The mission of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston is to foster a collaborative environment where students can discuss shared needs, work alongside faculty and administration to strengthen the institution’s reputation and cultivate a sense of community among graduate students.

The GSA plays an integral role in the operation and development of the GSBS, and functions as the official organization representing the student body.

Contact us: [email protected]

GSA 2024-2025 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT
Alexandra McConnell 

I am a 5^th year Neuroscience PhD student in the lab of Dr. Valentin Dragoi. My goal is to utilize novel electrophysiology techniques to help understand how the cortex processes visual information during complex tasks, such as foraging. I am from the city with the best breakfast tacos and professional basketball team: San Antonio, Texas. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, spending time with my dogs, and I have recently taken up pickleball! As GSA president, I am eager to support my fellow graduate students on their own academic journeys. [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT
Mekenzie (Kenzie) Peshoff

I’m a 4th year PhD candidate in the Neuroscience and Cancer Biology programs. I’m a Louisiana native, and my research on adenoviruses and Parkinson’s disease at LSU ignited my passion for neuroimmunology. I now work with Dr. Long-Jun Wu to understand how microglia can be harnessed to fight glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive brain tumor. Outside of the lab, I love exploring Houston’s incredible restaurant scene and doting on my orange tabby cat, Citrus. I look forward to serving the GSBS community as GSA Vice President! [email protected]

TREASURER
Chase Hutchins


I am a 4th-year Molecular and Translational Biology PhD candidate in Dr. Alex Gorfe's lab. My research combines molecular simulations and in vitro experiments to identify novel therapeutic strategies targeting Ras Superfamily small GTPases in cancer and other diseases. As a native Houstonian and lifelong Astros fan, I love my city and even the weather. When I'm not in the lab, you can find me playing golf, tennis, or running around Houston's beautiful parks. Serving as GSA Treasurer gives me a great opportunity to give back to the school and student community that has given me so much in the past four years. [email protected]

SECRETARY
Julianna Quinn

I am a 3rd Year Genetics and Epigenetics PhD student in the Lab of Dr. Jun Wang. My research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to cardiac arrhythmias. Specifically, I am researching how Hippo signaling regulates the development of the heart's primary pacemaker, known as the sinoatrial node. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Florida, and I am a proud cat mom to my 2-year-old Ollie. Outside of the lab, I love scuba diving, playing volleyball, hiking, and exploring the diverse food scene around Houston. I am excited to serve the GSBS community as GSA Secretary! [email protected]

Student InterCouncil

The GSA officers work with the UTHealth Houston Student InterCouncil on institution-wide issues. Student InterCouncil is the UTHealth Houston student governance organization and is the recognized forum of student opinion and the primary vehicle for student participation in the governance of UTHealth Houston. The organization is comprised of representatives from each school and from at-large student and international student constituencies.