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Palo Alto College
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Oct.2012
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Greetings!
Welcome to Palo Alto College! As an informed student, we would like for you to visit one of the newest centers on campus, The Undergraduate Advising Center! This Center is staffed with Academic Advisors and Faculty who have a passion for helping students succeed and reach their educational goals!
Primary focuses of the Center include:
- Providing academic advising to those students who are in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.
- Assisting Undeclared or Liberal Arts majors in exploring various educational and career paths, while providing guidance and direction.
- Provide a centralized location where students can meet with Faculty Advisors.
The following Newsletter will be sent each month highlighting respective areas in the STEM fields. This month we will be highlighting the Science Fields. If you have any questions about STEM fields or general Academic Advising, be sure to stop by the Undergraduate Advising Center in the Palomino Center Rm. 114 or call 210.486.3660.
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Contact Information:
Location: Palomino Ctr, Rm. 114
Michael Ximenez, Director
210.486.3660
Shawnta Davis, Advisor
210.486.3661
Maria Diaz, Advisor
210.486.3663
Jennie Huebenthal, Advisor
210.486.3664
Jonathon Gonzales, Advisor
210.486.3665
Edgar Gonzalez, Advisor
210.486.3662
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Catarina Gutierrez! 
My name is Catarina Gutierrez and I am a Sophomore at Palo Alto College. I'm pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science as part of my pursuit of a DVM (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine).
What event motivated/inspired you to study Biomedical Science?
From a very young age I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian because, as cliché as it sounds, I've always loved animals. It would break my heart to see strays and to hear about animal abuse. I wanted people to understand that these animals were not toys that you could just brush aside when you didn't want them anymore but living things that they were responsible for. As a veterinarian it would be my job to educate owners on how to properly care for their pet and why certain things, such as spaying and neutering, were important. Animal care is not just for the animal, it is beneficial for people as well. I certainly wouldn't want to eat beef that came from a sick cow. With that said, veterinary medicine isn't all wagging tails and puppy-dog kisses, so to be sure that this was the field I wanted to be in, I took an internship at a clinic back home during high school and am currently working at a clinic here in San Antonio. Now I'm certain that I want to continue to pursue my education in this field.
What are your future employment/educational goals?
If everything goes smoothly, I'm hoping to get my Associate's degree here at Palo Alto in the spring and transfer to A&M in College Station to work on my undergraduate classes. Afterward, I'll apply for professional school to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. I want to specialize in a certain aspect of this field but I haven't quite decided that yet.
What would you like to tell a new student at PAC?
Keep track of all your assignments and due dates. It really helps to have a master calendar on your desk or a bulletin board. Write all your due dates and exam dates so you can plan out a schedule of what you need to study and when you will study. Stick to your study schedule! You'll be less stressed this way and will find that you actually do have some free time. Please, take advantage of the tutoring available online and on campus! Don't ever be afraid to ask for help. As soon as you think you're going to have trouble, see a tutor so you won't fall behind. The teachers and staff here at PAC are wonderful and don't mind helping you. Also, try joining a group or organization. They have a lot of information for you and could help open doors to new opportunities. Lastly, STUDY AND WORK HARD! As long as you're truly working hard, the good grades will come easy. With good grades come a higher GPA which can help unlock even more opportunities for you.
Has being a STEM student opened up any opportunities at PAC?
Definitely! As a STEM student in the BIMS (biomedical science) program, I was able to visit Texas A&M-College Station with other students who shared similar goals. The advisers at TAMU gave us a lot of insight on what we needed to do to prepare for transferring and how to better ourselves so we would be good candidates for professional school. We also got a tour of the medical and veterinary buildings. I've also had the honor of receiving a scholarship that was available because I was a STEM student and had good grades.
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STEM Tech Tip!
Want to send your student email directly to your phone? Click Here to learn how to do it! |
On the Objectivization of Subjectivity!
