iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Orientation Week 2026 is underway. This morning, I welcomed our new students to GSBS and walked them through the week ahead: academic and degree overviews, advising sessions, the President's Symposium, program sessions, mentoring, and career development. Welcome to GSBS. We are glad you are here.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

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.

go.uth.edu

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

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.

Dean Aballay standing with students Jacob Mattia, left, and Kaylene Lu, right, at the board meeting.

Dean Aballay sitting with Jacob Mattia and Kaylene Lu during the board meeting panel discussion.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

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

Kevin Morano, PhD; Carin Hagberg, MD; Sharon Dent, PhD; standing with Dean Alejandro Aballay, PhD.

PhD student Julianna Quinn standing with Dean Alejandro Aballay, PhD, presenting her research poster.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

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/...

science.org

Circadian-shaped immune variability predicts infection outcome

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

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!

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

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!

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

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!

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

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

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

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.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Big day! Congratulations to our MD/PhD students on your matches — enjoy your residencies at these universities across the country.

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

We are pleased to welcome MD Anderson Cancer Center scientist and educator Francesca Cole, PhD, as our new associate dean for academic affairs! She is pictured fourth from left in the Cole Laboratory. Read more at go.uth.edu/FrancescaCole-AssociateDean-AcademicAffairs @francescacole.bsky.social

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Alejandro Aballay, PhD @aaballay.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

It's great to see our students thriving in their labs. Keep up the fantastic work on cancer research, Andrea! #cancerresearch

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