CONTACT: Clara Mae Marcotte

512-593-4143

DENTIST RECRUITS FOR TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE

KINGSVILLE (September 2, 1998) -- A former student feels very strongly about the biology program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and plans to do something about it. Dr. Roger S. Campos received his bachelor's in biology at Texas A&M-Kingsville. After starting on his master's degree under Dr. John Perez, biology professor and program director of the Natural Toxins Research Initiative, Campos was accepted into dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He's now been a dentist for nine years, has two dental practices and four associates working with him.

"Dr. Perez's research program in biology was very instrumental in my being accepted to dental school. It was a strong stepping stone because we learned research techniques that many students couldn't do at a larger university," Campos said. "We worked one on one. Kids couldn't do this anywhere else."

Campos plans to recruit in the San Antonio area high schools. He'll start by talking to the high school faculty and then to students. Campos said this research program should be emphasized to schools because in the whole South Texas area, nothing like this program is available.

"Even though I was raised in San Antonio, my educational life was here in Kingsville," Campos said. "Perez is a great person and treats his students well."

Campos is a member of the NIH/RIMI grant advisory board (National Institutes of

Health/Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions). The mission of the NIH/RIMI program is to establish research facilities with modern equipment and a diverse faculty that will foster excellence in research. A thematic approach to research is being used to integrate teaching with research at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Current focus is on the biochemistry of snake toxins and animals that have a natural resistance to snake venoms.

"The board looks over grants, tries to help with corrections, inputs ideas and helps in any way to make the program function. As a board member, I would like to recruit in San Antonio," Campos said. "I'd like to try to expand on Perez's goal of having more students receive a PhD in biology. It is a big asset to be involved. Kids would benefit from his program."

-TAMUK-