Adrian Villalta-Cerdas

Dr. Adrian Villalta-Cerdas is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), where he is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry in the College of Science & Engineering Technology. He teaches General Chemistry courses and leads research initiatives at the intersection of chemistry education, art conservation science, and environmental chemistry.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of South Florida, a Master of Arts in Chemistry from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Costa Rica.

Dr. Villalta-Cerdas's research focuses on three main interconnected areas:

• Chemistry Education Research: He develops innovative teaching methods and learning strategies that emphasize performance expectations rather than traditional fact memorization, drawing on the three-dimensional learning model from the National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education.
• Art Conservation Science: His work integrates chemistry education with art conservation, creating laboratory experiences that use art conservation science to illustrate sustainable chemical principles, particularly in safeguarding Southwest U.S. artwork.
• Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry: He researches carbon-based nanomaterials for environmental remediation applications, including synthesizing carbon nano-onions for water remediation.

His scholarly output reveals a consistent pattern of research that bridges theoretical chemistry concepts with practical applications, particularly in educational contexts and cultural heritage preservation. His work often involves collaborative projects with colleagues across disciplines and institutions, focusing on improving STEM education outcomes and developing sustainable chemical practices.

Dr. Villalta-Cerdas has received several notable awards for his contributions to chemistry education:

• 2022-2023 Keys of Excellence Award from Orange Keys – Student Organization at Sam Houston State University
• Younger Chemist Award from The American Chemical Society - Greater Houston Section (2020)
• Grand-prize winner in the 2018 Chemistry in Pictures photo contest by Chemistry & Engineering News magazine (February 2019)
• ACS Greater Houston Section Awards Keys of Excellence Award (2020)

As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Villalta-Cerdas has guided numerous students who have presented their research at professional chemistry conferences including the American Chemical Society meetings. His advising spans multiple areas of chemistry education research, art conservation science, and environmental chemistry projects. He has secured significant grant funding for educational innovation, including a $2,028,798 project (Award #1725674) from 2017-2023 focused on improving STEM major success.

He leads research projects such as "Charting the Course of Innovation: Transforming STEM Education at Sam Houston State University" and "Fostering STEM Success," which examine student progression in STEM courses to identify curriculum "choke points" and build data analytics models to support student success.