“I thought school was best for those who were younger and full of energy,” Campo said. “Pursuing my master's degree after gaining a bit of life experience has unlocked a deep appreciation and skill set that I have enjoyed taking advantage of.”

She will graduate from UHCL’s College of Human Sciences and Humanities at the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony, set for 3 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at NRG Stadium.

Strength forged through experience

Campo’s professional journey began back in 2005, coaching swimmers and triathletes before diving into strength sports such as bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strongman. By 2012, she had opened her own coaching business, which quickly grew into the first and largest strongman gym in Salt Lake City, Utah. Along the way, she earned her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, interned at the University of Utah’s Olympic Sports Athletic Performance Center, and even trained in Iceland under “World’s Strongest Man” champions Magnús Ver Magnússon and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.

Those experiences taught Campo two lessons that became the foundation of her graduate studies: “I can do anything I set my mind to,” and “I knew exactly what I wanted to get out of my master's program, and I knew exactly how to get it.” It was that mindset that led her to UHCL and to the next level of her career.

Drawn to UHCL because of its connection to NASA

Campo was drawn to UHCL’s Exercise and Health Sciences program because of its affiliations with NASA through spaceflight human optimization and performance. “I chose UHCL specifically because of Dr. William (Bill) Amonette and the connections with NASA,” she said. “I knew that if I wanted to achieve the goals I had set for myself, I needed to surround myself with the highest caliber of mentors I could find.”

Once on campus, Campo found that UHCL faculty were not only experts but also mentors who cared deeply about student success. “The faculty here is unlike anything I have experienced anywhere else. It feels more like a family than anything,” she said. “Dr. Amonette is exceptionally compassionate and understanding. Dr. (Joseph) Hazzard has been an exceptional mentor in my professional development. Dr. (Jason) Bentley guided my creativity and allowed my projects to evolve. Dr. (Zachary) Bell has helped me discover another level of professionalism and grit I didn’t know I had, and Dr. (Robert) Brown made biostatistics fun and comprehensible. This whole team really is something else.”

Discovering the power of research

At UHCL’s Health and Human Performance Institute (HHPI), Campo found the ideal space to combine her experience and curiosity. Her involvement in research gave her a new perspective on what it means to study the science of performance.

“Without a doubt, the most impactful experiences I have had so far at UHCL have been getting involved with research,” she said. “I never really understood the complexity and depth of research before. I now have a profound understanding and respect for the research process. I can’t imagine not approaching problems like a scientist.”

Redefining what it means to be a student

The transition from business owner to full-time student was not simple, but Campo met it with her signature focus and discipline. “I felt really nervous about going back to school at 35 years old, but I want to encourage every ‘older’ student reading this — age is an asset,” she said. “I love going to school now that I have the stability, support, and life skills to better navigate my graduate education.”

Campo said that her success did not come from talent alone, but from structure and resilience. “You must be able to say no to things that are not going to benefit your goals and values,” she said. “When I’m working, I am very intentional and focused. I deleted social media from my phone, and I don’t waste any of my time. I am either busy doing things that make me better or make me happier.”

Turning preparation into purpose

As she prepares to graduate at the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony and begin her subsequent PhD program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the fall of 2026, Campo reflects on how UHCL has helped her grow professionally and personally.

“UHCL has been the safe incubator for me to experiment, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow,” she said. “The stakes will only go up from here, and I am grateful for my time to be in such a positive learning environment.”

Campo hopes her journey inspires future students to make the most of their time at UHCL. “Get involved. Don’t just show up to class and do the bare minimum,” she advised. “If you truly want to stand out on a résumé or in your industry, you need to get involved with opportunities and realize your potential.”

Raising the bar at any age

Looking ahead, Campo carries forward the lessons she has learned at UHCL and the spirit of progress that defines her.

“Simply put, progress inspires me,” she said. “We stand on the shoulders of giants, and everything we do as academics pushes humanity forward to a better future.”

Heidi Campo is proof that no matter where you start or how much you have already achieved, it is never too late to raise the bar higher. Because at UHCL, students not only earn degrees, they discover purpose, build resilience, and rise.

For more information about UHCL's Exercise and Health Sciences program, visit www.uhcl.edu/human-sciences-humanities/departments/psychological-and-behavioral-health-sciences/exercise-health-sciences/.  For more information about UHCL’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/commencement/.

