UTSA biologist Astrid Cardona named 2012 TAMACC Woman of Distinction

Astrid Cardona

By Kris Rodriguez
Public Affairs Specialist

(May 3, 2012) -- Astrid Cardona, assistant professor of biology and member of the UTSA South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, is one of 13 Texas women selected to receive the 2012 Woman of Distinction Award by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC). The award recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding Latinas who have made a significant difference in their communities and excelled in their professions.

"Dr. Cardona distinguishes herself by the very high expectations she places on herself and in turn translates to her students and laboratory trainees so they can succeed," said Judy Teale, associate dean in the UTSA College of Sciences. "She is a wonderful role model, an excellent scientist, and the 'complete package,' who will continue to grow and touch many lives."

A native of Colombia, Cardona joined UTSA in 2009 and focuses her research on better understanding the damage that occurs in the brain with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes. She is the author of more than 25 scientific publications and is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Immunologists and the American Society for Neurochemistry.

An active member at the institutional, international and national levels, Cardona has been a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and funding agencies. She also is involved in training graduate and undergraduate students in biomedical research. Her community contributions include leading education and research workshops to reach youths and serving as a judge for conferences and fairs such as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the Exxon Mobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair and the John Jay High School Science and Engineering Academy.

Cardona's research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the San Antonio Area Foundation.

In addition to the TAMACC honor, Cardona has been recognized with the Barbara Stanford Memorial Teaching Award at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio and the F. Merlin Bumpus Junior Investigator Award for Excellence in Basic Science Research at the Cleveland Clinic.

She received a doctoral degree in microbiology and immunology from the UT Health Science Center San Antonio and a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia.

Founded in 1975, TAMACC is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to assisting Hispanic businesses.

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