Selene Rodriguez
At South Texas College, Biology isn’t just taught, it’s experienced. Faculty member Alan Herrera is redefining the science classroom through innovative technology and active learning strategies, transforming one of the most complex programs and fields of study into an immersive, student-centered journey.
Herrera’s commitment to tech-driven education has earned him both collegewide and national recognition. In 2024, he was one of just four recipients of STC’s Distinguished Teaching and Learning Award and was also honored with an Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).
“Over time, students’ attention spans have shortened, so integrating multimedia tools helps keep them focused and involved,” he explained. “Science is always evolving and so is the way I teach it. Every student learns differently, which challenges me to constantly innovate, adapt and create experiences that spark curiosity, build connection and ignite excitement for learning.”
Born in Mexico and raised in Pharr after a stint in Canada, Herrera developed a deep passion for science, technology and biology early in life, an interest that has guided his journey ever since.
“Since high school, science has always been one of my favorite subjects, it’s where I felt most comfortable,” the 35-year-old shared. “Once I got to college, I started taking more specialized courses in biology. What really hooked me was the thrill of learning something new and then getting to share that knowledge with others.”
Herrera earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology from the University of Texas–Pan American (UTPA), now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and began his teaching career at STC shortly after, where he has served as a faculty member for the past 10 years.
“I started as a teacher assistant during undergrad and graduate school, so I got an early taste of teaching and I really enjoyed it,” Herrera said. “Biology may seem like the same subject year after year, but in reality, it’s always evolving. There’s constant research in areas like cancer and stem cells that reshapes how we understand the world. That’s what I love about science, it never gets old. And as a teacher, I get to bring in new tools and technology every semester to meet students where they are.”
Through his “Interconnected Learningscape,” a dynamic teaching model that blends real-time digital tools with active learning, Herrera creates a personalized and highly engaging classroom experience. Using a mobile app, students can screen record or capture images from live presentations, which are often annotated in real time on a digital monitor to highlight key concepts as they unfold.
His lectures are further enhanced with vivid videos, 3D animations, simulations and curated digital resources, all designed to make even the most complex biological concepts accessible and visually engaging.
To reinforce learning and encourage participation, Herrera also integrates interactive platforms, such as game-based quizzes, transforming review sessions into fun, competitive experiences that deepen understanding and build classroom connection.
“Biology can be overwhelming. Some chapters are incredibly dense. This approach allows students to stay focused in the moment without falling behind,” he said. “They can instantly capture key information, make their own annotations and revisit the material anytime, on any device, whether it’s a phone, tablet or laptop. It gives them control over how they learn.”
Teaching at several high school campuses across the Rio Grande Valley and STC in the last decade, Herrera has also been a strong advocate for Open Educational Resources, freely accessible, customizable learning materials that help reduce costs and improve access for students.
“We’ve developed Open Educational Resources for Biology 1408 and 1409 so students don’t have to pay out of pocket for textbooks or lab manuals, which can save them $400 to $500,” Herrera said. “We’ve worked hard to make these resources available to both face-to-face and online students, including those in the Biology major track.”
Looking ahead, Herrera is confident that his future remains at STC, continuing to evolve, innovate and share his love for biology with the next generation of students.
“As long as I’m here, I’ll keep finding new ways to reach students,” he said. “Biology isn’t just about memorizing facts. It’s about understanding how life works. And if I can help even one student see the world differently through science, then I’ve done my job.”
Photo Caption: STC faculty member Alan Herrera is redefining the biology classroom through innovative technology and active learning strategies, transforming one of the most complex academic programs into an immersive, student-centered experience.
For more information on STC’s Biology program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/biology/ or call 956-872-6786.
