The mission of Texas Biomed’s Education Faculty is to create an educationally rich learning environment at Texas Biomed for all staff (scientific and support), undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and the San Antonio Community. Their goal is to have a rich learning culture for students and interns, that encourages ongoing development of skills and knowledge.
What is Education and Career Development?
Education – K-12, Undergraduate, and Graduate education programs with curricula and a defined start and stop date
Career Development – internal facing programs designed to provide continued career development to Texas Biomed Staff, Graduate and Undergraduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows.
Meet The Faculty
Crystal Bolden-Rush, Ph.D.
Crystal A. Bolden-Rush, PhD Director, Research Education
Dr. Crystal Bolden-Rush received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from The University of Texas at El Paso. During these studies, Dr. Rush participated in a summer research experience. Dr. Rush credits this research experience for helping her to hone in on her interest in reliable and reproducible science. Dr. Rush followed this interest and continued her education, completing her Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine and Translational Science at Wake Forest University. She began her career by carrying her knowledge of nitric oxide function and kinetics into biomolecular engineering, where she synthesized extracellular, hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers. She has mentored and taught students of varied socioeconomic means and academic levels in formal, didactic and informal, active participation settings. Dr. Rush is passionate about intentionally teaching and cultivating the skills needed to conduct research. She serves as a holistic reviewer and facilitator/instructor for multiple post-baccalaureate programs.
If you’re a trainee interested in discussing your career path, current or future, email Dr. Rush:
Rosemary Riggs, Ph.D.
Dr. Rosemary Riggs, PhD Director Education Outreach Programs
Dr. Rosemary Riggs (Rose) is the Director of Education Outreach Programs for Texas Biomed. Dr. Riggs has a PhD in Adult, Professional, and Community Education from Texas State University and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from UTSA. She has over 24 years’ experience in education, including a decade of teaching high school science to 11 years developing programs for teachers at UT Health San Antonio to creating K-12 outreach programs at Texas Biomed. In her position, Dr. Riggs collaborates with her team to design innovative K-12 outreach programs for teachers and students. She is the PI for an NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA). The SEPA program provides opportunities for teachers to engage with current science research to design activities that integrate current science into classroom curriculum. Each activity applies a rigorous Claim, Evidence and Reasoning (CER) strategy while creating relevancy by connecting classroom content to career opportunities for students. Dr. Riggs also creates programs for area youth, such as the Valero Young Scientist (VYS) program. The VYS program engages high school students with advanced lab experiences, provides engagement with Texas Biomed scientists, and develop their communication and research skills. Whether working with teachers or students, Dr. Riggs leads the education outreach team to create innovative programs for Texas Biomed to serve our K-12 and greater community.
Beatriz “Bea” Guajardo is Texas Biomed’s Education Outreach Specialist. She has an M.Ed. in science education with over 19 years teaching experience. Ms. Guajardo has taught science from kindergarten through middle school. She has spent the last three years of her career serving as the advisor/coordinator for the Early College High School Program at Brook Academies. Ms. Guajardo oversees in-person tours for area high school students as well as virtual tours which are available for students outside the San Antonio area. She also facilitates programs which bring Texas Biomed scientists to area schools for career days, science nights, and science fairs. Ms. Guajardo’s expertise as an educator ensures Texas Biomed’s STEM-focused curricular activities are relevant to students and connect classroom content to future science careers. As a member of the Education Team, Ms. Guajardo collaborates with Drs. Bolden-Rush and Riggs to support education outreach programs designed to inspire the next generation of science researchers.
