Beto Vasquez is currently finalizing his graduate studies at University California, San Diego where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in biology. He is a first-generation college student and a father of four. Beto is committed to becoming a community college professor of biology and ultimately an administrator of higher education. Academically, he has conducted research on infectious diseases and is currently investigating the correlations between socioeconomics and environmental disparities. Professionally, he has worked as a teacher, substance abuse counselor, and facilitator, working predominantly with at-risk groups.  

Having had experienced a life of incarceration himself as both a youngster and an adult, he is all too familiar with the multifaceted challenges faced by this demographic and seizes any opportunity to address their needs. He has worked in the not-for-profit sector, local government and higher education; and has been instrumental in successfully implementing programs supporting underserved communities, disenfranchised populations and students of color. 

Beto mentors at the community college and university levels, and is a huge educational advocate and proponent of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. He is always looking to create new opportunities and to promote access to higher education and was recently distinguished as one of San Diego’s 40 Under 40 people to watch.