Skip to Content

News

Elvis Parada pictured in head shot

Jun. 10, 2026

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 at the UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Eckel-Mahan delivering her speech standing on a podium at the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

Kristin Eckel-Mahan, PhD, recognized by students for teaching that inspires curiosity

Selected by Graduate School students, Kristin Eckel-Mahan, PhD, received the 2026 John P. McGovern Award for Outstanding Teaching, recognizing her ability to create a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific growth.

Kaylene Lu advances glioblastoma research while growing as a scientific leader

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.

Two people standing beside a UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences banner with MD Anderson Cancer Center branding

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...

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...

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.