This week, UT San Antonio celebrates student discovery, creativity and scholarship during Undergraduate Research Week. Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the annual event showcases the innovative work of undergraduate students from across the university.
Held in conjunction with National Undergraduate Research Week, designated by the Council on Undergraduate Research, the celebration highlights the important role undergraduate students play in the university’s research enterprise.
Throughout the week, more than 200 students will present their research and creative work through a variety of formats, including poster sessions, oral presentations, competitions and creative showcases.
“Undergraduate research is one of the most powerful learning experiences a student can have,” said Darrell Balderrama, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “It allows students to ask meaningful questions, contribute new knowledge and develop the critical thinking and communication skills that prepare them for graduate study and professional careers.”
Students across disciplines are actively engaged in research addressing real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience alongside faculty mentors.
One example is Fiona Valorz, a senior environmental studies major, Honors College student and McNair Scholar. During her sophomore year, Valorz connected with Associate Professor Jeffrey Hutchinson’s lab. There, she began conducting environmental research and developing skills that will give her an advantage when she pursues a doctoral degree.
“The Office of Undergraduate Research has been a phenomenal resource,” Valorz said. “From connecting me with mentors and sharing their wisdom to helping me prepare for graduate school and research conferences, they’ve supported me every step of the way. All I really needed entering research was curiosity, and they helped facilitate the rest.”
Another student researcher making an impact is Christopher Sauceda, a junior psychology major, Honors College student and McNair Scholar. Sauceda recently earned first place in the oral presentation category at the 3rd annual San Antonio Honors Research Symposium, which brought together top student researchers from nine universities and community colleges across the region.
A first-generation college student and single parent, Sauceda studies the prevalence of ADHD and autism among community college students. His research is deeply personal — his own son has autism, and Sauceda hopes his work will help create more supportive pathways for students like his son to succeed in higher education.
Valorz and Sauceda, along with environmental science senior Jibel Mendez and biochemistry junior Oscar Reyes Parker, participated in the 2025–2026 Scholars Transforming Through Research Program through the Council on Undergraduate Research. The highly competitive program brought together 135 participants from 31 institutions across 15 states, providing training in research communication, leadership and civic engagement.
The program concluded earlier this semester with a visit to Washington, D.C., where the students met with policymakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for the importance of undergraduate research and the opportunities it creates for students and communities.
Most recently, the Office of Undergraduate Research sponsored 23 UT San Antonio undergraduates to participate in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, held April 13–15 in Richmond, VA — the largest NCUR conference to date, with more than 5,200 students in attendance.
The Office of Undergraduate Research serves as a central hub for student discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines at UT San Antonio. It supports undergraduate students at every stage, from those who are curious about how to get started in research, to experienced student scholars ready to showcase their work at local, national and international conferences.
Supporting a robust undergraduate research ecosystem is one of many ways UT San Antonio is committed to providing high-impact learning opportunities that empower students to discover their passions and develop career-ready skills while contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
Learn more about undergraduate research at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
