The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences faculty member Francesca Cole, PhD, was named the 2022 recipient of the D. Dudley and Judy White Oldham Faculty Award.

Cole is an associate professor in the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis at MD Anderson who joined the GSBS in 2012. At the Graduate School, she is director of the Genetics and Epigenetics program. Her research focuses on the regulation of DNA repair by homologous recombination to preserve germline genome integrity. Her lab is known for innovative new methods to study meiosis including interrogation of recombination on all four chromatids (mouse tetrads) and tracking interhomolog interactions genome-wide for the first time in any organism.

 “Service to further the education and improve the experience of graduate students is its own reward, but it is an honor to be recognized for it,” said Cole.

The Oldham award was established in 2018 by D. Dudley and Judy White Oldham to recognize an exceptional faculty member who consistently demonstrates excellence in service and leadership. The recipient receives a $4,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque.