Dr. Silverio Avila-Sanchez Receives Texas Section Society for Range Management Up and Coming Young Professional Award
Key Points:
- Silverio Avila-Sanchez received the 2026 Texas Section Society for Range Management (TSSRM) “Up and Coming Young Professional Award”
- Avila conducts applied research and outreach on prescribed fire, grazing management, wildlife habitat conservation, and rangeland restoration.
- This award highlights Avila’s impact as a scientist, educator, and mentor, advancing sustainable rangeland management while helping train the next generation of natural resource professionals.
ALPINE, Texas – Dr. Silverio Avila-Sanchez, assistant professor and researcher with Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University (SRSU), and range extension specialist with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, has been recognized by the Texas Section Society for Range Management (TSSRM) with the “Up and Coming Young Professional Award.” This award was presented at the society’s annual meeting during the Awards Banquet on Oct. 22 in Abilene, Texas.
The award is given in recognition of emerging professionals who have demonstrated top leadership skills and contributions to the science and practice of rangeland management. Dr. Carlos Gonzalez, Department Chair of Natural Sciences at SRSU and Associate Director of Research at BRI, believes that Avila exemplifies three attributes that are key qualities for winning this award: belief, commitment, and positive attitude.
“Silverio has an incredible ability to remain positive, even under adversity,” said Gonzalez. “He looks for solutions, he is committed to helping others, and he has an incredible ability to remain positive.”
Avila is employed with both BRI and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, conducting research while delivering education and outreach to landowners and resource managers around the region. His work focuses on prescribed fire, grazing management, habitat conservation, and the use of emerging technologies, like drones and virtual fences, to improve wildlife habitat and rangeland management. He has also contributed research published in scientific journals and developed educational resources that help address some of the biggest challenges that West Texas faces, including drought, invasive species, and land restoration.
Beyond his research and Agrilife Extension responsibilities, Avila demonstrates professional leadership skills. He has served on the TSSRM Board of Directors, helping to organize the 2025 annual meeting in Alpine, and contributed to student development on the Don Pendleton Awards Committee. He has also taken on leadership roles with the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, including chairing its Cottam Awards Committee and Webinar Committee.
This recognition comes full circle here at BRI. As an undergraduate student, Avila participated in BRI’s Borderlands Undergraduate Mentorship Program, gaining hands-on research experience. Since then, he’s earned his master’s degree and Ph.D., become a faculty member, published research, and helped mentor numerous graduate students, several of whom have earned awards of their own.
“Silverio came to BRI looking for someone to invest in his future,” said Gonzalez. “Today, he’s the one investing in the future of others.”
Watch the acceptance speech by Dr. Carlos (Lalo) Gonzalez:
