For the third consecutive year, Texas State University graduate students and alumnae have taken the stage at the Convention of the Texas State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
From 2023–2025, four graduate-level Bobcats—Eunice Babatunde, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, Tatiana Velásquez-Roa, and Andy Piñon—represented TXST during the annual Projects Luncheon, where selected recipients of P.E.O. awards across Texas share remarks before an audience of more than 500 guests.
The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) is a nonprofit that helps women pursue their educational goals by providing assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, awards, and loans for higher education. Each year, one recipient of every P.E.O. award in Texas is invited to speak as a guest of the Texas State Chapter Project Chairs.
Eunice Babatunde: championing clean water solutions
On May 5, 2023, Eunice Babatunde, now a third-year doctoral student in materials science, engineering, and commercialization, spoke as the designated International Peace Scholarship (IPS) recipient during the 91st Convention in Frisco.
“Being selected to speak at the Annual Projects Luncheon at the P.E.O. Texas State Convention was more than just an opportunity to share my story—it was a moment of connection where I could speak not only about the challenges faced by women in Nigeria but also about the hope and impact that education, community, and compassion can bring,” she said.
Eunice first received the IPS for 2022–2023 as a master’s student in civil engineering at TXST and later received a renewal for 2024–2025 as a doctoral student. Her research focuses on affordable, biochar-based water treatment systems adaptable for households and communities.
“To me, water engineering offers an opportunity to make tangible impacts by reducing mortality, improving quality of life, and addressing water-related challenges,” she said.
She plans to work as a water quality engineer after her Ph.D., improving municipal water infrastructure and integrating affordable water treatment technologies. Additionally, she hopes to establish a social enterprise that manufactures and distributes environmentally safe water treatment units in Nigeria, improving access for women and communities most affected by water-related diseases.
Mar Moretta-Urdiales: advocating for women in science
On May 10, 2024, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, Ph.D., now an alumna of the aquatic resources and integrative biology doctoral program, was the IPS speaker during the 92nd Convention in Austin.
“P.E.O. gave me a space to thank all chapters in Texas for their support, not only for me but also on behalf of the other women who were able to attend school because of them,” she said.
Originally from Ecuador, Moretta-Urdiales grew up surrounded by incredible biodiversity, yet witnessed the environmental and social impacts of deforestation, forest fragmentation, and destructive oil extraction. These experiences shaped her commitment to conservation and understanding the ecological impacts of human activity.
She first received the IPS in 2021–2022 and renewed it for 2023–2024.
“What organizations like P.E.O. are doing—creating a network of women helping other women—is an example of action, care, and willingness to help,” she said.
Moretta-Urdiales also received an International Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and a Level 1 Grant from the National Geographic Society while at TXST.
Her doctoral research investigated patterns of disease spread across ecosystems, particularly among amphibian populations. Moretta-Urdiales encouraged other students to persevere despite setbacks.
“Keep trying, use our university resources, and don’t let one ‘no’ stop you from knocking on more doors, because eventually, multiple will open for you.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue building skills in science communication and community engagement, pursue teaching opportunities, and ultimately establish her own NGO bridging global conservationists, science communicators, policymakers, and local communities.
Tatiana Velásquez-Roa: empowering women through education
On May 9, 2025, Tatiana Velásquez-Roa, a second-year doctoral student in aquatic resources and integrative biology, was the first of three TXST–affiliated students to speak at the 93rd Convention in San Antonio. She was recognized as an IPS recipient for both 2024–2025 and 2025–2026.
“Through this experience, I learned the value of collaboration, mutual support, and the importance of fostering a strong sense of community for women in sciences,” she said.
Growing up in Colombia, Velásquez-Roa was inspired by her high school teachers and the country’s biodiversity. She noted how the IPS application gave her a chance to reflect on her accomplishments.
“I believe my selection was largely due to the authenticity and sincerity of my application. Sharing our history can help empower others, and we often are unaware of the full extent of our achievements,” she said.
Her research explores ecological interactions and conservation strategies in tropical ecosystems, aiming to understand species dynamics and inform management of terrestrial biodiversity. The IPS scholarship provided her with critical financial support, allowing her to focus fully on her studies and research.
“This scholarship has empowered me to reach for my academic goals and laid a solid foundation for my future as a scientist,” she said.
Velásquez-Roa plans to pursue a postdoctoral position in the U.S. or Europe, continue ecological research, establish a faculty position, and serve as a mammal collection curator. She hopes her journey demonstrates that “dreams come true.”
Andy Piñon: protecting communities through environmental science
Also on May 9, 2025, Andy Piñon, who earned her Ph.D. in geography in 2024, spoke at the 93rd Convention as the designated P.E.O. Scholar Award recipient.
“To be selected to speak at the Annual Projects Luncheon was an honor,” she said. “It was a way for me to give back and inspire other women by sharing how the organization changed my life.”
Her doctoral research focused on zoogeomorphology and geospatial data science, and today she coordinates environmental site remediation for the Railroad Commission of Texas. Awarded for the 2022–2023 academic year, she credited P.E.O. for supporting her during the pandemic.
“To become Dr. Piñon was beyond anything I or my family could imagine. P.E.O. was a major part of that—it was a lifeline during the challenges of COVID-19,” she said.
Piñon hopes to publish her dissertation chapters, continue her original research on mountain gorilla zoogeomorphic activity, and advance into a leadership position overseeing environmental site remediation projects.
Remaining true to her background as a Latina and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant has been central to her journey while striving for excellence.
“Allow your story to inspire you to reach your greatest potential,” she said. “Be your own hero.”
Andrea Hilkovitz, Ph.D., external funding coordinator in The Graduate College, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments and the outstanding way they represented TXST at this statewide forum.
“I am immensely proud of these remarkable graduate students and alumnae,” she said. “Not only did they secure competitive external funding from P.E.O. to support their studies and research, but they also shined a bright light on Texas State University by speaking to a ballroom full of influential women from across the state of Texas about the many ways in which our university supported and encouraged their educational journeys.”
Visit The Graduate College’s External Funding Awardees page for more information about this year’s recipients, as well as links to archived award news about previous recipients.