Dr. Valdez Barillas is an associate professor of biology in the department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. He currently teaches Plant and Ecology related courses.  His research interests include Plant Ecological interactions (human-plant, plant-plant, plant-microbe, plant-animal) and aquatic ecology.  Dr. Valdez is currently studying the role of microbes in the ecology of native vs. invasive grass competition and is assessing the efficacy of low impact methods for controlling KR Bluestem, primarily in riparian ecosystems. He also studies the effects that plants and plant related activities have on cognitive stress and mental wellbeing.