UT San Antonio College of Sciences

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe_0M85kEXE

Episode 14: Discovering the anatomy of a volcano In this episode of Launchpad, Dr. Alan Whittington, UT San Antonio ...

What if the key to clean energy was in a material's imperfections?

Researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UT San Antonio have challenged a longstanding assumption in materials science, discovering that tiny imperfections in material can dramatically improve the performance of fuel cells.

The breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient, durable and commercially viable clean-energy technologies.

Read More:

Freezing fire: UT San Antonio scientists discover breakthrough for green energy - UT San Antonio Today A novel approach to building better fuel cells breaks down ceramics into powerful clean-energy building blocks

Meet Ed Johns, Senior Program Manager for Graduate Studies. In 2024, Ed joined the Department of Chemistry, where he worked closely with graduate students and college leadership to improve processes, communication and student success before transitioning into his current role in the College of Sciences Dean’s Office.

"Whether it's students, staff or faculty, my priority has always been to help those that need it," said Ed. "We are lucky within COS to have such fantastic colleagues within each and every department, and working with everyone that I do towards the common goal of supporting our students makes this college so nice to work in."

Read more: https://sciences.utsa.edu/spotlights/staff/2026/edward-johns.html

Meet Keith Herndon, a first-generation UT San Antonio alumnus who remains deeply involved in the university community.

Graduating from the College of Sciences in 1981, Herndon worked in information technology with Shell Oil for 36 years. Today, he continues to be involved with the development of UT San Antonio.

"UT San Antonio is essential to the city and the surrounding community, but I would also like to see its national reputation continue to grow,” Herndon said. “Athletics can help bring visibility, but the university’s academic programs and research are what will ultimately strengthen its reputation and expand its impact."

Read more: https://www.utsa.edu/giving/why-give/impact-stories/keith-herndon.html

Meet Ana Laredo, a lifelong Roadrunner and the College of Sciences Faculty Support Operations Manager. Ana brings years of experience and a passion for the UT San Antonio community.

"Returning to UT San Antonio feels like coming home. I'm excited to continue supporting our faculty and contributing to the College of Sciences while learning from the incredible colleagues around me."

Read more: https://sciences.utsa.edu/spotlights/staff/2026/ana-laredo.html

Ever wondered how what's happening in the Arctic and Antarctica can impact weather in Texas? ❄

Stephen Ackley, PhD, Associate Professor of Research and sea ice expert, shares remarkable stories from decades of polar research, including close encounters with polar bears and life on drifting ice stations. He also unpacks the science behind sea ice and why changing conditions at the poles matter to all of us.

Watch now and discover how connected our world really is:

Episode 13: Exploring the Unknown in Antarctica In this episode of Launchpad, UT San Antonio Associate Professor St...

We congratulate Lacy Barton, PhD, assistant professor of neuroscience, developmental and regenerative biology, on receiving the National Science Foundation Early Career Development Award. Barton and her research team will help scientists understand how insects respond and adapt to excess juvenile hormones, which are used in several ways around the world to control insect populations.

This prestigious award supports junior faculty to become exceptional researchers and educators.

Read More: https://news.utsa.edu/2026/07/researcher-receives-nsf-career-award-to-advance-insect-biology-and-strengthen-south-texas-agriculture/

Congratulations to Mariel Ortega, a UT San Antonio master's student in environmental science, for being a finalist of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Fulbright Program is a prestigious international educational exchange program that supports students to conduct research and work across the world. Ortega will travel to South Korea to conduct research for her project titled "Soundscapes as Cultural Bridges: Birds, Urbanization, and Human-Nature Relationships in Korea."

Read more: https://news.utsa.edu/2026/07/five-students-selected-to-fulbright-u-s-student-program-to-advance-global-research-and-teaching-opportunities/

Meet Zachary Lucio, PhD, a UT San Antonio doctoral alumnus and law student at Duke University. Zachary always had an interest in law and chemistry and has decided to follow both passions. His plan after law school is to use his science background to work in intellectual property (IP) law.

“I would like to practice in a field that melds both of my interests.” said Zachary. “IP law does just that. The fact that so many emerging technologies involve batteries and sensors, which both broadly intersect with the field of electrochemistry, is what I would call serendipity.”

Read more: https://sciences.utsa.edu/spotlights/alumni/2026/zachary-lucio.html