About Us

Dr. Jair J. Aguilar

Camp Director & Instructor 

I hold a PhD. in STEM education from UT Austin. I am a passionate STEM educator in all levels, with a strong concentration in elementary. I truly believe that is in the early years when kids start their motivation and enthusiasm for a STEM related career path. I have 25+ years teaching experience and I am very excited for this youth summer camp for 5th and 6th graders. 

Mrs. Leslie Garrido, MEd., Doctoral Candidate

Camp Co-Director & Instructor 

I am a doctorate student pursuing a Doctoral degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Science Education. I am a very passionate Science educator with a strong interest in elementary. I truly believe that children are born with the desire to explore the world around them. As educators, we have the ability to provide opportunities that would allow them to utilize the natural curiosity in their young minds enabling them to create a strong science foundation at an early age. I have 10 years of teaching experience and I am beyond excited to be part of this summer camp! 

Dr. Zulema Williams

Camp Co-Director & Instructor 

I hold an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Science Education from UTRGV. I am a Brownsville native and former elementary teacher who served children at Title 1 settings for 15 years. In addition, I worked as an elementary science curriculum consultant for the Rio Grande Valley.  In 2008, I won the Milken National Educator Award where I was 1 in 4 Hispanics that year to receive the Oscars of Teaching recognition. Since 2013, I has been serving as the Milken Family Foundation liaison for Texas, and I am currently collaborating as a faculty member in the teacher preparation program at UTRGV.  I am very excited to work and collaborate in the STEAM camp, and look forward for a great, fun week full of learning and projects.

Staff: Ms. Mariann Villarreal.

Hello! I am currently completing my first year as a graduate student in the Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UTRGV. I have been working as a Graduate Research Assistant since Fall 2022 and it has been a great experience for me so far. I look forward to being a part of this year's STEAM youth summer camp!