academic excellence, and I have never settled for averageness. Therefore, upon completed my Bachelors degree where I also completed an Honors Research Thesis, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. I have always had a love for science and teaching, therefore making the decision to obtain my Ph.D. was an easy one, as I aspire to couple my two passions and become a professor in Biological Sciences. I feel that within the science community there is a shortage of minorities, and female minorities are often more scarce. Because of this I hope to become a part of those few minority women that break the mold and become an integral part in the field of science. I also hope that by obtaining my Ph.D. I can serve as a model to students who can relate to my background, and thereby encourage more diverse groups who are often underrepresented in the science community become more actively involved, and perhaps pursue an advanced degree of their own.

Name: Fatima Lizeth Ramos
Field: Computer Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2010, Electrical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Computer Engineering and that's when I developed a special interest in the area of communication networks and computer architecture. In the summer of 2010 I had my first research experience with LSAMP. This experience triggered my interest in pursuing a research career. I feel that through research I can have the greatest impact on our world. After completing my PhD, I plan to pursue a research career in academia. I wish to be a leader for future generations and an inspiration for them to go to graduate school.

Name: Danniel Rodriguez
Field: Civil Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2011, Civil Engineering , Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

My motivation for pursuing higher education is fueled by my family and community whom have provided me with all the tools necessary to succeed through their continuous support and guidance. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to perform research on an integral component of America's transportation infrastructure, in hot mix asphalt. Upon completion of the Civil Engineering PhD program at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso, I hope to perform postdoctoral research in the field of flexible and rigid pavements. I would then like to pursue a position with the Texas Department of Transportation, and eventually work my way up to the management level of the pavement design and construction department. Ultimately, throughout my coursework and career, I would like to be involved in educational organizations where I can influence youth towards a life of education, particularly in STEM. I would like to be a resource of pavement expertise, but also lend a helping hand in educating today's youth.

Name: Nathaniel Schocker
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in 2009, Chemistry, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

My decision to attend to graduate school was motivated by the appeal of higher education and the opportunities that it provides. While a career in science can be achieved directly from an undergraduate degree, a doctoral degree will not only make me a more competitive applicant for a job, but will also allow me the option of becoming a professor, where I could discover my own research and expand the minds of upcoming scientists. My plans after graduation are to attain a post-doctoral position in the field of bio-organic chemistry, to give myself the opportunity to one day teach and conduct research at a university.

Name: Nagham Alatrash
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in Chemistry, May 2009, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas Pan American

Nagham was born and grew up in Syria. After finishing high school in Syria, she moved to the United States and attended the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas Pan American majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. She was an LSAMP scholar during January-December in 2008 and was involved in undergraduate and was involved in undergraduate research under the supervision of Dr. Hassan Ahmad, investigating the effect of green tea polyphenols in cancer prevention. She continued her research in the spring of 2009 as a Biochemistry Research Assistant and served as a lab manager in Dr. Ahmad's research laboratory. Nagham received her B.S. degree from the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas Pan American in May 2009. In the summer of 2010 she worked as a Cardiothoracic Research Assistant at Rhode Island Hospital. Nagham started her doctoral studies in Fall 2010 in the Chemistry Department at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington and she will be doing her research under the supervision of Prof. Frederick MacDonnell.

Name: Ernesto Garcia
Field: Mathematics
Degree: B.S. in Mathematics (cum laude), May 2010, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

