by Lily Harvey
From 1999-2003, Alberto Roca worked as a biochemistry postdoc at Rice. Outside of his lab meetings and research, he developed a passion for HACER. Roca served as an advisor to the student group, dedicating much of his time to organizing activities and mentoring students. As he helped lead HACER, he became interested in learning about Latinx histories at Rice and launched a large-scale personal research project titled the “Hispanic History Project.” He researched Rice’s history extensively, searching for information about the first Latinx student at Rice, early organizations and activities on campus. In an effort to increase involvement in SOLAR and provide resources to students in HACER, he also worked to identify and connect with alumni.
Dr. Roca compiled lists of potential Latinx alumni and reached out to them to learn about their histories. This proved to be a difficult process, as there was no formal way to identify Latinx individuals. Nevertheless, many alumni responded with personal stories, which he documented through various oral history collections. He also highlighted and honored alumni at HACER events. Much of this exhibition was created with the help of his research and the work he conducted through the Hispanic History Project.
After his time at Rice, Dr. Roca continued his work to promote diversity. As a postdoc, he founded MinorityPostdoc, and he continues to promote diversity in STEM fields through his current nonprofit, DiverseScholar.
Entre 1999 y 2003, Dr. Alberto Roca trabajó como investigador postdoctoral en bioquímica en Rice. Conmovido por la misión de HACER, Dr. Roca aceptó funcionar como asesor oficial del grupo. En adición a organizar actividades y mentorear a los estudiantes, Dr. Roca se interesó por conocer la historia de la comunidad latine en Rice y lanzó un proyecto de investigación titulado "Proyecto de historia hispana." Investigó en detalle la historia de Rice, buscando información sobre el primer estudiante latine, las primeras organizaciones y la actividad en el campus. Con el fin de aumentar la participación en SOLAR y brindar recursos a los estudiantes de HACER, también colaboró en la búsqueda de exalumnos.
Gracias a sus esfuerzos, pudo crear una colección de historias orales de exalumnos latines. Honramos este esfuerzo temprano de relatar las historias latines de la universidad con esta exposición, “Beyond the Hedges: Historias de Latinidad en Rice University,” y el legado que ha dejado el Dr. Roca. Durante su estancia en Rice, el Dr. Roca fundó Minority Postdoc, y continúa promoviendo la diversidad en los campos STEM a través de su actual organización, DiverseScholar.
DONATIONS / DONACIÓNES
To contribute to our growing archive of Rice histories by donating photographs, memorabilia, or oral histories, please fill out this form, so that one of our Woodson Research Center team members can follow up with you.
Para contribuir a nuestro creciente archivo de historias de Rice University mediante la donación de fotografías, recuerdos u historias orales, complete este formulario. Un miembro del equipo del Woodson Research Center se pondrá en contacto con usted para hablar sobre su contribución.