A joint presentation with the UTSA Neurosciences Institute, and held at UTSA's 1604 Campus, renowned neuroscientist Rodolfo Llinás speaks on the "Objectivization of Subjectivity."
One of the crucial questions in present day neuroscience relates to the physical nature of subjectivity. It is believed by some scholars that subjectivity, existing in the realm of the "mind", is probably not a subject of inquiry from a scientific perspective. In this public lecture, co-presented by the UTSA Neurosciences Institute, Dr. Llinás will present evidence that a subjective experience can be clearly measured and quantified as having an objective physical parameter. For more information Click Here.
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H-E-B Science Treehouse!
Take a trip out to the Witte Museum with your family and visit the H-E-B Science Treehouse! Located on the museum grounds, the H-E-B Science Treehouse has four floors of hands-on science exhibits for all ages. They are interactive in these major sections: Air Power, Energy Underground, Simple Machines,
Sound Waves, Eco-Science, Small World Science. There are also outdoor water exhibits that feed directly from the San Antonio River, including an Archimedes screw, diversion gates and water wheels. For more information on the Witte Museum and how to purchase tickets please Click Here. |
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S.A. Hispanic Chamber CORE4STEM Expo- Nov. 8-10!
The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual CORE4 STEM Expo needs volunteers. The event will help reach over 2,500 students and get them interested in STEM Careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Alamo Colleges are proud to be part of this Expo and will be presenting great classes for students! PAC Alumni are needed to volunteer for this event. Whether you can contribute 1 hour or all day, the SA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce needs all the help they can get.
The event begins at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (Nov 8-9) and continues at UTSA Main Campus (Nov 10). Volunteers will help guide students in and out of classrooms, hand out snacks, and assist presenters with their projects.
To volunteer, please contact Brianna Dimas at briannad@sahcc.org or by phone at 210.208.8217.
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STEM FEST!
Learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the First Annual STEM FEST! Enjoy catapults launching pumpkins, free food, free drinks, hands-on workshops, engaging activities, discussions with current college students, a Formula One racecar, & FUN! STEM Fest will be held at UTSA on Saturday, October 27 from 9am-5pm in the Lot 13 parking lot. For more information Click Here. . |
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Science Tuesdays at the Central Library!
From aquatics to zoology, the ocean to outer space, cooking to robotics, and everything in between, Teen Services is the place to get your science on! Expect to build things, grow things, eat things, and see some cool things while you're at it. Along with a little help from our friends at the JASON project, we're in for some serious science goodness. Science rocks!!! This event will be at the Central Library and is free of charge starting at 5 p.m. For more information and to view events at your local Library go to www.mysapl.org. |
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STEM Advising Tip!
Right now is the time to start asking Faculty and Staff Questions! Ask questions early in the semester and not at the end! |
- One of the newest tools to make sure you are on the path to graduation is ALAMO GPS! This tool will allow you to compare your degree plan with the courses you have taken already to show what you have left to do. To access Alamo GPS click on the MY PAGE tab in ACES and click where it says ALAMO GPS access here!
- Apply to Graduate! If you think that you are getting close to graduation please see your faculty advisor for a degree audit. Once the audit is complete you will need to submit an application for graduation through your ACES account! Deadline for the Audit and Application is October 19!
- The last day to register for Flex II classes is October 14. For students taking Flex II classes remember that your classes will begin October 22nd!
- Palo Alto College's Transfer Fair will be hosted on Wednesday, October 31,2012 from 9am-Noon. It will be in the Student Center Annex located next to the cafeteria. Come out and visit with Universities and learn important transfer information! For more information contact the Center for Academic Transitions at 210.486.3131.
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Dale Robinson, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
What is your educational background? 
Master of Arts in Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 1989; Bachelor of Arts with a major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics, Incarnate Word College, 1983 (now University of the Incarnate Word).
How long have you been teaching at PAC?