Ernesto was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in North Richland Hills, TX. He graduated in 2006 from Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, and started the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington majoring in Mathematics with a Management Science Option and a minor in Physics. In May 2010 he received his B.S. degree with academic distinction cum laude, and in the summer of 2010 he started the Ph.D. program in the Department of Mathematics at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington. Ernesto was a participant in the 2008 summer NREUP (National Research Experience for Undergraduates Program) under the supervision of Prof. Aktosun, where he investigated some nonlinear partial differential equations and their soliton solutions. During the academic year 2008-2009 he gained additional research experience under the supervision of Prof. Kribs Zaleta in the area of mathematical biology modeling the Chagas disease. In order to present his research results, Ernesto have attended various conferences such as the 2008 MAA MathFest in Madison WI, the 2008 National SACNAS Conference in Salt Lake City, the 2009 Joint Mathematics Meeting in Washington DC, and the 2009 MAA Texas Section Meeting in Denton TX. His joint presentation with Carolina Liskey at the 2008 summer MAA MathFest won a SIAM best presentation award, and his presentations at the 2009 and 2010 MAA Texas Section Meeting won the best presentation awards. For his 2009 summer LSAMP research Ernesto collaborated with Antonio Lopez and Ezgihan Baydar on mathematical aspects of photonic crystals and the determination of allowed and forbidden frequencies when the index of refraction is known. Ernesto wrote his undergraduate honors thesis on soliton solutions of certain integrable nonlinear partial differential equations and his HURCA presentation based on that research won the first prize in the spring of 2010. In his free time Ernesto likes to exercise, play sports, and watch sports games.

Name: Betsegaw Gebrehiwot
Field: Mechanical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, December 2010, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

Betsegaw was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and studied at the Nativity Catholic Cathedral School until he graduated from high school in 2001. He then started studying mechanical engineering at the Bahir Dar Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, Ethiopia. Before getting his B.S. degree, he came to the U.S. and in 2007 resumed his studies in mechanical engineering at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington. He expects to earn his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in December 2010 and to start graduate studies toward a Ph.D. degree in January 2011 at UT Arlington. In the summer of 2010 as an LSAMP scholar he did undergraduate research under the supervision of Prof. Dereje Agonafer and investigated inverted notched fin arrays and vapor chambers for electronic cooling systems. Betsegaw is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In his free time he likes to play chess, billiards, ping-pong, and tennis.

Name: Alexis Gonzalez
Field: Aerospace Engineering
Degree: B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, May 2009, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

Lex was born in El Paso TX and grew up in McKinney TX. While attending the McKinney North High School he became interested in mathematics and physics, and after watching the movie "October Sky" he decided to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. He started in August 2005 as an undergraduate student at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington, where he was introduced to the multidisciplinary environment of aerospace vehicle design while taking his senior design (capstone) course. In his final undergraduate semester he began working in the Aerospace Vehicle Design Laboratory under the supervision of Prof. Bernd Chudoba. Lex and his senior design teammate Brandon Watters authored a paper based on their senior design research project; that paper was accepted and presented at the 48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition. Lex received his B.S. degree in May 2009 in Aerospace Engineering and started the doctoral program at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington in Fall 2010. Under Dr. Chudoba's supervision Lex is now doing research on the selection and integration of propulsion system design processes in a multidisciplinary design setting.

Name: Sarah Hernandez
Field: Physics
Degree: M.S. in Physics, August 2009, Miami Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é (Oxford, Ohio)

Sarah was born in Fort Worth, Texas and attended the Paschal High School there. She continued her education at the Texas Christian Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é (TCU), where she majored in Physics and Astronomy and Mathematics and was a part of the Society of Physics Students and the Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority. In the summer of 2006, she participated in the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network Research (NNIN) Experience for Undergraduates at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Austin, and she investigated the magnetic properties of 2 nm or below dodecanethiol capped gold nano-particles. She presented her work at the NNIN Convocation at Cornell Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. She loved her research experience and continued doing research under the supervision of Dr. Zerda at the TCU. The research consisted of brazing nano-diamond silicon carbide composite onto stainless steel. She presented her work at the Student Research Symposium at the TCU and won the Best Undergraduate Poster award for the physics department. After receiving her B.S. degree in Physics in May 2007, Sarah started her graduate studies at the Miami Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é in Oxford, Ohio, where she worked with Dr. Michael Pechan and investigated the magnetic properties of Permalloy exchange coupled nano-dots. This work resulted in two publications in the Journal of Applied Physics and it was presented at three conferences: the 53rd Annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials in November 2008 in Austin, at the American Physical Society March Meeting in March 2009 in Pittsburgh, and at the Ohio Innovation Summit in April 2009 in Dayton. Sarah received her M.S. degree in Physics in August 2009 from the Miami Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. She is now pursing her Ph.D. degree in Physics under the supervision of Dr. A. K. Ray and will be researching the magnetic properties of the actinides, particularly plutonium. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies and also spending time with her husband and daughter.

