Program/Level: M.S. in Range & Wildlife Management / Graduate Research Assistant at Borderlands Research Institute

Home Town: Katonah, NY

Prior Education: B.S. in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation, Canisius College NY

B.A. in Psychology, Canisius College NY

I was born and raised in NY where I fell in love with outdoor activities and exploring nature. I learned early on that I wanted a career focused on animals in some capacity. Before I discovered wildlife as a career option, I worked at a kennel, interned at the local SPCA, and at the Buffalo Zoo working with polar bears. I went to Canisius College in Buffalo NY to study Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation where I initially focused my studies on animal cognition. After completing a field course and conducting research in Belize, I developed a passion for wildlife biology and fieldwork in general. After graduating, I went on to work as a wildlife technician in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Idaho studying bobcats, black bears, grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and various nongame species. While I enjoyed working with all these species, I felt a particular connection to the bears. I gained a deep appreciation and respect for both the species and the work that goes into managing their populations. This led me to my current master’s position at Sul Ross where I am studying the behavior and ecology of black bears in the Trans-Pecos. I am excited to defend my thesis this semester and hopefully start a job as a wildlife biologist for a state agency in the Northeast or Pacific Northwest.

Program/Level: M.S. in Range and Wildlife Management
Home Town: Portland, TX

I grew up in Texas’s Coastal Bend, and as a kid, I enjoyed spending time with my family outside and learning about birds and plants from my grandfather. As I got older, that curiosity for living things only grew, and it became large enough for me to pursue it as a career. During my undergraduate at Sul Ross State University, I was involved in volunteer organizations like the Range and Wildlife Club, the Honors Club, and the Nature Conservancy and I enjoyed helping graduate students with their field and lab work. Both were great ways to get outside and learn. I was introduced to the world of insects through a research project during my senior year of college, and I’ve delighted in the challenge of learning about them. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Conservation Biology in Spring 2024, and I am excited to stay in Alpine to start this new endeavor.

Program/Level: M.A., History 

Fellowship Mentor: Dr. Kendra DeHart 

Home Town: Sabinal, Texas 

 I was born and raised in Sabinal, Texas and moved to Hondo, Texas during my middle school and high school years. I joined the United States Air Force, and I worked on F-16’s, F-15’s, A-10’s, and F-111’s. During these years after my service, I learned that my father was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 1960’s. This led me to investigate all his stories and has taken me on a journey that I still travel today. It has given me the passion and drive to tell the Mexican American story and the intricacies of the Chicano movement. It is the reason why I am pursuing my master’s 

Program/Level: Biology Masters

Hometown: Del Rio

Prior Education: Bachelor of Science (Biology Major, Chemistry Minor)

My interest is focusing on answering the “Origin of Life” question. I love microbiology, with a focus in astrobiology. I hope to fly for a space program one day. I’m also devout Christian, so my faith is everything to me. Hope to get my Ph.D. in cellular sciences, before pursuing my major research.

Program/Level: Master’s Student: Health & Human Performance

Home Town: El Paso, Texas

Prior Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sul Ross State University

Camryn Medina is an El Paso, Texas native and is currently in her final semester of completing her master’s degree at Sul Ross State University. After graduation, she will be heading to Oklahoma State University in the Fall of 2025 to embark on her journey toward attaining a Ph.D. Camryn’s research interests are deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a female athlete, where she witnessed firsthand the lack of knowledge and resources available in female athletics. Her own athletic challenges, including career-altering injuries, inadequate nutrition, and subpar training, have fueled her passion for advocating for better support and education for female athletes. With a goal of empowering female athletes to maximize their athletic potential and longevity, Camryn is committed to bridging the gap in research and creating practical solutions. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is passionate about health and wellness, enjoys staying active through weightlifting, and is dedicated to growing her relationship with God, using her experiences to guide and inspire others in faith and life.

Program/Level: masters program (first semester) 

Home Town: El Paso TX 

Prior Education: EPCC (El Paso Community College), Sul Ross State University

 Hello! My name is Humberto Moreno, but you can call me Beto. I am from El Paso Texas, and I am a student-athlete at Sul Ross State University, I am currently a Graduate Assistant for the Criminal Justice & Homeland security Department, I am a first-generation grad, as well as an early college student, meaning I attended El Paso Community College while still in high school, got my associate degree in science in 2022, before committing to Sul Ross and finishing my bachelor’s degree in 2024. I am currently a graduate student studying cybercrime. While working as a PPOHA fellow, I am conducting research regarding police integrity and police initiatives. I am excited for the opportunities this semester will bring!

Program/Level: MED Ed./Inst . Technology

Home Town: Eagle Pass

Prior Education: Sul Ross Bachelors of Science Emphasis on Organizational Leadership Spring 2022

Results driven Talent Development Specialist with over 16 years of diverse experience in the banking industry. Last year, I transitioned into the corporate training and development, leveraging my extensive banking background knowledge to facilitate engaging and impactful training to new hires. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Technology to gain additional skills and knowledge to drive employee growth and add even greater value in my corporate learning and development career. I am passionate about delivering talent and fostering a positive organizational culture of continuous learning.

Program/Level: M.S. in Animal Science

Hometown: San Angelo, Texas

Prior Education: Associate of Arts, Howard Community College, Bachelor of Science, Tarleton State University

I grew up in the relatively small town of San Angelo TX and have loved horses as long as I can remember. I got my first horse when I was eleven years old, which only solidified my passion and interest in them. throughout grade school and high school, I was actively involved in the local 4-H competing in horse judging, hippology, horse quiz bowl, rifle, and food challenge. During my undergraduate degree, my knowledge of horses grew, and my first equine certificate class made me decide I wanted to teach equine classes. Unfortunately, right when I started on the university horse judging team COVID-19 hit. During my junior and senior years, I participated as an undergraduate research assistant to help graduate students with their thesis projects. Following graduation, I went to work as an assistant horse trainer for a performance ranch, during which I decided to learn more about the equine veterinary field. I then spent the next year and a half at three veterinary clinics varying from an equine vet tech, equine rehab tech, and receptionist. After which I decided to continue my education with a Master in Animal Science at Sul Ross, with possibly a second Master or PhD in my future.