Industrial/Professional Mentors

Ms. Jessica Quintanilla | Environmental Scientist, Edward Aquifer Authority (UTPA transfer)

Hydrogeology, and Water Resources
Born and raised in McAllen, Texas and is a former student of the University of Texas Pan-American (UTPA). She transferred to the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) and completed her bachelor's degree in Geological Sciences in 2009. Until 2011 she worked on several projects in Honduras and the San Antonio area for the UTSA Center for Water Research. In 2013, she received a master's degree in Geosciences at Texas Tech University specializing her research in Hydro-geochemistry. Currently she practices hydrogeology as part of the aquifer science team with the Edwards Aquifer Authority in San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. Mark Iglesias | Manager, S&B Infrastructure (UTPA alumni)

Environmental Science/Biology; Hazardous Materials and Environmental Impact Assessments
Lived in Edinburg for over 40 years and a high school graduate from Edinburg High School (Bobcats). He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UTPA in 1996. Currently he is an Environmental Manager with S&B Infrastructure where he manages a team of environmental scientist conducting environmental assessments across the State of Texas.

Ms. Victoria Lopez | M.S. student, Geology and Geophysics Texas A&M (UTB/TSC alumni)

Ms. Courtney Houston | Hydrologic Technician, U.S. Geologic Survey (UTPA alumni)

Ms. Marisa Oliva-Rodriguez | Manager, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center

Wildlife Ecology/Environmental Science
Resident of Pharr Texas. Ms. Oliva-Rodriguez received her master degree from the School of Forest Resources from PSU, and bachelor degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from TAMU. Oliva-Rodriguez has managed the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center since 2004. She has a long history as an environmental educator, developing EE and Nature programs, events, and trainings for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department at Bentsen-RGV State Park, the Girl Scouts of America, the International Museum of Arts & Sciences, and for Environmental Concern, Inc. She currently serves as the Regional Coordinator for Texas Children in Nature-RGV and the Interim President of the RGV Nature Coalition.

Mr. Erick R. Tripp | GIS Specialist, Brownsville Public Utilities Board (UTB/TSC alumni)

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley