One of the most rewarding parts of graduate education is helping students make discoveries and bring them to a broader audience. Our June Paper of the Month highlights research by Melissa Frasca, PhD, providing new insight into chromosome segregation and its implications for infertility research.

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last mo.

How do chromosomes find their matching partners and exchange genetic information during reproduction? Recent graduate Melissa Frasca, PhD, helped answer that question by uncovering the protein MutSgamma acts earlier in the meiosis than previously thought. 🔗 loom.ly/oFZzP8k @francescacole.bsky.social

Enjoyed participating in the Beyond the CV series from UTHealth Houston: go.uth.edu/BeyondAballay We discussed scientific curiosity and the importance of preparing students for a rapidly evolving biomedical research landscape.

UTHealth Houston@uthealthhouston.bsky.social · 2mo ago

In this episode of Beyond the CV, Alejandro Aballay, PhD, dean of @MDA_UTHGrad, reflects on the curiosity that first drew him to science, the resilience required in research, and what it means to prepare the next generation of scientists. 🎥 go.uth.edu/BeyondAballay

Honored to join the UTHealth Houston Development Board Spring Meeting for the “Driven to Discover” panel with two students, MD/PhD candidate Jacob Mattia, and PhD candidate Kaylene Lu. Their cancer and developmental science research reflects the future of science taking shape at the Graduate School.

It was a pleasure to host the 15th Annual Evening of Discovery last night, where nine students shared their research and passion for advancing human health. An inspiring evening that highlighted the talent, curiosity, and dedication of our next generation of scientists. @mda-uthgrad.bsky.social

It was a pleasure to welcome Dr. Melina Kibbe, President of UTHealth Houston, to the Graduate School. We appreciated the thoughtful discussions and the chance to share how our partnership with UTHealth Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center continues to drive innovation in research and training.

Proud to share about the Kopchick Fellowships. Thanks to the Kopchicks for their generosity and commitment to our students, and to Dr. Huda Zoghbi for her Kopchick Symposium address, and dedication to mentoring. Congratulations to Stephen Farmer on his future postdoctoral work in the Zoghbi Lab.

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 5mo ago

As new Kopchick Fellows are named, we are sharing a brief series highlighting the leadership and impact of the fellowship. Our first features the Kopchicks, Huda Zoghbi, MD, and Fellow, Stephen Farmer, whose neurodegenerative disease research continues this fall in the Huda Zoghbi Lab. More to come.

Visitation weeks are energizing for me, to personally welcome prospective students from as far away as Mexico City, who could become the next generation of scientists trained here. Also, to see our student volunteers and others helping our visitors get the most from their visits. #WeAreGSBS

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Our Graduate School community welcomed 44 applicants this week. Listen to what our student ringleaders have to say about their own experiences as they guide potential students during their visit. Welcome all — we’re happy you are considering us! For more about us visit gsbs.uth.edu. #WeAreGSBS

Our new work shows that live E. faecium reduces motor neuron degeneration and improves locomotion in a C. elegans ALS model. Protective effects depend on the induction of cytochrome P450 genes regulated by the intestinal nuclear hormone receptor NHR-86: journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...

A gut-activated NHR-86–CYP pathway mediates the neuroprotective effects of Enterococcus faecium probiotics in a nematode model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Probiotics can influence neuronal health, but how microbial signals are translated into neuroprotective host responses remains poorly understood. This study shows that Enterococcus faecium activates a...

journals.plos.org

Students from several GSBS programs joined me for the first Lunch with the Dean of 2026 yesterday — it was a great opportunity to talk with them about the importance of mentorship, lab environments, and building a strong foundation for research and career growth. #WeAreGSBS

Circadian timing shapes infection outcomes. In our new paper, we show that baseline inflammatory state—measurable before infection—strongly predicts which individuals will survive a bacterial challenge. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Circadian-shaped immune variability predicts infection outcome

Basal immune state under circadian control predicts infection outcome, and clock gene perturbation shifts survival patterns.

science.org

This brief explanation from Candise about her work with Dr. Bernard to find new ways of treating pancreatic cancer is a powerful example of how our students help others understand the impact of our research. Great pitch!

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Our elevator pitch series, created to share award winning pitches from Graduate Student Research Day, concludes with Cancer Biology PhD student Candise Tat, who explains how copper may hold clues to defeating pancreatic cancer. 🎥 Watch to see how a little change could make a big difference.

I had the pleasure of joining our Graduate Student Association this afternoon for a thoughtful town hall discussion. What I appreciated most was the openness of the conversation — hearing directly from students about their experiences. Our goal is simple: to help every student succeed. #WeAreGSBS

Listen to what our graduate students are saying. Terrific advice for new trainees: manage your time, do not be afraid to ask for help, and make the most of Houston’s vibrant community. Great to see how our students build both science and life at the TMC

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 11mo ago

As our new students are one month in, experiencing the next phase of their academic journeys, not-so-new students in the Neuroscience program, Archit Gupta and Julia Langman, offer some advice for getting acclimated to graduate school, The Medical Center, and Houston! #WeAreGSBS

Impressive work from one of our Medical Physics PhD candidates. Elevator pitch a great analogy: just as pilots train on simulators before flying, his research uses AI to give future doctors a safe space to practice radiation oncology skills. A great example of GSBS innovation improving cancer care.

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 11mo ago

We’re kicking off our elevator pitch series — created to share award winning pitches from Graduate Student Research Day — with Medical Physics PhD candidate Skylar Gay! He mentioned it was an honor to watch his peers present their incredible research. Now he’s sharing his research with everyone!