Name: Jessica Mooney
Field: Materials Science and Engineering
Degree: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering (with honors), May 2009, Texas A&M Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é

Jessica was born in Columbia, Missouri. In January 2010 she started her graduate studies at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington, where she is currently a Ph.D. student in Materials Science Engineering studying under Dr. Meletis. Her current research involves superhard transition metal silicon nitride thin films and coatings. Before graduate school, she attended college at Texas A&M Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, where she focused heavily in the area of materials science and biomaterials both in her coursework and in the laboratory, gained research experience in polymer nanocomposite materials beginning in the Spring of 2007, and graduated with honors in May 2009 with a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering. Jessica also earned a polymer technology certificate for coursework completed in polymer engineering from Texas A&M Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é when she graduated. During the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 academic years Jessica's undergraduate research was sponsored by the LSAMP program at Texas A&M; her involvement with the LSAMP program and her exposure as an undergraduate student to various aspects of materials engineering had a large impact on her decision to pursue a doctoral degree in Materials Science Engineering.

Name: Samara Morris-Bobzean
Field: Psychology
Degree: B.A. in Psychology, August 2009, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

Samara was born and raised in Corpus Christi, TX. After graduating from high school, she attended the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington and obtained her B.A. degree in Psychology in August 2009. As an undergraduate student in the summer of 2009 Samara received her undergraduate research experience funded by the NIH when she had a prestigious internship at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore and interacted with some leading neuroscientists dedicated to similar areas of research. Since the fall of 2009 she has been a doctoral student at UT Arlington in the Health Psychology and Neuroscience Program in the Department of Psychology. She is currently doing her research under the supervision of Dr. Linda Perrotti, and in Dr. Perrotti's neuroscience addiction research lab Samara is investigating the biological basis of sex differences in Pavlovian conditioned responses to drugs of abuse. She is particularly interested in effects of ovarian hormones on cocaine induced alterations in intracellular dopamine signaling in the brain reward pathway. Samara is a student member of the Society for Neuroscience and the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences. Upon receiving of her Ph.D. degree she hopes to pursue a postdoctoral position at a major research university. Her ultimate career goal is to become a leading neuroscientist by using behavioral, biochemical, and molecular techniques to study the neural mechanisms which contribute to sex differences in addiction. Outside of school, Samara enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Anakin and Maynard.

Name: Iván Ojeda-Ruiz
Field: Mathematics
Degree: B.S. in Mathematics and B.S. in Chemistry (with honors), August 2010, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras

Iván was born and raised in Puerto Rico. While in high school he attended the Colegio Santisima Trinidad in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and then he attended the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras. He received his B.S. degree in Mathematics and a B.S. degree in Chemistry and graduated with honors in August 2010. In the summer of 2008 he participated in theMSRI-UP (Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Undergraduate Program) in Berkeley, California. In the summer of 2009 he participated in the SPIRE-EIT (Summer Program for Interdisciplinary Research and Education, Emerging Interface Technologies) in Ames, Iowa. Based on his undergraduate research, Iván gave poster presentations at the 2008 annual SACNAS National Conference in Salt Lake City, at the SIDIM (Seminario Interuniversitario de Investigacion en Matematicas) in March 2009 on the Rio Piedras Campus of the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Puerto Rico, and at the SERMACS (American Chemical Society Southeastern Regional Meeting) in October 2009 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Iván's research interests include applied mathematics, discrete mathematics, and graph theory. In the Fall of 2010 Iván started the doctoral program in Mathematics at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington and has been supported as an LSAMP-BD fellow. In his free time Iván enjoys listening to music, playing the guitar, drawing, reading newspapers, playing competitive video games, and dancing.

