🔬 Why do some triple-negative breast cancers respond to chemotherapy while others do not? For November’s Paper of the Month, UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Science PhD candidate Kate Cho explores research co-authored by Graduate School alumnus Yun Yan, PhD ’25, and published in Nature. Conducted during Yan’s PhD training in the lab of Nicholas Navin, PhD, at UT MD Anderson, the research maps cancer cells and their surrounding tumor environment, revealing cellular and spatial patterns linked to chemotherapy response. Now a postdoctoral researcher in the Navin Lab, Yan continues to pursue research with the potential to address clinical challenges and improve patient care. Read Cho’s look at Yan's research and its potential impact: gsbs.uth.edu/news/story/mapp… #WeAreGSBS #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston #PaperOfTheMonth #BreastCancerResearch

🧬 Exploring what’s possible with advanced single-cell data analysis and agentic AI. Alongside presentations from 10x Genomics trainers, Graduate School PhD students Cole Ruoff and Fabiola Ester Lujan brought two different research questions to a recent advanced single-cell data analysis and agentic AI workshop hosted by the Association of Science Communication in collaboration with the Biomedical Data and AI-Driven Decision Sciences Program and 10x Genomics. Ruoff shared his work using single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate tumor heterogeneity in metastatic prostate cancer and its relationship to clinical progression. Lujan presented research examining how CAMKK2 may influence the tumor immune microenvironment and drive prostate cancer progression. Their research spotlights put the workshop’s tools into context, showing how single-cell approaches can help researchers examine cancer at greater depth. Thank you to 10x Genomics for partnering with us to create this opportunity for Graduate School PhD students to learn from peers and experts and apply new approaches to their research. #WeAreGSBS #CancerResearch #SingleCell

We’re grateful to Graduate School alumna BethLynn Maxwell, PhD ’80, JD, and Stephen Reed for their generosity and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists and innovators. #BiomedicalScience #UTHealthHouston #UTMDAnderson

What do current students wish they had known before their graduate school interviews? Find out tomorrow during our final Discover Biomedicine session this season, as Graduate School students share firsthand perspectives on the interview experience and Associate Dean of Graduate Education Cherilynn R. Shadding, PhD, offers guidance on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your interview. Join us tomorrow at 3 p.m. and bring your questions! 🔗 Register: gsbs.uth.edu/admissions/recr… #WeAreGSBS #DiscoverBiomedicine #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston

🎃 Halloween, but make it MicroBOOology. We’re spotlighting one of the Graduate School’s Halloween traditions with the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, where this year’s “Mutant Mayhem” theme brought out some seriously creative entries in their annual costume and door-decorating contests. Congratulations to the contest winners — and thanks to everyone who brought “Mutant Mayhem” to life! 🕷️🧫 #WeAreGSBS #MicroBOOology #Microbiology #InfectiousDiseases @MIDatGSBS

🌊 Earlier this month, the Molecular and Translational Biology Program took science to the Boardwalk for their Fall Retreat at Kemah. Student and faculty talks put research in the spotlight, while interactive breakout groups brought both together to exchange perspectives on publishing and grant writing, career paths, navigating the first year, and troubleshooting experiments. The program community and first-year students also heard from keynote speaker Kristin Eckel-Mahan, PhD, program director and recipient of the 2026 John P. McGovern Award for Outstanding Teaching — with time to enjoy the Boardwalk and connect beyond the science.🧬 #WeAreGSBS #MolecularBiology #TranslationalResearch @MTBatGSBS

We’re grateful to Karin Loftin, PhD ’79, for creating new opportunities for students to build their expertise in immunology and microbiology while pursuing the scientific questions that interest them. #WeAreGSBS #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston #BiomedicalSciences #Microbiology #Immunology

Physics first led Zeph Kaffey, PhD ‘26, to astrophysics and the study of quasars. But she wanted to use what she knew to make a more direct impact on people — a realization that led her to the Medical Physics Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Kaffey found opportunities to grow beyond her research — taking on leadership roles, helping shape the student experience, and building a strong and supportive community alongside her peers. Now a 2026 Medical Physics PhD alumna, Kaffey is continuing her training through a clinical residency at the University of California San Diego, where she is building expertise in radiation oncology physics and taking on an increasingly direct role in patient care. Read more about Kaffey’s path from graduate school to clinical residency: go.uth.edu/ZephKaffeyPhDBuil… #WeAreGSBS #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston #MedicalPhysics #TMC #TexasMedicalCenter

