Posted on June 8, 2020 by College of Sciences
#FacultySpotlight
Victoria Dougherty, Department of Chemistry
Can you share a little about your journey to UTSA?
I was a military "brat" and my father was stationed all over the world but eventually retired in San Antonio when I started high school. I also joined the military right out of high school as a combat medic to get money for college. I returned to San Antonio and UTSA was a natural fit for me. It was close to my home and having spent the first 22 years of my life moving every few years, I wanted to stay in SA.
My initial plan was law school but after leaving the army as a medic I decided to get my BSN. Well...about halfway through nursing school I decided that was not for me, but I remembered taking my first chemistry class while getting my pre-requisites for nursing. I remembered how much I liked it and decided to switch my major to chemistry. The rest, as they say, is history. I earned my B.S. and M.S. at UTSA and was hired to teach the Organic II labs to replace the old coordinator. At first I did this while searching for a job in industry, but I liked teaching so much I decided to make a career out of it.
What does a typical day in your job entail?
Lecturing, replying to emails, writing exams, and meeting with students (now over Zoom).
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Watching my students succeed. I have had several students become, PhDs, MDs, DDS, etc...it has always been my pleasure to know I may have played a role in their lives.
What is one thing that your students might be surprised to learn about you?
I love cats! No, that's really not a secret.
What is your advice to incoming students?
Learn everything you can in your fundamental classes! Everything we teach you, you will need in your higher level classes! Also make friends with your classmates. They are the only people who know exactly what you are going through and these friendships will last forever.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I love the variety of people we have at UTSA. Our students have such a diverse background and I love talking to them and learning from them. I cannot wait to go back to campus because I really DO miss interacting with my students.
— College of Sciences
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