UT San Antonio Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies are Dec. 15. This story is one in a series about the university’s outstanding graduates.
When Kaylee Chambers relocated from El Paso to San Antonio in 2020, she did not expect the move would lead her to restart her education and shape the next chapter of her life.
In December, Chambers will be among the inaugural graduating class of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, which will be celebrating its first commencement.
But her walk across the stage and the degree she’s earned are far from where she started.
Chambers’ academic journey began at UT El Paso, initially majoring in forensic science and later kinesiology.
Though technology was a longtime interest, Chambers felt that pursuing tech as a degree was not realistic. As a first-generation college student, she wasn’t sure she could succeed in a technical field.
“It wasn’t until I moved to San Antonio that I felt confident exploring computer science,” she said.
Chambers gives credit to her partner’s encouragement and the realization that tech aligned with both her interests and long-term goals for the push she needed.
Last Mile
In addition to long work hours, full course loads and summers spent balancing classes and internships, Chambers often also worked two jobs to keep up with tuition and living expenses. She relied on the support of organizations like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Reboot Representation and Last Mile.
“What truly helped me overcome these challenges were the opportunities and support I received,” she said. “I genuinely would not be where I am today without their scholarships, resources and community.”
Among Chambers’ most meaningful experiences during her time at UT San Antonio was the School of Data Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Chambers contributed to a project exploring how individuals who are blind and low-vision interact with artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life, examining issues of trust, privacy and usability. She helped design surveys and build an interview protocol, gaining research experience while supporting a community she cares about.
“It pushed me beyond my comfort zone,” she said. “It showed me how meaningful and impactful thoughtful design and careful data collection can be.”
Her technical growth and confidence accelerated even further through two consecutive summer internships at AnaVation, a technology and cybersecurity solutions company, where she learned to collaborate on professional software teams, communicate clearly and solve problems.
Outdoor Pursuits
Chambers said several mentors helped her along the way. Through Reboot Representation, she met SHPE Research & Impact Manager Karletty Medina, who helped Chambers recognize her strengths and pursue new opportunities. “The conversations I had with her expanded my sense of what was possible for me,” she said.
Two others were instrumental in her success. Chambers said she’s thankful for the support of Debra Leal, a senior management analyst with the Department of Computer Science, who opened doors to new opportunities and led to meeting Fred Martin.
Martin, at the time, chaired the UT San Antonio Department of Computer Science and now serves as the interim dean of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing. His advice and continued support became a steady source of encouragement.
Chambers also found perspective through the Outdoor Pursuits program at the university’s Recreation Center. Renting gear and taking small trips became her way to reset during stressful semesters and she encourages others to take advantage of it.
As she prepares to graduate, Chambers hopes incoming students remember that success is rarely linear.
“There are many paths to the same destination,” she said. “Be open to adjusting your path, stay persistent and don’t give up. You are capable of more than you think.”
After graduation, Chambers will begin her full-time employment with AnaVation, the company where she completed two summer internships. “I’m looking forward to exploring new interests and finding joy in stability and freedom that comes with reaching this milestone,” she said.
Embracing that new freedom, she is also training for her first half-marathon in Austin in the coming year.
“My journey hasn’t been traditional, but it has been meaningful,” she said. “I’m thankful for the people and programs at UT San Antonio that helped me reach this point.”
