Olivia Villanueva, Ph.D.
Instructor of Chemistry and Lab Coordinator
Office: Natural Sciences Building, Room 209-A
Email: ovillanueva@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-8043
Professional Profile
Dr. Olivia Villanueva joined the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in 2024. She received a B.S. in Chemistry from Sam Houston State University in 2019. During her undergraduate career, Dr. Villanueva conducted undergraduate research under Dr. Dustin E. Gross, synthesizing and investigating benzoxazaboroles for dynamic covalent chemistry. This exposure to undergraduate research prompted her to pursue a graduate degree. She then earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Texas Tech University in 2024 where she worked under Anthony F. Cozzolino on the synthesis of small pnictogen(III) molecules for the formation and application of reverse bilayer vesicles.
Teaching and Related Service
Dr. Villanueva teaches Chemistry I and II. Additionally, she is the Lab Coordinator for the Chemistry and Physics Department, overseeing the teaching labs associated with Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, and both calculus and non-calculus-based Physics I and II.
Dr. Villanueva advises Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship and co-advises the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences organization. She would love to help students and other organizations get connected!