Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from TAMIU and a Master’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from the University of Texas at San Antonio. AUSTIN MARTÍNEZ (’19) Austin Martínez is a 2017 graduate of Texas A&M University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He earned a Master of Business Administration in International Business from TAMIU in 2019. A Laredo native, Austin is passionate about Hispanic/Latino advancement and addressing issues surrounding financial literacy and inclusion. A public policy and outreach professional based in San Antonio, He works at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and is tasked with strategic initiatives and fostering connections to the people of the 11th Federal Reserve District. He previously served under U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) where he was responsible for providing direct services to Texas residents, particularly in low-to-moderate income areas. During the height of the Pandemic, he was instrumental in facilitating access to federal agencies and addressing issues related to immigration, small business, and social services. Austin enjoys spending his free time with loved ones and his Husky, Kira. DANIELA MATA (’19) Daniela Mata has been named Astronomy’s newest associate editor. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics at TAMIU in 2019 and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Astrophysics at the Université Côte d’Azur in Nice, France. Her specialization was galactic archaeology. For her final internship, she focused on retrograde metal-rich stars in the Milky Way, classifying their origins. She also studied populations of stars near the galactic center. MAURICIO ROUSSELON (’23) New alumnus Maurcio Rousselon has a lot to celebrate – all fueled by his desire to learn. “I have always known education and the desire to learn are like second nature to me. I have been blessed with a gift that allows me to go forward with my studies and overcome any challenges. It would not be wise of me to let that gift go to waste,” he noted. Mauricio was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and saw it as a new challenge. “It was a moment of introspection when I reevaluated my life. Should I just stay, cry, and go to the doctor? Or accept it and take another challenge? While I was going through radiation, I decided to pursue my Master’s degree as it would keep my mind busy. Today I am thankful to God because I got to fulfill both of my goals: I am now in remission, and I successfully finished my degree,” he said. MÓNICA Y. MARTÍNEZ, (’09) The Laredo Chamber of Commerce has selected Mónica Y. Martínez as its new Executive Director. Martinez is a TAMIU graduate and earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2009. She is pursuing a Master of Business Administration, also at TAMIU. As Executive Director, Martinez has strategic goals she wants to achieve with the Chamber’s Board of Directors and various committees. She says her focus is on increasing membership and services that the Chamber provides its associates and the community at large. 320
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