Scholars

Bio: Samuel holds two undergraduate degrees from abroad (agricultural engineering and education) and another two from U.S. universities (economics and finance).  Additionally, he holds two master's degrees (economics and data science).  Samuel worked for the LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District, new construction) as a project engineer and he spent the rest of his career with the U.S. Navy Information Warfare Command-data science team.

Bio: Mechanical Engineer with a concentration in Electrical Engineering. Focused on impactful problem- solving and interdisciplinary innovation.

Bio: A Physicist working on a Masters in Data Science. Passionate about leveraging interdisciplinary expertise to tackle complex problems. 

Bio: Graduate student in Data Science with research interests: in Application of Bayesian Neural Networks to Stochastic Frontier Models and Computational Geospatial-Temporal Health Analysis.

Bio: Graduate student in Data Science with a research interest in the application of Neural Networks to Stochastic Frontier Analysis.

Bio: Natalie is a Master's student who is specializing in dairy animal management and welfare. She completed her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, where she gained hands-on experience working with dairy calves. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, and passionate about advance research in the field of animal welfare and she is eager to contribute to innovations in dairy animal management throughout her graduate studies. 

Bio: Graduate student in Geospatial Systems Engineering MS program with a BS in Environmental Science. Interested in the application of geospatial problem-solving techniques on environmental conservation.

Bio: He is passionate about ecological restoration and sustainable land use practices, and aspires to work with landowners to enhance biodiversity and build resilient landscapes in South Texas and beyond. His current work integrates conservation, wildlife management, and hands-on land stewardship to support both people and the environment.

Bio: Jacob is pursuing a career in software engineering. He aims to create secure solutions to impactful problems.

Bio: A Rio Grande native with a passion for the outdoors, Ernesto Javier Reyes has worked with various private ranches in Cameron and Zapata County. He attended Texas A&M University – Kingsville where he received a Bachelor of Science in Range and Wildlife Management and a Minor in Geographic Information Systems. Ernesto enjoys kayaking, fishing, and exploring the local areas.

Bio: Erik Zamora is a master’s student in Plant and Soil Science at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where he focuses on sustainable agriculture and soil health. His current research evaluates water dynamics in long-term cotton-sorghum systems using cover crops. Erik aims to contribute to regenerative farming practices that improve soil resilience and environmental sustainability. His goal is to support agricultural communities through science-based solutions that promote both productivity and conservation.