100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

Joaquin Villarreal died on May 28, 2022. He was 24 years old. Bipolar disease was the principal cause of his death. Born and raised in Austin, he graduated from MaCallum High School. He moved to Stephenville, Texas to be a student at Tarleton State University, transferring to Texas State in San Marcos after several semesters. He withdrew from college when COVID-19 forced classes online. 

Like many kids his age, he was a gamer, first with YuGiOh cards, then with video games. Unlike his peers, he spent many Saturdays at the Great Hall Games store with much older guys participating in historical miniatures war-gaming. This gaming recreates historical battles through the use of 3D terrain, miniature soldiers and vehicles. Dice are used to insert intangible aspects such as training, morale and leadership.  Joaquin celebrated his teenage birthdays at the Milleniumcon, Texas’ biggest historical miniatures war-game convention. 

Skate-boarding was another passion. His balance was excellent and he seemed to have a knack for the sport. We visited every skatepark within 50 miles of Austin and those in other cities any time we travelled. Once Joaquin said to me, “I’m only happy when I’m skating.” As he grew up, he liked going to Austin Skatepark by himself and attracted a posse of younger kids who would follow him to the “No-comply” skate store and back to the park. 

In addition to going to many Renaissance Faires, he combined his interest in costumes, history and gaming through his Airsoft hobby. (A team game similar to paintball where you eliminate players by tagging out opposing members). When he was invited to be part of the Tomahawk Development Airsoft Team he was excited to be recognized for his skills in this area. It was something he enjoyed very much.

Joaquin appreciated music and liked to dance. One grandmother’s “Hello Dolly” and the other’s “Asserín, Asesrán” were very early favorites. When he first became aware of recorded music, he listened to what his parents did: Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Bob Segar and Bobby Blue Bland. Classic conjunto music was also in the background, with other popular genres of the time. As a teenager, he embraced hiphop, electronica and more retro music from the 80s. The move to Stephenville introduced him to country music, particularly local favorites like Koe Wetzel. In 2020 he began playing the guitar, progressing quite a bit before he died. Ben gave him lessons and they liked to visit to exchange musical views. He learned to play Jimmie Rogers and introduced us to the music he liked. 

He had a huge heart for animals. Once he wanted to be a veterinarian, but didn’t want to perform euthanasia. His last dog companion was the energetic Luci, renamed “Lucifer” once some of her destructive qualities were identified. He loved Luci despite her wildness and cared for her as well as Jackie, Chewie/Chuy, Scout and others.

In 2021, Joaquin successfully completed testing to be an apprentice with the Austin Electrical Training Alliance, a five-year classroom and on-the-job training program sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 520 and the Central Texas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). He was thrilled to be part of the Union, eagerly volunteering for both member events and required community service. He was determined to succeed, following a strict schedule in order to be on early-morning job sites where he sometimes worked up to 60 hours a week. 

Since 1987, we have awarded more than $430 million to fund more than 6,200 grants to more than 5,100 scientists around the world.

• According to the Rand Corporation, BBRF is the nation’s top non-governmental funder of mental health research grants.

• The mission of the Foundation is to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.

• 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

• The Foundation only funds scientists whose research is reviewed and recommended by a world-renowned Scientific Council including a Nobel Prizewinner and chairs of psychiatric departments.

• Learn more about the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.