Posted on September 25, 2026 by College of Sciences
#AwesomeAlum
Oscar Reyes Parker
By Christina Calvo
Meet Oscar Reyes Parker, a first-generation college student and recent Biochemistry graduate, who found belonging and support from the UT San Antonio's College of Sciences.
After completing his prerequisites at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Oscar had his eyes set on UT San Antonio for the unique opportunities that the university offers.
"I chose UT San Antonio because of the incredible undergraduate research opportunities it offered," said Oscar. "Here, I have found mentors, including first-generation faculty, who inspire me and remind me of my roots."
During his time as an undergraduate, Oscar was greatly involved in the UT San Antonio community. He has served as the co-director of Rising Researchers, a professional development research training program, where he led development workshops and provided one-on-one mentoring to other students. He has also served as the events coordinator for the Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Chapter, where he participated by giving workshops and contributing to science outreach. Additionally, Oscar has been a part of several other research and academic programs such as: Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, APPEX Scholars Program, and the MARC/RISE programs.
Outside of the classroom and his extracurricular activities, Oscar also talks about research being one of the cornerstones of his academic journey at UT San Antonio. He notes his time spent researching under the tutelage of many of the College of Sciences faculty such as: Jeffrey Hutchinson, PhD, associate professor of biology, health and the environment, and Audrey Lamb, PhD, professor of chemistry. Oscar credits Jesús Romo, PhD, assistant professor of molecular microbiology and immunology, for his growth as a researcher.
"In December 2025, I joined Dr. Romo's medical mycology lab where I have been developing my undergraduate thesis project focused on the phenotypic characterization of environmental strains of Nakaseomyces glabratus, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast," says Oscar. "Dr. Romo has encouraged me to present my work, attend trainings, and pursue professional development opportunities, while offering guidance and support that has made a lasting impact on me."
Oscar has presented his research at national conferences such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. He was also selected to present his work at other universities, including Princeton University.
Oscar's mentor, Jesús Romo, comments on Oscar as a leader in his lab.
"He has an unmatched work ethic and discipline.” said Romo, "He understands that perseverance is key. He has the qualities of a great mentor and trained several students during his time in my lab. Oscar inspired his peers and developed into a leader very quickly. I have no doubt that he will be successful in overcoming any challenge that comes his way. I am very proud of him."
Oscar's work and success did not come without hardship along the way. He shares these challenges and the support he received from the College of Sciences faculty.
"Last year, in the middle of the semester, my grandma passed away. She had been a guardian for my brother and me until I was 18, so her passing was very difficult. It was even more complicated because she lived in Mexico. I left during the semester, even though I had classes and labs that I could not easily repeat," says Oscar.
Oscar expresses how he reached out to the department for support during this difficult life event, and he received the support he needed to continue his degree plan. His faculty mentors would frequently check on how he was doing and provide guidance.
Oscar credits his resilience during this time to the memory of his grandma.
"What kept me going, despite the pain I felt, was holding on to the things my grandma gave me and knowing that, even though she was no longer here, she would not want me to give up on everything I had worked on," said Oscar.
Despite the challenges that came with grief, Oscar graduated on time, completing his bachelor's of science in biochemistry in the spring of 2026. He is now taking the next step in his academic career and has started his graduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
Oscar offers this advice to first-generation college students and scientists just like him.
"If you are a first-generation student, congratulations on this big achievement. I know the road ahead can feel uncertain, and many times you may feel like you have to walk it by yourself," said Oscar. "Do not compare yourself to others. Many students may seem ahead, but your only real comparison should be who you were yesterday."
"You are more than your achievements, and you should not forget to celebrate yourself and the people around you," added Oscar.
— College of Sciences
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