Meet The Team
Higher Education
Crystal Bolden-Rush, PhD
Director, Research Education
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:
K-12 Education
Rosemary Riggs, PhD
Director, Education Outreach
Director, Education Outreach
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, 11 years developing programs for teachers at UT Health San Antonio, and now 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 active 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 provides high school students with advanced lab experiences and engagement with Texas Biomed scientists, and develops 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, M.Ed.
Education Outreach Specialist
Education Outreach Specialist
Beatriz “Bea” Guajardo has an M.Ed. in science education with over 20 years of education experience. Ms. Guajardo has taught science from kindergarten through middle school, coordinating and creating science curriculum for her previous schools. Prior to joining Texas Biomed, she was the advisor/coordinator for an Early College High School Program at a public charter school. Ms. Guajardo oversees multiple programs including our Scientist in Residence program, in-person tours for area high school students and virtual tours 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.
Shaunna Garner, M.Ed.
Education Outreach Specialist
Education Outreach Specialist
Shaunna Garner, M.Ed. in health education, has over 17 years of experience teaching middle school science. Ms. Garner taught in Northeast ISD for 15 years with an additional two years at Northside ISD. While at Northside ISD, she created and implemented enrichment activities for the middle school gifted and talented program. She has worked with several NIH funded Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) programs through UT Health SA and, most recently, at Texas Biomed. Through the SEPA programs, teachers engage with current science research and develop activities which connect K-12 curriculum to science careers. Through her involvement in previous SEPA programs, Ms. Garner collaborated with Dr. Riggs to publish an article in the Journal of STEM Outreach regarding the impact of science nights on community engagement. Ms. Garner continues her commitment to education at Texas Biomed by integrating current research efforts in K-12 curriculum and coordinating community outreach events.
Hannah Dixon, B.S.
Education Outreach Specialist
Education Outreach Specialist
Hannah Dixon is an Education Outreach Specialist at Texas Biomed. She brings over 5 years of teaching experience in high school science. She has taught a variety of courses including biology, chemistry, Pre-AP science courses and AP science courses. Mrs. Dixon utilizes her expertise working in the high school lab setting to help develop engaging and rigorous curriculum for outreach programs, including the Valero Young Scientist program (VYS) hosted at Texas Biomed. She collaborates with Dr. Riggs, Director of Education Outreach, to plan and implement the VYS program to provide unique experiences to foster curiosity through engaging VYS participants with current research techniques applied by Texas Biomed scientists. Mrs. Dixon also supports the Summer Scholars and Internship programs by collaborating with Dr. Bolden-Rush, the Director of Research Education, on applications and admissions. As a member of the Education Team, Mrs. Dixon supports other education outreach programs such as tours, career fairs and community events to further inspire and educate the greater San Antonio area.