Welcome back to the eight trainees from the T32 Clinical and Translational Sciences Training Program, who attended the 2025 Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) Conference in Washington, D.C. last week. The conference brought together translational scientists and clinical researchers from across the country for four days of scientific sessions, professional development, and invaluable networking. See more photos from the event.

This year’s theme, Translational Science 2025: Integrating Data to Power Translation, spotlighted the critical role of data integration in advancing translational research. Our trainees had the opportunity to attend dynamic sessions, engage with leaders in the field, and contribute to national conversations shaping the future of medical science.

Representing the Graduate School at the conference were: Jacob Mattia, Brandy Walker, Gemalene Sunga, Trey Waldrop, Maryam Elizondo, Morgan Riba, Antonio Pagan, and Kiara Church.

Making their mark in thesis competition

Two trainees, Jacob Mattia (predoctoral) and Antonio Pagan, PhD (postdoctoral), were nominated by T32 Program Directors Jeffrey Frost, PhD and Joya Chandra, PhD to represent the Graduate School in the prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition. This internationally recognized event challenges researchers to communicate their work clearly and concisely to a non-specialist audience in under three minutes.

Both trainees advanced to the final round of the competition, where Mattia emerged as the national winner in the predoctoral category — an incredible achievement within the field of 27 predoctoral competitors from institutions nationwide. Pagan also gave an impressive presentation among 21 postdoctoral competitors, showcasing the exceptional quality of our trainees' research and communication skills.

Poster presentations showcase scientific excellence

Mattia, Walker, Sunga, Waldrop, Pagan, and Elizondo presented their current research at the conference’s Poster Reception, sharing innovative work and connecting with fellow scientists. These presentations provided valuable exposure and feedback while highlighting the broad scope and impact of research taking place at the Graduate School. Congratulations to Sunga and Waldrop, who won blue ribbon awards for their posters!

Advocacy on Capitol Hill

In addition to academic programming, four trainees: Waldrop, Riba, Walker, and Sunga joined other young investigators from across Texas for a half-day advocacy session on Capitol Hill. Through team-based meetings with congressional representatives and staffers, they shared personal stories, discussed the importance of translational science, and emphasized the value of federal support for biomedical research.

Capitol Hill advocates’ efforts are critical in helping legislators understand how clinical and translational science directly benefits communities, strengthens public health, and drives scientific progress.

Learn more about the T32 Clinical and Translational Sciences Training Program, its leadership and current and former trainees.