Name: Angela Osen
Field: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Degree: B.S. in Geology (magna cum laude), December 2009, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

Angela graduated from the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington with a major in Geology and minor in Biology. She was motivated by her undergraduate research experience supported by Prof. Arne Winguth's NSF grant; this collaborative grant involved an investigation of catastrophic climate and environmental change associated with the largest mass extinction in Earth's history. Angela started her graduate studies at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington in the spring of 2010 and is now pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Earth and Environmental Science. Her current research is in collaboration with Profs. Chris Scotese, Arne Winguth, and Cornelia Winguth and involves continuing to understand and explain possible causes that may have led to that largest known mass extinction that occurred approximately 250 million years ago. The Permian-Triassic boundary was a time of significant climatic and geological changes for the planet, but the exact cause (or causes) of the extinction is currently unknown. By utilizing a community climate simulation model created by the NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research), Angela is investigating the possibility of a sluggish oceanic circulation which may have led to anoxia (oxygen starvation) in the Permian oceans. By studying past events, she hopes to gain a better understanding of what could possibly happen to our current environment as climatic conditions change. Angela is currently a member of the Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon (the National Honor Society for the Earth Sciences), the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, and the Arlington Archosaur Site. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, as well as rock and fossil hunting.

Name: Joseph Salazar
Field: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Degree: B.S. in Geology, June 2010, California State Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, San Bernardino

Joseph was born in Fontana, California and raised in the small town of Oak Hills, California. After graduating from Serrano High School in Phelan, CA, he attended the California State Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é in San Bernardino, where he majored in Geology (with concentrations in general and environmental geology) and minored in Mathematics and received his B.S. degree in June 2010. San Bernardino for his undergraduate degree. There he acquired his B.S. degree in As an undergraduate student Joseph participated in various research activities under the supervision of Drs. Alan Smith and Sally McGill. For example, in the summers of 2008 and 2009 he participated in an REU program in Sen Bernardino jointly funded by the NSF and the SCEC (Southern California Earthquake Center). This research involved geodetic surveying of the San Bernardino mountains and surrounding areas, it provided GPS data for the San Andreas fault, and it was useful to the SCEC in seismic hazard analysis. Based on his research Joseph gave presentations at the 2009 SCEC Annual Meeting in September 2009 in Palm Springs, CA and at the 2009 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in October 2009 in Portland, OR. Based on his successes Joseph was named the 2010 outstanding undergraduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences at the California State Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, San Bernardino. Joseph's professional memberships include the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the Inland Geological Society, and the Geological Society of America. He is now pursuing his Ph.D. degree in Earth and Environmental Science at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington. The LSAMP-BD fellowship has enabled Joseph with the opportunity to be the first of his family to obtain a doctorate level of education.

Name: Marianna Vallejo
Field: Mechanical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, August 2010, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington

Marianna was born in Dallas, TX and grew up in the Dallas metro area. She graduated in 2000 from Crandall High School and started the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Arlington majoring in Mechanical Engineering. In August 2010 she received her B.S. degree along with minors in Nuclear Engineering and English. She will begin her Ph.D. work in the Spring of 2011 in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UT Arlington. As a 2010 summer LSAMP Scholar, Marianna gained research experience under the supervision of Dr. Dereje Agonafer at the Electronics MEMS & Nanoelectronics Systems Packaging Center at UT Arlington. She is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and theAmerican Nuclear Society, and she has held multiple leadership positions for the UTA chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Marianna hopes to continue on in academia upon concluding her doctoral studies. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Name: Mohammed Alawneh, MS
Field: Electrical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2009, Electrical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

As a BD student I plan on pursuing challenging research that will expand my knowledge base from a practical point of view. As a professional, my goal is to increase that knowledge even further in the field then make my way back to the education system to share this knowledge with the next generation of earnest students.

Name: Paola Bonham
Field: Industrial Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2009, Industrial Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

I plan on pursuing a doctoral degree in Quality Engineering, so that I can become a member of academia. My educational endeavors will inspire and cultivate the intellectual prowess of younger generations in order to transform the field of research.

Name: Jennifer Del Valle, MS
Field: Mathematics
Degree: B.S. in 2009, Mathematics, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

I intend to pursue a Ph. D. in mathematics with a specialty in functional analysis and game theory. Upon completion of my degree I plan to obtain a faculty position at a Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é where I can continue my research and work hard to educate the next generation of mathematicians.

