Skip to Content

News

Kaylene Lu advances glioblastoma research while growing as a scientific leader

May. 20, 2026

Kaylene Lu advances glioblastoma research while growing as a scientific leader

Fifth-year PhD student Kaylene Lu is advancing research in glioblastoma — one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer — while building leadership experience through fellowships, research awards, and roles in student organizations.

Rolando Vedia earns PhD, helps grow the Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program along the way

Rolando Vedia earns PhD, helps grow the Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program along the way

After first discovering UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences as a summer student, Rolando Vedia returns to the stage years later to earn his PhD. His journey through the Therapeutics and Pharmacology program reflects resilience, leadership, and a passion for advancing cancer research.

From training to patient advocacy: Jessica Scarlett to serve as first genetic counselor at children’s hospital

From training to patient advocacy: Jessica Scarlett to serve as first genetic counselor at children’s hospital

After training in the Genetic Counseling program and conducting research on prenatal care for spina bifida, Jessica Scarlett is ready to expand access to genetic counseling services in Texas. Learn more about this soon-to-be graduate who discovered genetic counseling through a college career center visit, and is now preparing to become the first genetic counselor at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Making an impact behind the scenes: Erica Leday receives 2026 Melva S. Ramsay Award

Making an impact behind the scenes: Erica Leday receives 2026 Melva S. Ramsay Award

Known as a “silent hero” by her colleagues, Erica Leday, senior administrative coordinator at the Graduate School, has received the 2026 Melva S. Ramsay Award for her outstanding service, responsiveness, and commitment to keeping operations running smoothly. Read more about her work and recognition.

New Peer Review Challenge prepares students for competitive funding, celebrates first awardees

New Peer Review Challenge prepares students for competitive funding, celebrates first awardees

The Graduate School’s new Peer Review Challenge program, led by the Career Development team, is helping students build essential grant writing and review skills, as we celebrate ...

April’s Paper of the Month highlights the beauty of following the science

April’s Paper of the Month highlights the beauty of following the science

Cancer Biology graduate Lan T. H. Phi uncovered a new role for AXL in inflammatory breast cancer, showing it drives tumor progression by promoting immunosuppressive polarization through STAT6 signaling...

Jana Gomez will graduate this year from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. (Photo by UTHealth Houston)

From curiosity to calling: One UTHealth Houston student's path to microbiology

As Jana Gomez prepares to cross the commencement stage at UTHealth Houston, her path reflects more than years of research. It tells the story of a scientist driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to...

From chemistry to cancer therapy: Tyler Bateman’s research journey

From chemistry to cancer therapy: Tyler Bateman’s research journey

Therapeutics and Pharmacology PhD student Tyler Bateman shares how collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful research in drug development are shaping his experience at the Graduate School.

Graphic titled 'Advocating for Students' about graduate school students serving on the UT System Advisory Council, featuring two student portraits

Advocating for students: Graduate School students serve on UT System Advisory Council

Committed to strengthening student support, Genetics and Epigenetics PhD student Llaran Turner and Immunology PhD student Guillaume Trusz represent the Graduate School on the UT System...

Karen Weinberg, MS, pictured in her office.

Karen Weinberg leads with care — earning UTHealth Houston President’s Award for Leadership

For more than two decades, Karen Weinberg has helped build a Graduate School community where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed — leadership that earned her a UTHealth Houston...