Neuroscience PhD candidate Heather Tsong, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Terry J. Crow, PhD Scholarship in Neuroscience for her outstanding scholastic achievements . Her advisor is Andrea K.H. Stavoe, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Tsong received her BS in biochemistry and cell biology at Rice University.  During her undergraduate education, she conducted research on Biomphalaria glabrata and its potential as a model for snail development. 

For her doctoral thesis research, Tsong is investigating the molecular mechanisms that neurons employ to regulate autophagy during aging and may help discover novel approaches to target for therapy to treat aging-associated brain diseases. 

The Terry J. Crow, PhD Scholarship in Neuroscience was established in honor of the late Dr. Crow, professor emeritus in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at McGovern Medical School.  Crow was an outstanding neuroscientist who studied the cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and memory.  He made seminal contributions to the field, for which he received both national and international recognition. 

In addition to Crow’s substantial contributions to the research activities of the medical school, he was also a superb educator who, during his 27-year tenure, contributed significantly to the institution’s academic mission.  He was recognized as one of the best lecturers by medical students and was the recipient of the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award for 18 years.