Running from April 13 through April 18, the week features a series of events that highlight UHCL’s commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement.

Donation drive supports local families

Kicking off the week is the ONSP Donation Drive, taking place April 13–17. Organized by Orientation & New Student Programs (ONSP), the drive supports students and families in need.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to donate essential items, including baby food, diapers, wipes, and personal care products. Donation bins are located throughout campus for convenience, and items may also be dropped off at the ONSP office in the Student Services and Classroom Building (SSCB), room 1.201.02.

A Spring 2026 Clothing Drive is also being held to support students in need of professional attire. Gently used or new professional clothing may be donated to the Career Closet at the Center for Career Development in SSCB 3109.

Creating space for connection

On Tuesday, April 14, students can participate in The Art of Belonging, a creative workshop that blends mental health awareness with hands-on art activities and group discussion.

Hosted in SSCB room 2.103 (SOCAL) from 4 to 5 p.m., the event offers a supportive environment for students to reflect, connect, and express themselves, reinforcing that community care is an essential part of service.

Hands-on service across campus

Service Week also offers students multiple opportunities to roll up their sleeves and make a visible impact on campus.

On Tuesday, April 14, students are invited to join Hawks 4 Community (H4C) and the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) for a campus service day held from 9–11 a.m. Volunteers will help weed and mulch flower beds, plant native plants, maintain pathways, and trim trees and bushes, all while connecting with staff and contributing to a more beautiful campus environment.

On Wednesday, April 15, students can continue their impact at the Native Garden Maintenance Event from 9–11 a.m., a hands-on opportunity to care for the Green Thumb League’s native garden on campus. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, bring a reusable water bottle, and wear closed-toe shoes. The event also provides a great way to earn volunteer hours while supporting sustainability efforts.

Exploring opportunities at the Community Engagement Fair

The Community Engagement Fair on Wednesday, April 15, invites students to connect with local nonprofits and campus organizations in the Bayou Building Atrium from 2–4:30 p.m.

The event provides opportunities to explore internships, volunteer roles, and service projects, helping students turn their interests into meaningful action while building leadership skills and professional experience.

An evening of reflection and impact

On Thursday, April 16, from 6–8 p.m., students can attend Community Impact Night, an inspiring evening focused on service and civic responsibility.

Over a shared dinner, participants will hear from nonprofit leaders and fellow students about how community engagement creates real-world change and supports personal growth. The event aims to leave attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of the impact they can make.

The Big Event

Service Week concludes with The Big Event on Saturday, April 18, UHCL’s largest annual day of service.

From 8 a.m.–1 p.m., students, faculty, and staff will work alongside community partners on projects that address real local needs. The event emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and the powerful impact of collective service.

A week of purpose

Service Week is more than a lineup of events at UHCL. It reflects the university’s values in action. Through donations, dialogue, and direct service, the campus community is demonstrating how small efforts can lead to meaningful change.

Students are encouraged to get involved, give back, and be part of a tradition that continues to strengthen both campus and community.

For more information and to register for events, visit HawkLink under the Events tab.

The Psychological Services Clinic at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) will provide free mental health screenings to the public from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on World Mental Health Day, Friday, Oct. 10.

Screenings will be offered to adults and to adolescents with a parent or guardian present to provide written consent. The screenings will be available at the clinic in the Arbor South Building on the UHCL campus, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Appointments in advance are not required but are requested by calling the clinic at 281-283-3330.

A voucher for free parking will be available to participants after parking in designated visitor spaces in front of the Arbor South Building. Additionally, any individual requiring an accommodation to participate should contact the clinic in advance at 281-283-3330 or uhclpsc@uhcl.edu.

Mental health screenings provide a brief and easy way to recognize when a person may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and help guide them toward appropriate services and resources, said clinic director James Upright, PhD.

“It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, and current research indicates that between 25% and 33% of adults report having unmet mental health treatment needs,” said Upright, who is both a licensed psychologist and licensed school psychologist. “Free screening events such as this can provide participants with valuable information about the current state of their mental health and information on resources they can use if needed.”

