Rafael currently serves as a Fellow for Arizona Innovation Alliance and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Admissions. Rafael joined the University of Arizona in 1993 as an Admission Counselor with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. He progressed to the Office of Early Academic Outreach EAO) coordinating the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement MESA) program promoting K-12 STEM engagement. His work continued as Assistant Director for Recruitment and Outreach with the Honors College, overseeing high-ability student recruitment. Rafael returned to the Undergraduate Admissions team in 2010 as director of Undergraduate Recruitment for first-year and transfer students. In 2013, he focused on the expansion of transfer student recruitment, enrollment and retention opportunities. Rafael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American Studies from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Educational Leadershifrom Northern Arizona University. He is a Tucson native and first generation Mexican American.