Special Projects

• Present chairman of Webb Soil and Water Conservation District (43 as Chair-46 years total)
• Past member of Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
• Served 6 years on the Executive Committee of the National Asso. of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
• Received numerous awards and recognitions from Texas Ag Life Asso.
• Served 8 years on the Doctor's Hospital Board of Governors-the last two as Chairman
• Served 5 years on the Webb County Appraisal Review Board
• Past Chairman (2 years) of McDonald Observatory Board of Visitors
• Has hosted many noted astronomers, physicists, and geologist to the Laredo area to present to students and the Laredo public

Dr. Tashtoush's research focuses on developing a multiple-search algorithm that can be used to control a swarm of autonomous robots in space. He is also the leader of the DustyTRON Robotics group. This team has competed in local, national, and international events/competitions such as the TAMIU Drone Competition, NASA Robotic Mining Competition (RMC), and NASA Swarmathon.

Dr. Hussain’s research focuses on applied mathematics supportive of NASA relevant STEM areas. Specific research focuses on the development of Galerkin methods to solve several classes of partial differential equations. He is also involved in STEM outreach efforts focusing on mathematics.

Gerardo Flores is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M International University, where he leads the RAPTOR Lab focused on the design, construction, and control of aerial and ground robotic systems, particularly drones. He has authored over 100 publications and serves as Associate Editor for IEEE RA-L, Scientific Reports, and other journals. He is also a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Flores Colunga's expertise focuses on nonlinear control of mechatronic systems, with particular emphasis on applications. He has a specific interest in developing techniques for controlling aerial drones that can be used to support precision agriculture.

Mr. Davis has a master’s degree in Planetarium Education from Michigan State University. He has been the TAMIU Planetarium Director since 2014. He produced and wrote nearly 25 planetarium shows for the public and is an expert in STEM outreach at the K-12 level.