Ashley Carrington and Tatiana Velasquez-Roa (left to right).
April 27, 2026 | Kate Malazonia
Two doctoral students at Texas State University have been selected to receive the 2025 Alpha Chi “In Scholarship and in Service” Grant, recognizing their academic excellence, community engagement, and meaningful service.
Tatiana Velásquez-Roa, a second-year doctoral student in aquatic resources and integrative biology, and Ashley Carrington, a second-year doctoral student in educational and community leadership, were awarded the competitive “In Scholarship and in Service” Grant through Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. The grant supports students whose work demonstrates a commitment to scholarship that benefits communities locally and globally.
“Through its Service and Development Grants including its ‘In Scholarship and in Service’ Grants, Alpha Chi seeks to support and promote promising young scholars whose work has potential to positively impact their communities, and to help encourage these scholars to remain active in learning and service throughout their lives,” said Peter S. Golato, Ph.D., director of the IDEA Center, professor in the Department of World Languages & Literatures, and the faculty advisor for Alpha Chi at Texas State University.
As two of the five students awarded in Region I, which consists of West Texas, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and New Mexico, Velásquez-Roa and Carrington were selected from over 70 applicants nationwide to be among the 33 total recipients of this $200 grant.
Ashley Carrington: Inclusive education research and community leadership
Carrington’s research focuses on the bullying and discrimination faced by plus-sized women and girls, particularly how societal biases, cultural expectations, and institutional practices shape their experiences in educational and social settings. Her work aims to identify strategies that promote more inclusive and supportive environments, helping schools and communities better understand and respond to the challenges this population faces.
“This grant will support my ongoing research and allow me to attend conferences where I can share my work, connect with other scholars, and support peers interested in similar topics,” said Carrington.
She volunteers with SCARE for a CURE (which raises money for the Breast Cancer Resource Center and other Central Texas charities) and at her local community center while supporting fellow students as a staff member at The Graduate College at TXST. In these roles, she provides guidance, shares resources, and helps students navigate academic and community opportunities.
Carrington emphasized how being a part of Alpha Chi has encouraged her to remain engaged in building supportive academic and community environments.
“What drew me to this field is the opportunity for continuous learning and growth while empowering others to realize their potential,” she said. “Service is central because it fosters connection, community, and trust.”
“I had received a lot of ‘no’s’ in the past, but if you don’t apply, the chance is zero. My advice to future applicants: keep trying, keep learning, and keep putting your work out there,” she said.
Tatiana Velásquez-Roa: Conservation research and mentorship
Velásquez-Roa studies wildlife time-use patterns and how human activity influences mammalian carnivores. Her research examines temporal niche dynamics to inform conservation strategies in threatened ecosystems, particularly in tropical regions.
“My experience with Alpha Chi has connected me with inspiring individuals who have broadened my perspective and motivated me to help others grow and feel confident in themselves,” said Velásquez-Roa.
The grant supported her travel to a conservation conference in her home country of Colombia, where she presented research and invited collaboration among scientists working to protect biodiversity. She also used the opportunity to mentor early-career researchers, sharing insights on designing studies and engaging in large-scale conservation projects.
Beyond research, Velásquez-Roa serves as an International Ambassador and Graduate Ambassador at TXST and is an officer in the Biology Graduate Student Association. In these roles, she mentors incoming and fellow graduate students, helping them navigate research and academic opportunities while fostering a supportive community. She also teaches laboratory courses in organismal biology, wildlife techniques, and wildlife management.
“Applying for this grant taught me to value my research and not be afraid to seek support for it,” she said. “My advice to future applicants is to apply even if you’re unsure, be confident in the impact of your work, and clearly show how your service and scholarship connect.”
“Applying for this grant taught me to value my research and not be afraid to seek support for it,” she said. “My advice to future applicants is to apply even if you’re unsure, be confident in the impact of your work, and clearly show how your service and scholarship connect.”
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society invites juniors, seniors and graduate students from all academic disciplines who rank in the top 10% of their classes at colleges and universities nationwide to become members. Students interested in Alpha Chi scholarships and grants can contact Peter S. Golato, Ph.D. for guidance on applications.