Minority students who are science majors or interested in science have an opportunity to participate in The Bridges to Baccalaureate program, which is designed to encourage minority students to pursue a degree from a four-year university, as well as careers in biomedical research.

The National Institutes of Health gives grants to Southwest Texas University, who then recruits students from the Alamo Community College District.

Dr. Mari Hopper, an assistant professor in the Department of Sciences at Palo Alto, is in her second year as project coordinator for the Bridges to Baccalaureate program.

In order for a student to participate, they must be in their second year of college or beyond, and they must be interested in completing a bachelor’s degree in Science. The student must also attend field trips and weekly meetings.

The program offers up to $500 per fall and spring semester. Participants visit places such as the Southwest Research Institute off of Loop 410, and regional biomedical labs. Guest speakers inform students about science and how it affects everyday life. Students also have the opportunity to apply for summer internships.

“This is an opportunity that isn’t taken advantage of enough,” said Hopper.

Elissa Huerta, 20, is in her third semester at Palo Alto. She is a Science major with a concentration in Biomedical Photography. Huerta, who was a full-time student and worked part-time, heard about the program from word of mouth, and she said that she didn’t feel stressed out while she participated in the Bridges program.

While in the program and throughout her internship, Huerta worked with Dr. Joseph Koke, a professor at SWT. Her research involved an earthworm experiment. The purpose of this study was to find how the bacteria that worms excrete could be used to help the environment. Huerta will transfer to a four-year university in the fall of 2003, and she is considering SWT.

Sandra Guerra, 20, a Pre-Med major with a concentration in Biology, also participated in the internship at SWT. Guerra hopes to become a pediatrician.

While participating in the Bridges program, Guerra was also the president of Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society. She was a full-time student, worked part-time, was vice president of PAC Friends for one semester, selected for the Student Leadership Institute and a member of the Student Senate.

“I made the Bridges program my priority, because the NIH would help me personally and in my career. It would look good on my resume and help me get into med school,” she said.

Guerra studied with Dr. Allan Groeger, a limnology professor at SWT. Her research was to grow algae to find the limiting nutrients in the water. Guerra said that all of the people at SWT were helpful, and they met many people in their field of study. Guerra has applied for spring enrollment at SWT.

Both women recommended the program to any minority student who is interested. For more information, contact Hopper at 210-921-5327 or e-mail her at <mhopper@accd.edu>.