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Notice-Sarpaning standing at commencement 2025.

Jun. 24, 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 this year. This exciting event will feature inspiring presentations from Graduate School students, friendly competitions with exciting prizes, and a keynote address by Stanford University Microbiology and Immunology Professor David A. Relman, MD, an expert in infectious disease, human-microbe interactions, and microbial disease agents.

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 Mo-Fan (Elena) Huang — Genetics & Epigenetics and Molecular & Translational Biology, and Megan Fisher — Cancer Biology. The article was summarized by Jana Gomez — Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, to highlight significant findings for researchers or others interested in learning more about stem cell research.

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. A nationally recognized expert in obesity, metabolism, and genetics, Bray shared insights from her journey and encouraged graduates to embrace non-linear paths in science and life.

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...

Jones at podium addressing graduates at MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 2025 commencement.

Inspiring minds: A. Kyle Jones, PhD, named outstanding educator

A. Kyle Jones, PhD, professor in the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Medical Physics program, has been named the 2025 recipient of the John P. McGovern Outstanding Teaching...

NIH grant helps support Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong’s brain research

NIH grant helps support Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong’s brain research

Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong, who is advised by Andrea Stavoe, PhD, received a National Institutes of Health grant earlier this year to help support her research on brain aging and ...

Photo of the four President's Scholar Award winners.

2025 President’s Scholar Award recipients announced

Four members of the UTHealth Houston community received the university’s most distinguished awards for their exceptional work, history of long-standing excellence, and dedication during the 2025 ...