UTSA Student Investigates PFAS Impact Through Summer Research Internship

The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio spotlights Jennifer Mendoza, an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), for participating in a 10-week summer research internship with Dr. Leanne Fawkes, a professor in the Environmental and Occupational Health Department. Mendoza is enrolled in UTSA’s College of Health, Community and Policy. Her research investigates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) in San Antonio. PFAS are synthetic chemical compounds found in air, water and soil.
 
Mendoza is a McNair Scholar at UTSA. The McNair Scholars Program, a federally funded U.S. Department of Education initiative, aims to increase the number of underrepresented students earning doctorates. The program provides research internships, faculty mentorship, workshops and guidance through the graduate school application process. 
 
Mendoza will present her research at Baylor University on Aug. 1. Congratulations, Jennifer!