Dr. Gabriel J. Villares earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, and his Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is a Professor of Biology at UST, where he teaches both introductory and upper-division courses and incorporates evidence-based teaching practices, including case studies, collaborative learning, and student-led projects. Dr. Villares has developed several courses and laboratories, including Cancer Biology and Human Anatomy and Lab, while also leading significant curricular enhancements in Physiology and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology. His commitment to student-centered learning has helped prepare students for success in graduate and professional health programs. He maintains an active undergraduate research program focused on cancer biology and the relationship between physiological stress and melanoma progression. Through close mentorship in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, his students have earned numerous awards at local, regional, and national scientific conferences. He has also established research collaborations with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Dr. Villares serves as Director of the Pre-Health Professions Program and Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC), overseeing advising and professional development initiatives for more than 300 pre-health students. Under his leadership, the program has expanded to include innovative workshops, streamlined application processes, mock interview programs, and postbaccalaureate programs that have contributed to strong student outcomes and high admission rates to health professional schools. He also co-developed and led study abroad programs that provide students with immersive clinical, anatomical, and service-learning experiences.