STEM research changes lives at Trinity

At Trinity University, a new generation of scientists is finding its voice—and its confidence—through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) ¡Adelante! program. Backed by the National Science Foundation and strengthened by additional funding from USAA, LSAMP matches underrepresented STEM students with research experience, mentorship, and a community that believes in their potential.

Part of a larger, $2.5 million NSF grant, this program is the latest initiative in a hallmark collaboration among four San Antonio universities—St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, the University of the Incarnate Word, and Trinity University—first launched in 2022.  So far, the ¡Adelante! initiative has supported 183 students, who gain hands-on research roles, professional development, and access to field trips and speaker events that connect them with STEM leaders across the city.

See how this grant continues to change lives and open new doors to the future for Tigers:

JULIAN PEREZ ’27

Engineering Science major | San Antonio, Texas

Julian Perez ’27, who is majoring in engineering science and minoring in mathematics, physics, and theater, hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in human-robot interaction and eventually work with a federal agency like NASA.

“At Trinity, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects. And I was able to come up with my own project related to a professor's lab, which is a hands-on experience that isn't usually done until you're a Ph.D. candidate or grad student.”

Perez’s research, “Enhancing Haptic Fingertip Feedback via Pneumatic Actuators,” was recently published. He designed and ran all experimentation under the mentorship of engineering science professor Emma Treadway, Ph.D.

“With this grant, I feel 200% like I'm being supported. I'm receiving all the things I need specifically, I have the mentors who check in on me, I’m having an opportunity to have vulnerability with them. If I feel like I'm struggling in a class, they're helping me see that it's okay to struggle, because this is supposed to be hard. This is part of the experience.”

He also credits Trinity leadership for their investment in student success.

 “I’m also glad I have the support at Trinity, specifically, from the dean of the Semmes School of Science, David Ribble. He constantly checks in, and he keeps us involved. He keeps us talking. I feel like I have someone I know I could go to when I’m struggling. Just having him as a mentor provides me so many opportunities to understand that I belong here.”

ARIANNA FUENTES ’28

Prospective biochemistry major | El Paso, Texas

Arianna Fuentes ’28 plans to major in biochemistry and minor in Spanish, with the goal of pursuing graduate school in medicinal development and pharmacological research.

“I’ve been able to build really supportive relationships with people in my field, especially Dr. Ribble,” she says. “I feel very supported by the grant because when I'm feeling down, or feeling like I am kind of an outsider while other STEM people really know what they want to do with their future, the grant just helps me feel like I belong. It helps me see that it's okay to not know what you want to do with your life yet, because it also is helping you to find a way forward.”

NATALIA ARANIVA ’27

Biochemistry & molecular biology major | Houston, Texas

Natalia Araniva ’27 is a biochemistry and molecular biology major on the pre-med track, hoping to become a physician. After her first year, she applied through LSAMP to a 10-week summer research program.

“It was great. This was my first-ever research experience, and I truly did love it.”

She has continued to conduct research every semester and recently earned a hybrid research–internship role at a local medical school. Her work uses yeast as a model for human cells.

“We're specifically looking at degenerative diseases, and we are really, really focused on the protein interactions within the cell,” Araniva says. “It's actually been really cool to discover new interactions that have never been published in literature before.”

For Araniva, the program’s impact has been transformational.

 “I definitely feel like I have support through LSAMP and all the grants,” she says. “Not only can I do research and be in a research lab, but now they're also helping me pay for my textbooks. They helped me get ready to study. Having that sense of belonging here at Trinity, this was really important to me.”

Building A Sense of Belonging

With support from LSAMP ¡Adelante! and USAA, these students—and many more—are not only advancing scientific discovery but also finding a sense of purpose, belonging, and confidence that comes with success in hands-on experiences. 

Their stories remind us that talent is everywhere, and when students are given access, mentorship, and belief, they rise. At Trinity, that commitment is shaping the next generation of STEM leaders, and that future has never looked brighter.