January's Paper of the Month highlights the challenges of persistent Staphylococcus aureus in catheterized patients

Microbiology and Infectious Diseases PhD candidate Jesus Duran-Ramirez shows that Staphylococcus aureus can persist during long-term urinary catheterization despite antibiotic treatment and catheter exchanges. Using genomic analyses, the study challenges assumptions about infection prevention and reveals how this pathogen adapts over time. Read how Duran-Ramirez identifies the mechanisms behind persistence and antimicrobial resistance.

Collin Harlan’s path to NIH funding for cancer immunotherapy research

Fifth-year Medical Physics PhD student Collin Harlan is using his NIH F31 fellowship to advance a novel approach for tracking immunotherapy delivery in pediatric lung cancer patients. His research uses hyperpolarized xenon gas MRI to monitor whether NK cell–based therapies reach their target — addressing a critical gap in treatment verification. Collin shares his experience applying for funding, hoping to help other students navigate the demanding but rewarding NIH fellowship process.

Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences welcomes new T32 cohort, featuring trainees from partner institutions

The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences welcomes its newest T32 trainees — marking the first cohort to include scholars from our partner institutions across Texas. These emerging scientists will spend the next year advancing discoveries that move from bench to bedside through rigorous clinical and translational training. Meet the new and returning trainees in our 2026 cohort.