Roberto Blanco-Leal

Personable and empathetic with natural ability to connect with individuals and foster positive relationships. Understanding of essential peer support principles and effective communication techniques. Committed to making meaningful impact by guiding and supporting peers toward their personal and academic goals.

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Certified
• CPR & Stop the Bleed Certified
• Rappelling & Rescue Training
• Completion of Firefighter I & II (TEEX, Texas A&M)

• Shadow – San Lucas Clinic & Erasto Canales Clinic
• Shadow - Advance Foot Care Dr. Sandra Y. Blanco
• Recorded vital signs, organized patient files.
• Gained 250+ hours of hands-on clinic experience in community care.
• Shadowing – Mariano Salinas, MD (McAllen, TX)

Observed medical procedures and patient interactions in a clinical setting.

• Shadowing – Richard’s Pharmacy (Donna, TX)

Learned about pharmacy operations and patient medication counseling.

• Work with SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM:

Doing physical check-ups in high schools in McAllen. Working hand in hand with the Residents of the program.

• Peer Mentor Coordinator – Texas A&M University
• 2023 – Present
• Lead a team of peer mentors supporting student retention and engagement.
• Organize leadership development workshops and student events.
• Serve as liaison between peer mentors, university staff, and academic advisors.
• Border Pre-Med Society (BPMS), and Class 289 Member – Texas A&M
• Coordinated logistics for professional panel discussions and guest speaker events.
• Led student visits to the A&M School of Medicine and Veterinary School.
• Advocated for student needs and represented peers during university outreach.
• Student Ambassador – Texas A&M University
• Represented the university at major campus events and community forums.
• Assisted new students and families during campus tours and orientations.
• Promoted higher education in underserved communities across the RGV.
• Palm Camp Leadership Program (Palm Camp)
• Participated in intensive training focused on ethics, values, and servant leadership.
• Facilitated group discussions and peer development activities.
• New Student Conferences (NSC) – Support Team Member
• Welcomed incoming freshmen and transfer students.
• Helped deliver presentations and coordinated logistics during orientation week.
• Answered questions related to academics, resources, and campus involvement.
• Aggie Tailgate Pachanga – Student Planner
• Organized a large-scale cultural celebration highlighting Aggie spirit and community pride.
• Managed setup, event flow, and participant engagement.
• Charro Days Parade – A&M Representative
• Participated as a student representative in a local community parade.
• Promoted cultural traditions and student involvement with the broader community.
• Event Translator – Texas A&M Events
• Provided Spanish-English translation for outreach and educational programs.
• Helped bridge communication between university professionals and Hispanic families.
• Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy – Student Leader
• Trained in motivational coaching and leadership for underserved youth.
• Led youth activities and mentored high school students.
• Delegated tasks and organized weekly recycling collections.

• Behavioral and Neurochemical Challenges of Diabetes Mellitus in Hispanics: A Rio Grande Valley Perspective
• Student Researcher, Texas A&M University – Winner, 2025 Research Symposium
• Conducted a literature review and presented findings on the biological and social factors contributing to diabetes in the Hispanic population in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
• Winner of First Place at Texas A&M University at McAllen.
• ABRCMS Presentation at San Antonio Tx
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) San Antonio| October 2025
• Presented original research on Behavioral and Neurochemical Challenges of Diabetes Mellitus in Hispanics: A Rio Grande Valley Perspective to a national audience of biomedical scientists
• Discussed methodology, results, and clinical or public-health relevance with faculty judges and peers
• Received feedback from researchers affiliated with major academic and medical institutions