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'Paper of the Month' graphic featuring a portrait of Mo-Fan (Elena) Huang and the title of an AI-optimized hepatic differentiation study

Aug. 6, 2026

Teaching lab-grown liver cells to grow up: how AI and genetics are transforming stem cell research

August's Paper of the Month highlights research by UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Genetics and Epigenetics student Mo-Fan (Elena) Huang and collaborators, who combined artificial intelligence and stem cell biology to develop an optimized approach to producing mature, functional liver cells while identifying key genetic regulators that drive liver development. Published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the study could improve disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine.

Chia Hsin (Alex) Lin pointing, presenting his poster to a judge.

Graduate Student Research Day 2026 showcases discovery and innovation

Weeks of preparation culminated in a day of scientific discovery, collaboration, and celebration at the Graduate School’s 10th annual Graduate Student Research Day. Attendees experienced the outstanding work of 69 student finalists through oral presentations, poster sessions, and elevator pitch competitions. Congratulations to this year's winners, and thank you to the students, faculty, judges, sponsors and staff who made the day possible.

2026 Distinguished Alumna Yolanda (Yoli) Sanchez, PhD, on finding joy in others' success

Graduate School Distinguished Alumna Yolanda (Yoli) Sanchez, PhD '93, reflects on how her journey from graduate student to director and CEO of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center transformed her definition of success — from making discoveries to helping others achieve their own.

Meet the Staff: Lauren Nguyen

Meet the Staff: Lauren Nguyen

Communications Assistant Lauren Nguyen helps keep the Graduate School community informed and connected through her work to showcase the people who make the Graduate School a vibrant and welcoming community. Learn about her journey from student communications worker at the University of Houston to her role at the Graduate School.

Community Outreach Group connects science with the community

Community Outreach Group connects science with the community

The Graduate School's Community Outreach Group is helping spark curiosity about science throughout Houston. Through partnerships with local schools, museums, and community organizations, student volunteers...

(L-R): Jewel Elliott, MPA, T32 Program Manager; Jeffrey Frost, PhD, and presenters: Farinaz Barghi, PhD, Jack Adams, Ritu Bohat, PhD; Amir Hernandez, PhD, Natalie West, Brian Koehler, Emma Wheeler, PhD; and Amit Niyogi. (Photo by UTHealth Houston)

Doctoral research students compete in fourth annual research competition

The UTHealth Houston Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences hosted its fourth annual T1-T4 in 3 (Minutes) Translational Challenge on June 10. The eight in-person presenters and one online presenter...

June’s Paper of the Month: Unraveling the function of MutSgamma during meiotic chromosomal segregation

June’s Paper of the Month: Unraveling the function of MutSgamma during meiotic chromosomal segregation

Recent Genetics and Epigenetics graduate Melissa Frasca, PhD, uncovered that the complex MutSgamma acts earlier in the meiotic chromosomal segregation pathway than previously expected. Her findings in ...

Kopchick Fellow Richa Nayak investigates the role of “jumping genes” in stem cells and human disease

Genetics and Epigenetics PhD candidate Richa Nayak is investigating how “jumping genes” — ancient viral sequences embedded in our DNA — are regulated in adult stem cells. These ...

From left: Dean Eric Boerwinkle, PhD; Theresa Tran, MD; Mayor John Whitmire; President Melina R. Kibbe, MD; and Scott Forbes. (Photo by UTHealth Houston)

UTHealth Houston partners with city of Houston to establish new academic health department

UTHealth Houston announced today a partnership with the city of Houston to establish a new academic health department that will strengthen the region’s public health workforce, expand hands-on training...

Elvis Parada pictured in head shot

Meet the Staff: Elvis Parada

As Director of Student Affairs and Admissions, Elvis Parada helps guide prospective students through the admissions process while supporting the programs, events, and experiences that enrich student life...