UTMB Announcements for 1/7/2026

UTMB Women’s Resource Group Presents

Relationality, Leadership, and Vocation
with Dr. Camille Aubrey Mica

 Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
 Location: Microsoft Teams

 Topic Highlight:
Mutuality and Other Qualities Involved in Growth-Promoting Relationships

Why Attend?

• Discover how relationality shapes effective leadership
• Learn strategies for fostering growth-promoting relationships
• Engage with thought-provoking insights from Dr. Mica

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!
👉 Join us on Microsoft Teams: [Link]

Let’s empower each other through knowledge and collaboration.

Hosted by: UTMB Women’s Resource Group

Office of Information Security - Network Security will be upgrading Cisco ISE between 8 PM and midnight on Thursday, Jan 8. There may be slight delays connecting to the network during this process.

A pair of glasses were found in C Lot on Monday, January 5th. They have been turned in to the UTMB Police.

Please call the non-emergency line to schedule a pick up at (409)772-2691. 

🎆 New Year. New Opportunities. New Leadership Path.

This year, don’t just set goals — set direction.

UTMB’s 100% online Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy – Degree Advancement Program empowers working Registered Respiratory Therapists to elevate their careers and shape the future of respiratory care.

Whether your interests lie in education, research, or operational practice, our flexible program is designed to meet you where you are — and take you where you want to go.

⏳ Designed for Working RRTs

• 100% online and flexible
• Complete in 2–3 years
• Advance your career while continuing to care for patients

✅ Program Requirements

All you need is:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field
• A current RRT credential
• A 2.75 GPA or higher

💸 Invest in Your Future

• Up to $5,250 per year in potential tuition reimbursement that may cover up to half of in-state tuition (check with your HR department)
• Scholarship opportunities available
• Graduates report stepping into advanced roles with an average salary increase of $12,000 per year

Make this the year you choose leadership, impact, and possibility.

👉 Click here to apply: https://ahcas.cas.myliaison.com

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of a non-invasive, low-intensity brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on locomotor skill learning and training. We wish to look at how tDCS impacts learning and overall motor function in people with chronic stroke.

We are looking for adults who had a stroke at least 6 months and can walk safely with or without an assistive device (ex. cane) for more than 100 feet.

All participants will be compensated for their time!

PI: Shih-Chiao Tseng, PT, PhD shtseng@utmb.edu 409-772-9555

The Library is pleased to offer classes to support faculty and staff in their roles as educators. Please register in advance by clicking on the class date.

Copyright for Educators

When developing and using online materials it is important to understand some copyright principles. Your potential use of existing work is bound by copyright law, and your own work is protected by these same rules. Be aware that copyright law is extremely complex, and there are seldom simple answers to copyright questions. This course is designed to give an introduction to, and raise awareness of, copyright principles.

• Tuesday, January 13 from noon-1 pm - Moody Medical Library Carruth Room (233)
• Wednesday, January 21 from 4-5 pm - Micorsoft Teams (link sent in confirmation email)

If you are interested in this topic, but the class dates don't meet your schedule, contact your Library Liaison or use Ask a Librarian to arrange a session for you or a group.

Join the Microsoft Power Platform User Group at UTMB!

Start the new year by building smarter solutions with the Microsoft Power Platform. Gain hands-on experience with AI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, and learn how to streamline work, automate processes, visualize data, and harness AI to transform the way you work.

💡 As a member of this group, you’ll learn how to:

• Build apps and automations — no coding required

• Gain hands-on experience creating workflows and automations to solve real-world business needs

• Train AI models using AI Builder, including extracting data from forms, invoices, receipts, and unstructured text

• Connect Microsoft Forms, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and more through automation

• Create interactive Power BI dashboards and gain real-time insights from your data

• Stay current with the latest Microsoft technologies and platform updates

• Learn how to prepare for and earn Microsoft certifications

👉 No coding experience is required — just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn.

📅 Meeting Schedule:

• Monthly Meet-Up: Join us every 2nd Wednesday at 11 AM via Microsoft Teams to learn from presentations, demos, and experiences shared by colleagues across UTMB.

• IDEA Exchange: Every 3rd Tuesday at 11 AM, a collaborative forum designed to promote innovation and ideation by sharing what’s working, what’s not, and exploring creative ways to use the Microsoft Power Platform to solve real business challenges.

👉 Request to join the group here → JOIN LINK! 

The Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine

Graduate Program presents:

Translational Research Seminar Series

"Frailty and Osteoporosis Among Mexican American Older Adults over 21-Years of Follow-Up: Nativity Differences"

Yammile Vargas Gonzalez

Scholarly Concentration in Translational Research MD Candidate

Mentor: Dr. Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Health Education Center 3.206

Already hold a bachelor's or graduate degree? Take the next step in your professional journey with the Online Public Health Certificate from the School fo Public and Population Health (SPPH).
 

