Hilario is a third-year Neurosciences  PhD student at the University of California, San Diego. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he worked in Isabel Muzzio’s Learning and Memory Laboratory. There, Hilario applied chemogenetic techniques and behavioral assays to investigate the neural circuits involved in anxiety disorders.

Currently, Hilario is focused on expanding his expertise in neuro-cognitive circuits related to motivated behaviors, particularly those involved in feeding. He is a member of Scott Sternson's research team, where he utilizes chemogenetics, optogenetics, and molecular and cellular approaches to study consumption behaviors.

In his free time, Hilario enjoys reading, practicing yoga and meditation, engaging in self-reflection, functional strength training and running.