Name: Aryzbe Diaz, MS
Field: Electrical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2008, Electrical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

I want to obtain a Ph. D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in order to continue with my research as a professor, and apply my skills to conduct my own research. I also want to encourage future generations to obtain higher degrees in education.

Name: Jonathan Gamez
Field: Mathematics
Degree: B.S. in 2008, Mathematics, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Houston

I plan to obtain a post-doctoral position where I will continue my research in the field of Applied Mathematics. My ultimate goal is to become a mathematics professor so that I can conduct research in mathematics and most importantly, teach.

Name: Cesar Garcia
Field: Electrical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2009, Electrical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at Brownsville

I would like to obtain a Ph. D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering where I can apply my accrued academic knowledge in the professional realm, and obtain a license as a professional Engineer. Ultimately, I want to become a professor and start my own research group in applied electromagnetics.

Name: Julio Padilla
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in 2008, Chemistry, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

I plan to earn a Ph. D. and use the knowledge obtained to significantly contribute to the advancement of chemistry. Furthermore, I would like to play a major role in the development of young minds in the process.

Name: David Roberson, Ph.D.
Field: Materials Science
Degree: B.S. in 1999, Metallurgical Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

My intent is to show the impact on the growth of printed microelectronics technology through the discoveries made through my current research endeavor. My long-term goal is to earn my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering so I may continue my research in the academic arena and teach future generations of scientists and engineers.

Name: Nancy Rondeau
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in, 2009 Chemistry, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

I plan to get my Ph. D. in Chemistry with the hope of one day being able to accomplish my ultimate goal of reaching and influencing young minds as a college professor.

Name: Teresa Sosa, MS
Field: Environmental Science and Engineering
Degree: B.S. in 2006, Civil Engineering, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

I would like to obtain a Ph. D. in Environmental Engineering. After I graduate, I would like to become become a professor and continue doing research that will make a positive impact in my community.

Name: Christina Alvarado, Ph.D.
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in Biology, 2007, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso, Ph.D. Chemistry, 2011 / Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Christina plans to obtain a post-doctoral position where she wants to continue her research in the field of Organic Chemistry. Her ultimate goal is to become an Organic Chemistry professor and to conduct her own research.

Name: Amanda Bastidos
Field: Material Science
Degree: B.S. in Material Science, 2007, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso / MS Materials Science, 2009, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Amanda plans to obtain a Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering, with a specialization in metallurgy and apply that knowledge towards her work experience with a consulting firm. She plans to eventually enter academia as a Metallurgical and Materials Engineering professor.

Name: Nathan Castro
Field: Engineering
Degree: B.S. in Chemistry, 2008, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso / MS Engineering, 2010

Nathan would like to take part in civil service duties and work in the private sector. With the knowledge garnered in the private sector, he intends on transmitting that gained experience to eager students in an academic environment.

Name: Matthew Gaynor
Field: Biology
Degree: B.S. in Biology, 2008, Alice Lloyd College

Matthew wants to obtain a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in the field of pathobiology and become a university professor.

Name: Jose Herrera
Field: Ecology
Degree: B.S. in Biology, 2008, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Jose plans to pursue a Ph.D. towards a career in academia to have the opportunity of merging two of his passions: ecological research and mentoring the next generation of under –represented scientists.

Name: Zachariah Hildenbrand, Ph.D.
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in Chemistry, 2008, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso / Ph.D. Chemistry, 2010, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Zachariah wishes to make significant contributions to the field of protein science and bioenergetics, in particular the pathways involved in lipid metabolism. He also plans on being involved in the intellectual development of sharp young minds as a university professor.

Name: Ricardo Hinojosa
Field: Electrical Engineering
Degree: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 2007, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas - Pan American

Ricardo wants to become a successful professor, hopefully at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas - Pan American with publications that include a text book with his own work.