🧬 The Genetics and Epigenetics Program community came together for science and seasonal fun at Friday’s Fall Retreat. Students and faculty explored ideas and questions together during student research talks and a poster session — congratulations to the award winners! UTHealth Houston speakers included Yogesh Srivastava, PhD, senior research scientist in Health Informatics, who discussed AlphaFold; and keynote speaker Paul Trainor, PhD, an internationally recognized leader in craniofacial genetics and developmental biology, who joined McGovern Meical School’s Department of Pediatrics earlier this year. Postdoctoral and faculty presenters also shared perspectives on navigating the next step from PhD training to a career. Along with the Houston Club’s stunning 49th-floor view, Halloween costumes, pumpkin painting, and traditional karaoke created lasting memories, thanks to planning by retreat committee! #WeAreGSBS #Genetics #Epigenetics @UTGSBSGnE

🥼 Our Lab Coat Ceremony earlier this month gave us a chance to catch up with two second-year students for a brief look at what’s ahead. Medical Physics PhD student Grace Nehring is working with Clifton Fuller, MD, PhD, using quantitative MRI biomarkers to help personalize radiation therapy and reduce side effects, while making time outside the lab for Macy — the rescue dog she recently adopted. Immunology PhD student Bingsong Zeng joined the lab of Ken Chen, PhD, to explore how physics-informed AI could help tackle complex questions in immunology. Hear what they’re looking forward to as they settle into their labs, work alongside their mentors and take on new research questions. #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston #Immunology #MedicalPhysics #WeAreGSBS @ImmunologyGSBS

Your next step starts with insights from those who’ve been in your shoes. 💡 At next week's GSBS 2026 Alumni Career Symposium: Building Your Future, hear from Graduate School alumni about the skills and experiences that shaped their careers. Through two virtual sessions, explore the skills shaping the future of biomedicine and learn how communication, collaboration and professional relationships can help you navigate career opportunities and grow beyond your technical expertise. Then, continue the conversation in person with alumni career spotlights, a networking dinner and keynote from Yolanda (Yoli) Sanchez, PhD, the Graduate School’s 2026 Distinguished Alumna. 🔗 Register: go.uth.edu/2026-AlumniCareer… #WeAreGSBS #BuildingYourFuture #2026GSBSAlumniCareerSymposium

🧠 From emerging research questions to projects further along in discovery, the Neuroscience Fall Symposium showcased student science across stages of training. Pre- and post-candidacy student presentations and a poster session highlighted the range of research taking shape across the program, with students discussing their work alongside faculty and peers. The day also welcomed keynote speaker Cristian Lasagna-Reeves, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine. Congratulations to our poster award winners and all of the students who shared their research! 👏 #WeAreGSBS #Neuroscience @NeuroMDAUTH

🎓 Considering an MS in Biomedical Sciences? Learn what your path could look like at UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Join us today at 3 p.m. for our weekly Discover Biomedicine program to hear from Director of Curriculum and Faculty and Development Wassim Chehab, PhD, and Genetics and Epigenetics PhD student Renee Rubiano, MS, as they share insights into the application process, program requirements and the benefits of pursuing an MS degree. 🔗 Register and find all sessions: gsbs.uth.edu/admissions/recr… #WeAreGSBS #DiscoverBiomedicine #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston

What does a tailored suit have to do with radiation therapy? Medical Physics PhD student Diana Carrasco Rojas uses the analogy in her award-winning scientific elevator pitch to explain a complex challenge: how to adapt radiation treatment as a patient’s body changes — and ensure that technology can be used safely in clinical trials. Carrasco Rojas, who is mentored by Paige Taylor, PhD, assistant professor at UT MD Anderson’s Department of Radiation Physics, received first-place and People’s Choice awards in the Post-candidacy PhD Elevator Pitch Contest at the UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student Research Day (GSRD) earlier this year. Our students’ award-winning GSRD pitches present complex science in 90 seconds. 🎥 Watch Carrasco Rojas’s pitch and read about her path to medical physics: go.uth.edu/CarrascoRojasPitc… #WeAreGSBS #MedicalPhysics #ScientificElevatorPitch #UTMDAnderson #UTHealthHouston

Considering a PhD in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases? Meet the faculty and students who can tell you more. 🔬