Serving as Chair of MMI was one of the most rewarding roles of my career. The department is full of brilliant scientists tackling host–pathogen interactions from every angle. I can’t think of a better opportunity. And of course, doing it all in the natural beauty of the PNW doesn’t hurt.

Jonathan Pruneda@jnpruneda.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Come be my boss! We’re looking for a passionate and supportive leader for our Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Research in MMI spans diverse models and systems of host-pathogen interactions. Come join us in the beautiful Pacific NW! facultycareers-ohsu.icims.com/jobs/35624/c...

Great start with our new students. Curious minds, strong values, real drive. Welcome to GSBS. #WeAreGSBS

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Sharing moments (photos) from last week’s new student orientation: https://loom.ly/pX_lQ30 While students learned about our programs, we got to know them better! Beyond studying biomedical sciences, they like to raise chickens, play basketball, build gadgets, and practice martial arts! #WeAreGSBS

Excited to welcome the new class of students to the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences! I look forward to seeing the science you will create, and the impact you will have on the future of biomedical research. @mda-uthgrad.bsky.social

Exciting week! We're thrilled to meet the newest members of our community.

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · 12mo ago

We're off to a smashing start to orientation week! We look forward to getting to know our students from everywhere who speak multiple languages, love to make Matcha, play piano, design clothes, are raising twins, a cat named Tigger, a rooster: RuPaul, and much more! #WeAreGSBS

Thanks to our Program Directors for all they’ve done for the GSBS and their dedication and leadership!

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last yr.

It was a celebration!🎉Outgoing program directors William Margolin, PhD – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, PhD – Immunology, were honored last week by students, faculty, and staff — thanks to them and Traver Hart, PhD – Quantitative Sciences, for supporting students!

I’m pleased to help introduce our Paper of the Month series — a great way for researchers and anyone interested in science to learn more about our work to advance healthcare.

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last yr.

Learn about the key advancements utilizing stem cell technology that could drive future cancer research and the development of therapies in our June “Paper of the Month” Decoding cancer etiology with cellular reprogramming: loom.ly/bxjXpj0 #WeAreGSBS #CancerResearch

Congratulations again, to Molly Bray! It was an honor to present her with this award at our commencement. Dr. Bray is an outstanding role model for our young scientists. #WeAreGSBS

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last yr.

🎉 Honoring Molly S. Bray, PhD ’98, our 2025 Distinguished Alumna! Bray returned to the Graduate School to share how mentorship, curiosity, and embracing change shaped her career — and why today’s graduates are uniquely prepared to lead. 👉 Read more about her inspiring message loom.ly/YGnbFdg

It’s great to see Heather's research in the spotlight. Her NIH-supported research reflects the kind of curiosity and commitment that drives scientific discovery and improves human health. We look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in the field of neuroscience. #WeAreGSBS

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last yr.

Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong’s research on brain and neurodegeneration is supported partly by a National Institutes of Health grant awarded early this year. Learn about her research and how this award supports her interest in cellular neuroscience and human health at loom.ly/stRWjds.

Proud of the three students who presented their research at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Town Hall today and answered questions about their important work to better understand brain and colorectal cancer, embryonic development and fertility challenges. Thanks for your dedication to science!

Today’s commencement reminded me what it looks like when a community stands behind science. In these uncertain times, when funding is tight and priorities shift, I’m inspired by our students’ perseverance, families' support, and faculty dedication. The future of biomedical science is in good hands!

Grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the research, resilience, and rising talent that define the GSBS. I remain proud that our school is not just holding steady—we’re growing. Thanks to the support of our donors and institutional partners.

Another opportunity to celebrate our students' commitment to leadership as part of their journey. Takese, Bhargavi, Zeph, and Larissa, your commitment to becoming thoughtful leaders as well as strong researchers is inspiring. Congratulations to each of you! #FutureLeaders #WeAreGSBS

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last yr.

Congratulations to students Takese McKenzie, Bhargavi Brahmendra Barathi, Zeph Kaffey, and Larissa Tavizon (pictured with leadership coach Dustin Peterson) on completing the university-wide UTHealth Leads program in preparation for becoming future leaders as well as strong researchers! #WeAreGSBS

Had a great time last night at the Deans’ Dinner for the UTHealth Student InterCouncil. Proud to be there with our GSBS representatives—grateful for their dedication to student leadership and for representing our school so well. #WeAreGSBS #UTHealth #StudentLeadership

Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2025 was full of special moments with our students, and we are already looking forward to creating more next year! #WeAreGSBS #GSAW2025 #GraduateStudentAppreciationWeek @mda-uthgrad.bsky.social

Every gift from our donors makes a difference in advancing biomedical science — one student and one breakthrough at a time. We greatly appreciate your support.

MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School@mda-uthgrad.bsky.social · last yr.

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to #UTHealthHoustonGivingDay on April 8! In just 24 hours, we raised an impressive $8,275 from 19 donors! Your generosity today is shaping tomorrow’s health care — thank you for your incredible support in helping us build a brighter, healthier future! #WeAreGSBS

It's #UTHealthHoustonGivingDay and we’re on a mission to make a big impact in a short amount of time. Whether you’re making a gift, sharing our message, or cheering us on, I hope you will join me in supporting breakthroughs in biomedical science. Every gift makes a difference at go.uth.edu/GDGSBS25.