• Flexible & Online: Designed for working professionals.
   
• 14 Credit Hours: Complete in just 3 semesters (Fall - 7 hrs, Spring - 4 hrs, Summer - 3 hrs).
   
• Foundational Knowledge: Courses cover the core Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum.
   
• Future Opportunities: Credits may transfer into the MPH program if completed within 5 years.
   
• Career Growth: Ideal for individuals seeking to expand job opportunities or gain a strong foundation in public health.

Learn more and apply today: Public Health Graduate Certificates

Discover fresh perspectives and actionable insights through our Meet the Research Expert seminar series, presented as part of the Advancing Research through Mentorship program. Each session brings forward distinguished researchers who share their expertise, innovative methodologies, and lessons learned from the front lines of scientific discovery. Whether you are seeking inspiration, professional guidance, or new collaborations, this series offers a valuable opportunity to learn from leaders across a wide range of disciplines.

Speaker: Dr. Brian Downer

Time: 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Location: HEC 3.201

Register here: https://utmb.questionpro.com/t/AbwAJZ7kTM

We look forward to your participation.

The Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences is looking for Healthy Adult Volunteers

· 18-49 years old

· No previous Pneumonia Vaccine (Prevnar, Pneumovax)

· Interested in taking part in a Phase I, First in Human, Pneumococcal Vaccine Study

· Able to attend 9 in-clinic visits and be available for 4 telephone calls over approximately 13 months

For information contact Andrea Baker, BSN Email: anebaker@utmb.edu sivsctp@utmb.edu

FOR STUDENTS AND POSTDOCTORAL TRAINEES

January 23^rd 2026,10 AM to 2:30 PM

Science Funding, Politics, and Advocacy

A Workshop Led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)  

Join us on January 23^rd 2026 for the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop. CASE is a highly sought-after opportunity for scientists and researchers to gain valuable skills and insights in advocating for and understanding the science policy landscape. CASE workshops have drawn thousands of students over the past decade, educating them about the role of science in policymaking and to empower them with ways to become a voice for research throughout their careers. Students who participate in the workshop will learn about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations process, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement.

UTMB Pediatrics Grand Rounds

Friday, January 9, 2026, 8:00 – 9:00 AM (Central Time)

Virtual: Microsoft Teams

 Meeting ID: 238 797 928 462 00; Passcode: bC9W7DH3

Dial in by phone

+1 409-240-0721,,676443728#

Frances Lee, MD

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Department of Pediatrics

University of Texas Medical Branch

Celiac Disease in the Pediatric Patient

Objectives: Following this session, participants should be able to

• Understand how celiac disease can present in a pediatric patient
• Order the correct screening tests for suspected celiac disease in a pediatric patient
• Know the basics about the gluten-free diet

UTMB is distributing personalized impact statements to support employees with the transition to the MyPTO Maximization Program. The statement will be sent to your UTMB email address from mypto@utmb.edu, and it will provide an overview of your enrollment option and how your previously accrued PTO and EIB hours will be managed under the new program.

You are encouraged to take a few minutes to review your statement once it arrives. It’s a quick way to understand what you can expect moving forward. Please note that the statement is for informational purposes only and is not a policy document. It reflects data available as of the dates referenced, and actual balances in Kronos may differ.

For questions about your statement, contact the HR Support Team at mypto@utmb.edu, (409) 772-2630, or (866) 996-8862. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may also visit the MyPTO Maximization Program website at any time for additional information and resources to help you navigate the program, including fact sheets, FAQs, PTO planning tools, and more.

Max Out Your Benefits
Your coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas includes tools and resources to help you stay informed and in control of your UT SELECT medical plan. One of the tools, Blue Access for Members^SM, is a secure online platform that provides 24/7 access to your plan information. Once you set up an account, you can check the status of your claims, view and print Explanation of Benefits, find in-network providers, compare costs for common services, request replacement ID cards, and sign up for helpful email and text alerts. Click here to register and begin using your account today.

On Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Moody Medical Library, the UTMB Police Department will be conducting "free basic" Bicycle Maintenance. The maintenance provided includes air in the tire and oil on the chain. The UTMB PD will also register bicycles. Registering bicycles helps to deter bicycle theft and it also aids law enforcement in the recovery of lost/stolen bicycles. Those registering their bicycles will receive a free U-lock and lights for their bicycles (while supplies last). The service will be held at 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and is provided to all UTMB Students, Faculty, and Staff. All are required to have valid identification and their UTMB ID badge. If you have any questions, please contact Corporal Dorsey at 409-772-2691.