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Hwang posing for professional photo.

Jul. 29, 2025

July’s Paper of the Month explores how RNA modifications by TRMT1L ensure cell health during oxidative stress

Genetics and Epigenetics graduate student Sseu-Pei Hwang’s research unveils how TRMT1L-mediated modifications in tRNA are critical for efficient protein synthesis and cell survival under stress. Her innovative approach using nanopore-based tRNA sequencing uncovered TRMT1L’s role in maintaining cellular balance, especially under oxidative stress conditions. Hwang’s work enhances our understanding of RNA modifications linked to cancer development, opening new avenues for targeted therapies and emphasizing the intricate connections between RNA modification, translation efficiency, and disease progression.

Kopchick Fellowship empowers Dounya Jalloul to explore brain function and insights into mental illness

Alumnus John J. Kopchick, PhD '80 champions student research that advances scientific discovery and patient care, with Dounya Jalloul among the 2025 fellowship recipients. Find out more about her work exploring how the brain processes information and how our decisions and emotions shape mental health.

Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong and one of the judges standing by Heather's poster and talking about it.

Graduate Student Research Day 2025: celebrating scientific discovery

Graduate Student Research Day 2025 celebrated the spirit of scientific discovery as 77 talented students presented their research across poster, oral, and elevator pitch competitions. With more than 300 attendees from our alumni, student body, faculty, and guests, the ninth annual event at Cooley Life Center highlighted evolving research — from first-year students to seasoned presenters nearing their defenses. Explore the full story and find your favorite moments in our photos.

Notice-Sarpaning standing at commencement 2025.

Microbiology & Infectious Diseases graduate Lee-Ann Notice-Sarpaning explores new horizons

Recent graduate Lee-Ann Notice-Sarpaning looks back on her PhD journey as she prepares for the next phase of her career. From falling in love with the Graduate School’s supportive environment during her first interview weekend to conducting meaningful research of her own, Notice-Sarpaning’s path has been challenging, inspiring, and rewarding. As she looks toward the future, she will take the lessons she learned, about the lab and about life, with her as she builds a career as an independent scientist.

Professional photos of students Kaylene Lu, Alec Solis, and Candise Tat.

Graduate Student Research Day 2025: A celebration of research and innovation

Our annual Graduate Student Research Day (GSRD) — a celebration of innovation and achievement — is coming up next Thursday, June 26! Three students share what they expect to experience as participants...

Paper of the Month: Decoding cancer etiology with cellular reprogramming

Paper of the Month: Decoding cancer etiology with cellular reprogramming

Learn about the key advancements utilizing stem cell technology that could drive future cancer research and the development of therapies, covered in a scientific review article written by PhD students ...

Bray addressing students at the podium at 2025 commencement.

2025 Distinguished Alumna: Molly S. Bray on science, mentorship, and change

2025 Distinguished Alumna Molly S. Bray, PhD ’98, returned to the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to reflect on a career shaped by curiosity, change, and mentorship...

Chuong and Farmer standing in front of mountain in Les Diablerets, Switzerland.

Students Stephen Farmer and Vicky Chuong share brain research in the Swiss Alps

Neuroscience PhD students Stephen Farmer and Vicky Chuong recently presented their research at the prestigious 2025 Gordon Research Conference in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. Their work explores brain ...

Sloan pictured with advisor Jayhun Lee, PhD at 2024 Lab Coat Ceremony.

Fighting neglected diseases: Ryan Sloan advances schistosomiasis research with Kopchick Fellowship support

With support from the Dr. John J. Kopchick Fellowship, PhD student Ryan Sloan is investigating how parasitic worms known as schistosomes survive in the body — and how that knowledge could lead to...

Headshots of all three CPRIT awardees.

University researchers receive more than $5 million from CPRIT

Three UTHealth Houston researchers were awarded more than $5 million in funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), furthering the state’s mission to prevent and treat...