Dr. Hector Aguilar

Dr. Hector R. Aguilar is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he received his Ph.D. in Chemistry. He earned a B.S. in Biology from The University of Texas Pan American.  His area of expertise is in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.  Dr. Aguilar joined the chemistry faculty at UTSA in 2013 and teaches organic chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical communications. His most recent research interest lies in the development and assessment of high-impact teaching practices that promote a sense of science identity in 1st generation college students. As a 1st generation student himself, Dr. Aguilar understands first hand the challenges his students encounter in their undergraduate education.  He strives to create opportunities and programs that provide students with a learning environment in which 1) obstacles that inhibit students from successful gains are eliminated, 2) students successfully master the knowledge and skills they need to be educated and 3) students learn by providing service to others. Towards this end, Dr. Aguilar serves as the Co-Director of the College of Sciences Honors Program, Assistant Director NIH/Federally-funded ESTEEMED (Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Educational Diversity) Program, and Faculty Advisor to UTSA’s American Chemical Society Student Affiliated Chapter. Dr. Aguilar is among the most recognized faculty for teaching excellence at UTSA. This is evidenced by his recognition as a recipient of the President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching, UT System Regents Outstanding Teaching Award, and President’s Distinguished Achievement Award in University Service. More recently he has been named a UTSA ACUE Teaching Fellow.