UHCL’s Psychological Services Clinic provides comprehensive mental health assessment and evidence-based treatment to UHCL students, the Bay Area community and the greater Houston-Galveston region. Fees are structured on a sliding scale for affordability and accessibility. Services at the clinic are provided by graduate students studying clinical and school psychology under the direct supervision of licensed faculty and staff in the UHCL Department of Psychological and Behavioral Health Sciences.

At University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), faculty and staff are more than educators — they are mentors, innovators, and leaders. To support their growth, UHCL is launching the Leaders in Flight program, an initiative designed to develop strong, visionary leaders who can drive positive change across campus and beyond.

Built on a foundation of strategic growth and leadership development, the program is structured around three key pillars: leadership fundamentals, developing others, and creating a vision for change. Participants will engage in hands-on learning, covering essential skills such as leadership presence, team building, coaching, SWOT analysis, and change implementation.

The initiative goes beyond traditional leadership training by incorporating department and division presentations, panel discussions, and post-graduation support, ensuring long-term impact. By fostering leadership from within, Leaders in Flight will help shape the future of UHCL’s locations, networks, and the greater community — creating a stronger, more supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

The program’s tentative timeline includes a comprehensive build-out phase from May to October 2025, followed by a nomination process in November. Selected participants will be notified by December, and the first cohort will officially launch in January 2026.

“We are building leaders — one Hawk at a time,” the program’s founder, Esther Herrera, said, underscoring UHCL’s commitment to leadership excellence.  As UHCL continues shaping the future of education and community engagement, Leaders in Flight is poised to be a transformative force in developing strong, visionary leaders.

UHCL’s HR Training office, in partnership with the Center for Faculty Development (CFD), is seeking dedicated faculty and staff to serve as program partners. Volunteers will help build and facilitate portions of the program, playing a crucial role in shaping its success.

To learn more about the Leaders in Flight program or explore volunteer opportunities, contact Esther Herrera at HerreraEs@uhcl.edu.

Learning doesn't stop at graduation; it’s a lifelong journey. Thanks to UHCL's new Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), adults can expand their knowledge by gaining targeted skills in a specific area or exploring a new interest. PACE offers over a dozen expert-led courses throughout the year at UHCL, UHCL at Pearland, and online. These courses are designed to enrich lifelong learners, support career growth, and enhance professional expertise.

In collaboration with the UHCL Alumni Association, PACE also invites community members to apply to share their expertise in various subjects as volunteers in a weekly presentation series called The Scholars' Circle at the UHCL and UHCL at Pearland. Desired topic areas include food and nutrition, history and memory, and mindfulness and well-being, among others.

Launched in January 2025, PACE is led by Director Shannon Samuelson, who is committed to making professional development more accessible and impactful.

"The institution has always had continuing education," she said. “I was hired to create a centralized location for learners to find everything they need in one place.”

Packed with valuable information that learners can apply at work and in everyday life, the program underscores UHCL's mission of meeting the community's professional, educational, economic, and cultural needs.

Attendees can take courses in subjects ranging from human resources to digital marketing to learning about NASA’s vibrant history, to name a few. Certificate programs and customized training for organizations are coming soon. In addition to equipping attendees with knowledge and skills, many PACE courses issue continuing education units (CEUs), professional development credits, or other certifications that attendees may need to maintain professional licensure or credentials.

"We have the ability to be creative, innovative, and flexible in a way that credit courses don't have," Samuelson said. "Dreaming big is what we do."

PACE courses are accessible to everyone with no admission requirements, though some certificate programs and specialized courses may have application or experience prerequisites. Courses may also have prior experience requirements. Just as with many degree programs at UHCL, PACE offers flexible program options to accommodate various schedules, including online and evening classes, hands-on workshops, and weekend sessions.

This month's lineup includes "5 Voices for Leaders" on February 25, "Apollo's Deep Roots in Houston" on February 27, and "Introduction to Digital Marketing for Small Businesses" on February 28, among others. Courses are affordably priced, ranging from free to $125.

Samuelson expects more UHCL departments and career-centered organizations to play a role in developing and offering future courses.

"We are still in the building phases, but we currently have collaborations with the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) and Dr. Phalen with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC)," she said. “We expect more exciting offerings soon.”

She also hopes that PACE will have the opportunity to host a second no-cost summer series again; in the summer of 2024, PACE hosted a free introductory series that was well-received by attendees. Her vision for future courses includes a focus on STEM fields as well.

