This story is part of a series highlighting the university’s outstanding graduates crossing the stage on May 16.
For Lizette Rodriguez, a first-generation college student and San Antonio native, the journey to earning her bachelor’s degree in physics at UT San Antonio has been defined by curiosity, resilience and a passion for understanding the universe.
Originally inspired by a high school research project in heliophysics, which is the study of the Sun and its influence on our solar system, she quickly discovered a passion for astrophysics and the broader field of physics.
“Physics is the study of motion in nature, whether it’s massive objects or tiny particles,” Rodriguez said. “What I love most is observational astronomy and how faculty here specialize in studying such unique aspects of our universe.”
Through the Bold Promise scholarship, a four-year program that provides support, resources and a community to help Roadrunners build their network and participate in experiential learning opportunities, Rodriguez was able to set herself on a path toward research.
Since her freshman year, Rodriguez has been a part of several interdisciplinary research opportunities. Last summer, she served as a lab assistant working on a research project focused on open clusters, groups of hundreds to thousands of stars that formed from the same cloud of gas and dust and are loosely held together by their mutual gravity.
Under the guidance of David Silva, PhD, director of the Center for Space Technology and Operation Research and professor of physics and astronomy, she developed new methods to map cluster morphologies for 15 open clusters, which informed a follow-up analysis and a presentation at a conference hosted by the Southwest Research Institute.
She had the opportunity to use the Gaia database, a European Space Agency satellite launched in 2023 to precisely map the positions, distances and motions of more than a billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy, to support her research.
Her academic strengths have also stood out in the classroom.
“Rodriguez excelled in my introductory astrophysics course, demonstrating a strong grasp of the field,” said Chris Packham, PhD, professor of physics and astronomy. “In one assignment, students used AI to generate an image of an astrophysical object and explain, from first principles, what the image got right and wrong. Her work was so strong that she was later invited to discuss the process on an Adobe panel.”
“The mix of unique research opportunities and approachable faculty makes a big difference,” Rodriguez added. “It creates space for students like me to really pursue our interests.”
Outside of the lab, Rodriguez has been heavily involved in scientific outreach. She is the co-lead of the Society of Physics Students Astronomy Club, where she focuses on community outreach and astronomy education through public stargazing events.
She also serves as secretary and outreach officer for the Society of Physics Students, where she’s coordinated outreach events, field trips and guest speaker sessions to promote engagement and scientific community building. These experiences have allowed her to share her passion for science while also establishing meaningful connections within the academic community.
Like many students, Rodriguez’s path wasn’t without challenges. During her time at the university, she faced academic setbacks that required her to adjust her plans and retake courses. Instead of discouraging her, those moments strengthened her determination.
“One of the biggest pieces of advice I received was to keep going and keep pursuing my dream,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s my dream — no one else’s.”
Looking ahead, Rodriguez plans to continue her education by pursuing a doctoral degree in physics, with the goal of becoming a researcher in the field she loves.
Her advice to future Roadrunners is to focus on building connections and staying true to their passion.
“The people you meet here are important,” she said. “Build your network. You never know where the next best opportunity may arise. It may come from a professor, recruiter, or even a classmate.”
As she prepares to graduate this spring, Rodriguez leaves UT San Antonio with not only a bachelor’s degree, but a clear sense of purpose and a future aimed at the stars.
