Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

: Dean’s list-Second, fall 2006, fall 2007
Gateway Scholarship, fall 2006, spring 2007
Davidson Endowed Scholarship, fall 2007, spring 2008
Gold Star Member Award, 2007-2008
Rio Grande Regional Auxiliary Scholarship, spring 2009
Best Employee of the Month Award, Pizza Hut , July 2006.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Manu Mathew Sebastian, 22, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a minor in biology. He graduated from St. Xavier’s School, Delhi, India, where he won accolades in various activities and competitions. At UTPA, Sebastian has been actively involved with the student community. He serves the Student Government Association (SGA) as a senator for the College of Science and Engineering. He is the chair of the Fiscal Operations Committee of SGA and sergeant-at-arms of the Student Senate. He has been a member of several campus life committees and is the chairman of the Student Union Advisory Board. He is the vice-president and founder member of the Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists chapter at UTPA. Sebastian has also been involved with the Elliot Chemical Society, Chemistry Honor Society, University Program Board, and Indian Culture Association. He has been working as a student assistant in the Chemistry Department since spring 2007 and is a research assistant currently working on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) under Dr. Joanne Rampersad-Ammon. Outside the University, Sebastian volunteers at his church, Rock of Ages, as an usher and at Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend pharmacy school at The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a doctorate in pharmacology.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

I do plan to return to the Valley after my studies. The warmth and hospitality of the Valley has influenced me a lot. I have my family and many good friends here and it is my desire to become a part of the medical community of the Valley.

What has your education done for you?

My education has armed me with the knowledge and skills vital to take on the real world. I can say that now I am more mature and confident as an individual. It has also helped me to identify my own weaknesses and strengths and improve myself. I am thankful to all my professors, especially professors in the Chemistry Department who have played a key role in my education.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

When I came to the Valley, I was not sure if UTPA was the right choice but I did not have many options at that point. However, now I can proudly say that I was not wrong. UTPA has provided me with endless opportunities that I never knew even existed. These opportunities have allowed me to reach beyond my horizons and to grow as an individual.

What is your best tip for success?

There is no shortcut to success; you need God’s grace, hard work, strong determination and perseverance. At the same time, be open to new ideas. Aim high and strive to achieve your goal. Do not be satisfied by mediocre results but strive for the best. Try to cultivate a positive attitude. Remember Thomas A. Edison’s words: “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Success at college starts from the very first day, so do not fall behind and do not procrastinate. Be open-minded and join some student organizations. Be involved in campus activities. Remember, college education is much more than classroom learning. Do not hesitate to talk to your professors as they will greatly appreciate your initiative to talk to them.