Posted on October 30, 2026 by College of Sciences
#ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike
David Andrew Fuentes, Health Sciences Major
By Christina Calvo
David Andrew Fuentes, an undergraduate in Health Sciences, has found that community involvement alongside academics is the key to a successful and fulfilling college experience. As a San Antonio native, UT San Antonio has always been a place that sparked David's curiosity. It wasn't until he was on campus that UT San Antonio was the home for him.
"Although I toured several colleges across Texas," said David, "Many of them lacked the immediate sense of community I was seeking. It wasn't until I visited UT San Antonio that I experienced a true sense of belonging among my peers, knowing instantly that I had found a welcoming environment where I could thrive."
It was this welcoming environment and sense of community that David felt inspired to become a part of. David serves as a Research, Experience and Development officer for the Pre National Health Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED). He is a lead science mentor for the College of Sciences Student Success Center, where he connects other College of Sciences students with resources to help their careers. David is also involved in an outreach program called Mentors in Medicine by the Latino Medical Student Association at Long School of Medicine, where high school and college students are invited to explore a career in medicine through an event series.
David's large involvement with the health sciences community is directly related to his interest in medicine and his recent change to major in health sciences.
"Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something health related," said David. "I joined AED during my first semester, and they had events called RED events. Through those events, I gained hands-on experience in healthcare, which gave me insight into the field and confirmed that I was serious about pursuing a career in it."
David credits the AED organization and Eddie Hernandez, PhD, professor of instruction and undergraduate advisor of record, for the guidance and push he needed to pursue his interests in healthcare.
"When I first joined UT San Antonio as a premedical student, I was told a lot of different information and it felt overwhelming as a first-generation student, said David. "One person who was able to help me was Dr. Eddie Hernandez. Getting to talk to him and hear about the different opportunities that the new health sciences major allowed students to do gave me reassurance."
When asked what advice he would give new students, David offers two nuggets of wisdom: Study something you love and get involved.
"It was important for me to do something I was passionate about so I could do my best work and not make school feel like a chore," David said. "I also feel it is very important to have a good time and be involved on campus. If you're only going to campus just to go to your classes, you won't have a good connection with the community that UT San Antonio offers."
After completing his bachelor’s degree, David wishes to complete his master's at UT Health and eventually become a doctor that focuses on reconstructive plastic surgery.
— College of Sciences
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October 30, 2026
David Andrew FuentesPublished by College of Sciences
#ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike
