Women in Science Series Features UHD Alumna & CST Assistant Dean
By Mark Kramer
University of Houston-Downtown alumna Dr. Elizabeth Villegas (’05), Assistant Dean of the College of Sciences & Technology (CST), has definitely put her undergraduate research into practice during her career.
Villegas will explain the importance and benefits of scientific inquiry as the featured speaker for the UHD Scholars Academy’s virtual Women in Science Series at noon on Friday, May 29.
She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UHD. Villegas went on to earn a doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine in 2014.
“My hope is that I can serve as an inspiration and role model to young women interested in pursuing a career in Science,” Villegas said.
As a graduate student at Baylor, Villegas contributed to cancer research efforts. She also is a lecturer of Biology in CST.
“Dr. Villegas’ story is a very unique one as she began her undergraduate career as a member of our Scholars Academy, then like so many, once her baccalaureate was completed, she continued her doctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine,” said Dr. Mary Jo Parker, Executive Director of the UHD Scholars Academy.
The Scholars Academy debuted the Women in Science Series in 2019. The presentations showcase excellence and UHD alumni across STEM industry and research. Past speakers have included 2017 alumna Amee Stevenson (’17), who serves as a software engineer with Lockheed Martin and Dr. Elda Rueda (’11) postdoctoral associate at Baylor College of Medicine.
The program will continue in September as alumna Nicole Patterson (’10), who works in Biomedical Sciences at UT Houston Graduate School.
To attend Friday’s virtual Women in Science series, you must register here.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