"We are hoping to partner with industry leaders to create innovative solutions in safety, technology, environmental, and other STEM fields," she added.

To learn more about PACE, browse the complete list of courses, or to register, visit the PACE website.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) highlighted pioneering achievements in STEM at the ‘Honoring Trailblazing Women Leaders in STEM’ event. This special occasion, hosted by the Women in STEM Community of Practice, recognized Dr. Mary Jo Parker, a faculty member in the Natural Sciences department at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). Dr. Parker, who also leads UHD’s Scholars Academy as Executive Director, was celebrated for her significant contributions to supporting STEM majors through scholarships, mentoring, and professional development initiatives.

Bringing extensive experience in curriculum and development, Parker is committed to closing the achievement gap for minority STEM students. During the ceremony, she recalled her mother being an ‘innovator,’ which influenced her passion at a young age.

“You have to share your wisdom and experiences with students,” said Parker. “They need guidance, and it’s so easy for me to bring on the tough love, because I want students to succeed.”

Parker has dedicated over a decade to UHD, making her the longest-serving director at the university. Alongside other pioneering leaders, she is committed to motivating women to explore careers in STEM. The event facilitated networking and community building among faculty and students from UHCL, College of the Mainland, San Jacinto College South, San Jacinto College Central, University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), and Texas Southern University (TSU). These connections are further enriched by collaborations with local industry partners, fostering a bridge between academic endeavors and industry demands. For more information about STEM programs and initiatives at UHCL, visit www.uhcl.edu/science-engineering/.

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) Global Scholar Advisor II, Larisa Landry, was recently awarded the Region III Rising Star Young Leader Award by the National Association of International Educators (NAFSA). NAFSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to international education and exchange, advancing policies and practices that ensure a more interconnected, peaceful world today and for future generations.

UH-Clear Lake’s Executive Director of Education Abroad and Scholar Services Dr. Bianca Schonberg and Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Cynthia Howard both nominated Landry for the prestigious award for her significant contributions to the Education Abroad and Scholar Services program’s success and popularity at UHCL.

“Larisa took the time to understand the university’s demographic base and the impact of financial barriers on students,” Schonberg said. “After gathering necessary information, she was determined to make education abroad accessible and affordable to UHCL students who never thought they could have this experience.”

Schonberg also mentioned Landry’s collaboration with the Division of University Advancement to promote the university and highlight the impact of education abroad by making presentations and attending Clear Lake community meetings.

“Her dedication is truly inspiring, all of this was done on top of her everyday responsibilities,” said Schonberg.

Howard attested to Landry’s ability to provide inclusive and student-centered global learning experiences, while also supporting faculty with grant opportunities. She said for many public institutions, decreased enrollment, reduced budgets, and fewer resources are becoming a “harsh reality.” However, people like Larisa are determined to identify resources and seek financial opportunities to benefit students.

“Larisa has been a valuable collaborator for my annual Amazon, Brazil program since 2021,” said Howard. “As a faculty with over 20 years of experience in leading education abroad programs, I understand the importance of working closely with the education abroad office to ensure a well-facilitated program,” she explained. “Larisa has taken the time to understand the fundamentals of the program and has played an instrumental role in recruiting and raising awareness.”

Landry said she felt proud when she found out she won the Rising Star Young Leader award for the region. She mentioned being a little shocked, because the work she does isn’t for recognition. But she is grateful for the education abroad team.

“It takes a team,” she said. “Dr. Schonberg is a remarkable supervisor, and Brittany Hamilton is an amazing colleague. We are a small team, but productive and powerful.”

When Landry started at UHCL in 2021, she knew she wanted to support the university’s faculty led programs and scholar services to the best of her ability. She is continuing the same mission she embarked with, “How else can I support students?”

Landry hopes to continue to build relationships and connect students at UHCL, and would like them to feel empowered and interested in expanding their horizon and experiences.

Landry added that there are upcoming education abroad opportunities available, and to please reach out to the Education Abroad and Scholar Services office for more information.

For more information about education abroad opportunities and services at UHCL, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/education-abroad/.

The bench was placed on the walkway of UH-Clear Lake’s STEM Building. 

For more information about 'Josh’s Bench,’ visit joshsbenches.com/. For information about UHCL’s Counseling and Mental Health Center, visit www.uhcl.edu/cmhc/.