Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Cesar Cantu
Dec. 18, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
By Kim Foster
Cesar Cantu
Brownsville, TX
Doctor of Philosophy, Forensic Science
Cesar Cantu always knew a career in forensic science was the journey he was destined to make. It was a conversation with his high school criminal justice teacher that inspired him to take the path that led to Sam Houston State University’s College of Criminal Justice.
“They told us that SHSU is one of the top schools for criminal justice and forensics,” Cantu said. “I became involved in research as an undergraduate which helped me decide that I wanted to earn my master's in forensic science. During my second year, I was able to perform my own research and do an internship.”
Cantu cites those experiences as inspiration to continue his journey to pursue a doctoral degree in forensic science at SHSU.
While flourishing in his work at SHSU, Cantu said being away from his hometown of Brownsville, Texas, was challenging. However, his strong support system at home combined with his new Bearkat family motivated him to keep marching on.
“What began as a daunting journey soon became larger, yet achievable, with all the support I received,” Cantu said. “As an undergrad, I was able to meet faculty members that became mentors and offered many opportunities that helped me grow as an individual and leader. As a doctoral student, I continued to build on my support network with friends who started the program at the same time as I did and understood the challenges that arose with courses or research.”
Rachel Houston, an associate professor in the Department of Forensic Science, says Cantu’s leadership skills and dedication to his work helped him to forge remarkable partnerships.
“As a doctoral student, Cesar’s research expanded through a unique collaboration between SHSU’s Forensic Science and Biological Sciences Departments,” Houston said. “His work bridged both fields, leveraging genetic insights to enhance forensic entomology applications and drew on expertise across disciplines to make a meaningful impact in both forensic and biological sciences.”
The collaboration has led to the beginning of Cantu’s post-doctoral career as a member of the SHSU faculty. While Cantu’s post-doctoral chapter will see him staying at SHSU for a bit, he is excited for the opportunities that will open up to him in the future.
“I am currently working as a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences but am looking forward to building a career closer to home,” Cantu said. “Whether it be as a professor or as a forensic scientist in a crime laboratory, my time at Sam Houston has prepared me for whichever path I choose to follow.”
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