UIW Professor Receives Distinguished Award from the Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Scientists
The University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering (MSE) is “interested in the future and in readying the scientific minds of tomorrow to innovate, invent and break new ground” (uiw.edu/mse). With six departments consisting of eight unique degree programs (Atmospheric Science and Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity Systems, Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, and Nutrition), the school’s faculty are dedicated to supporting its students, no matter their chosen field of study.
Dr. Veronica Martinez-Acosta, professor of Biology, was recently recognized by the Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Scientists (SACNAS) as their 2024 Outstanding College/University Mentor. SACNAS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans be successful in the world of STEM. In alignment with their mission, SACNAS presents this award to a nominee who has “demonstrated a record of undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, to pursue advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related field” (sacnas.org).
Acosta was selected by a panel of SACNAS members due to her numerous contributions towards supporting multiple diverse students in their perspective fields of study.
As an educator, she teaches courses in cellular biology, developmental biology and neurobiology. She leads a lab of students, primarily undergraduate level, who study molecular mechanisms governing neural regeneration and wound healing and the role of stem cell populations in these regenerative processes. During their continued research, the lab received research funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of the Army.
When approaching teaching, she aims to create communities through shared learning experiences across all disciplines and foster an environment that thrives on the inclusion of different perspectives. She has been involved in mentorship opportunities both institutionally and nationally and has directly mentored over 65 students in her laboratory. Many of said students have entered professions within the academy and healthcare.
“I am humbled to be recognized as the 2024 SACNAS Outstanding College/University Mentor,” expressed Acosta. “Serving as a mentor has offered the most rewarding moments in my career. In this role, the most precious personal journeys are shared, reflecting the deep connection we have as humans to each other. Thus, serving as a mentor is, for me, a privilege. And to be nominated by one of my first research student mentees, now colleague, fills me with gratitude.”
Congratulations, Dr. Acosta!