Name: Johanny Tonos de Leon, Ph.D.
Field: Biology
Degree: B.S. in Biology, 2007, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Puerto Rico / Ph.D. Biology, 2011, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Johanny wants to obtain a Ph.D. in pathobiology with a specialty in the area of Molecular Endocrinology. After obtaining her Ph. D. she plans to pursue a career in academia and do cancer research. In addition, she wants to encourage young people to pursue degrees in higher education.

Name: Jesica Navarrete
Field: Geology
Degree: B.S. in Microbiology, 2008, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso / MS Geology, 2010, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Jesica hopes to continue her research as a Ph.D. professor and researcher in academia. She hopes to expand her work with isotope signatures and identify biologic interactions in ocean and land systems. The isotopic ratio that results from bio-geo interactions can be a valuable marker to identify how life has evolved on earth, as well as in extra-terrestrial systems.

Name: Andrew Pardo
Field: Chemistry
Degree: B.S. in Chemistry, 2007, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Andrew wishes to become an organic chemistry professor and he wants to lead his own investigations.

Name: Karina Puebla, Ph.D.
Field: Science and Engineering
Degree: M.S. in Materials Science, 2008, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso / Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, 2011, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso

Karina wishes to earn a Ph.D. in Materials science and Engineering that will prepare her to influence the development, improvement, and the quality of life in the community. Subsequently she wants to become a professor working in research. She wants to share her knowledge and experience in the field with others.

Name: Micah Baquera, BS
Field: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Spring 2005
Degree: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

To obtain a PhD. and become an expert in the field of Material Science, specifically in topics related to high strain rate phenonmena. Thus armed with this knowledge, I will apply it for the improvement of country and fellow man in industry. Later on in life i would like to change focus to facilitate accumilated knlodge transfer and give back to the next generation as a college professor.

Name: Marcos Bolanos. BS
Field: Electrical Engineering, Spring 2004
Degree: Electrical Engineering

Obtain my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and become a professor in multidiscipline areas of the field which will include biomedical engineering and alternative energy research

Name: Matthew Cheney, BS
Field: Chemistry, Spring 2005
Degree: Chemistry

After receiving my Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with a specialty in enzymatic, asymmetric synthesis, my plans include performing cancer or pharmaceutical research first, then becoming a university professor with similar interests for research.

Name: David Echevarria-Torres, BS
Field: Chemistry, Fall 2004
Degree: Chemistry

To pursue a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Gain some experience in industry or in goverment laboratories and then work as a faculty member and researcher of a competitive institution.

Name: Shalayna Lair, BS
Field: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Spring 2003
Degree: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Obtain my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, and then work in industry conducting research to help improve peoples quality of life.

Name: Adrian A. Mejia, BS
Field: Microbiology, Fall 2004
Degree: Biology

Obtain my Ph.D. in immunology at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center. With that experience become a full time professor at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso and continue my research in Molecular Immunology.

Name: Milka Montes, BS
Field: Chemistry, Fall 2004
Degree: Chemistry

My goal is to become a full time professor at a College or Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é in order to support students in the science field and to perform research in the areas of environmental toxicology or biochemistry.

Name: Pedro Santacruz, BS
Field: Electrical Engineering, Spring 2004
Degree: Electrical Engineering

Pursue a Ph.D. in order to join Academia as a professor.

Name: Lynn Santiago, BS
Field: Chemistry, Spring 2005
Degree: Chemistry

My goal is to obtain my Ph.D. in environmental toxicology, aquire a position in academia to conduct research, and one day change the world...even just a little.

Name: Christian Servin, BS
Field: Computer Science, Spring 2005
Degree: Computer Science

My personal and professional goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science in the field of Computer Security Constraints. and become professor in my university. Also become an excel contributor in the research community of Partial Trust Management Systems and Flexible Constraints.

Name: Jorge Ivan Vargas, BS
Field: Computer Science. Spring 2005
Degree: Computer Science

My greatest academic goal is to obtain a PhD in Computer Security and become professor and researcher in this area.

Name: Berenice Verdin, BS
Field: Electrical Engineering, Spring 2003
Degree: Electrical Engineering

My goal is to obtain a PhD in Electrical engineering. In addition, I want to become a college educator and researcher in that area. I would like to make a difference and become a role model for future generations.