Twenty-two years, counting my 2 years as an adjunct instructor. My first semester here was Fall 1990. I began my full-time position with the Fall 1992 semester.
What motivated/inspired you to enter into Chemistry field?
I've always been interested in science but was not initially sure which specific branch of science was "the" science for me. Chemistry began to emerge as my favorite in high school. For whatever reason, it just "clicked" with me, perhaps because I also enjoyed mathematics, and chemistry is mathematically oriented. Many of the laws and principles we learn about in chemistry are quite intuitive.
Originally, I thought I would end up going into chemical research. But in graduate school, while working as a teaching assistant, I discovered my love of teaching. There is a great satisfaction in being there for students - in turning a state of confusion into a path to understanding.
Can you provide an example on how STEM fields are valuable to society and the world?
So many of the things we take for granted are the products of STEM fields. Everywhere you look, you see people talking on cell phones, or listening to portable digital music players. These devices required electrical engineering to design the hardware, and software engineering to create the operating systems on which they run. When you talk on a cell phone the sound of your voice is encoded on a radio signal using mathematical algorithms. At the heart of any electronic device are components known as semiconductors. Semiconductor chips require a special chemistry to have the very useful properties they have. To make them, you need metalloid elements (elements with properties that are intermediate between those of metals and non-metals) such as silicon and germanium, and they have to be specially prepared to produce a working semiconductor. So in just these two consumer product examples, you see several STEM fields - chemistry, mathematics, electrical engineering and software engineering all playing an important role.
In what STEM fields do you predict the greatest impact and job growth?
As the population ages, medical care will become increasingly important. I see a lot of potential growth in the biological and chemical fields, as these are at the forefront of developing new pharmaceutical products and techniques for improved diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Another area of growth will be in the energy industry. The burning of fossil fuels that sustains our energy needs today comes at a price. There are environmental concerns, and their supply is not unlimited. As society focuses on cleaner energy and renewable energy, STEM fields will have a vital role to play.
What are some pointers for students as they continue their academic career?
Decide as early as possible in what direction you are headed, so you can take the proper courses to count toward your degree. If you are unsure, speak with advisors in the fields you are considering to help you identify the best match for your interests and talents. Try not to miss classes unless it's unavoidable. Complete all assigned readings and coursework, and get help promptly when you don't understand something. Keep your instructor informed of your difficulties and triumphs. This sets you apart as a dedicated student, and helps to leave a lasting impression that will serve you well if you need a letter of recommendation in the future.
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STEM HealthTip!
Take advantage of parking farther away from your class, so that you get the benefits of physical activity before class! |
The Office of Student Engagement and Retention will be holding its first annual PASO 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, October 20, 2012 to benefit student scholarships. The race begins at 8:30am and there will be prizes for the top 3 finishers in each age group. |
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Jobs/ Internships!
TRIPOINT YMCA is seeking a part-time Wellness Coach who will assist YMCA members by providing guidance and leadership that will help them attain their wellness goals. Knowledge of fitness principles, basic anatomy, physiology, general exercise, and weightlifting principles is required along with 6 months to 1 year experience. For more information Click Here.
The City of San Antonio is seeking Student Interns for various departments within the City organization. You must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to apply. For more information Click Here.
The Southwest Research Institute is seeking a Student Intern (Electronics) who will prepare, install, and operate instrumentation for ballistic and explosive experiments and assisting engineers. You must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to apply. For more information Click Here.
The UT-Health Science Center is seeking Student Volunteers for its Collegiate Volunteer Program. This program is designed to give college students interested in pursuing a medical/health related career an opportunity to gain clinical, research, and professional experience, ultimately giving them insight into the health careers and possibly making them more competitive applicants into professional programs. For More information Click Here. |
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Notice: All job listings are posted at the discretion of the Palo Alto College Academic Advising Center. We will not post jobs that appear to discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. We also reserve the right to refuse to post jobs that do not support the interests of the college.
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