Rodolfo Jimenez
Dr. Rodolfo Jimenez, Jr. specializes in the field of Cellular and Molecular Biology / STEM Education. He is Director of STEM Initiatives for the Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence. As a STEM Coordinator, he is responsible for assisting students in the Life Sciences academically, as well as advising students wanting to attend a health profession programs or graduate school after completion of their undergraduate degree. Dr. Jimenez is a native Texan coming from the Rio Grande Valley area. He obtained a B.S. in biochemistry from Texas State University and his PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. His dissertation focused on the characterization of the cytoplasmic domain of the anthrax toxin receptors. Since his undergraduate career, Dr. Jimenez has been involved in helping underrepresented minorities succeed in STEM, primarily through the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) and The Society of Advancement for Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Currently, Dr. Jimenez sits on the advisory board for STEMed Labs, a nonprofit aimed at closing the gap in STEM education for the underserved in Austin, and on the Hispanic Quality of Life Commission for the City of Austin.