UTMB Announcements for 4/13/2026

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

Greater Gulf Coast Translational Science Alliance (GGCTSA)

Request for Applications: Alliance Pilot Awards

Applications Due: May 20, 2026

Award Period: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027

The Greater Gulf Coast Translational Science Alliance (GGCTSA), through the Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS) at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), will provide pilot funding for joint projects among its Alliance partners – UTMB, Houston Methodist (HM), Texas Southern University (TSU), and the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL). These awards will provide funding and expertise to address challenges commonly found in patients from Southeast Texas that impact overall health and well-being.

Up to two awards ($50,000 each) are available to support investigator-initiated studies. The primary goal is to use pilot funds for future extramurally funded joint collaborative projects. Priority will be given to innovative projects that address emergency preparedness, safety and effectiveness, and removal of barriers to advance clinical translational research. More specifically, the joint projects must address a translational science question so that generalizable solutions can further research. Projects must also include a plan for team science (see RFA for more information). The proposed project must be for a new pilot study and therefore must differentiate from existing funding.

Innovative solutions need to address key issues that involve public health, emergency preparedness, and removal of barriers to enhance the science of translation. The proposal needs to justify how the project will address translational science challenges. Eligible projects can include in vitro, in silico, animal studies, and clinical studies, as well as bench-top testing of new diagnostics or therapeutics.

Who should apply?

This is a collaborative project that must include Co-PIs from at least two Alliance partner institutions. Faculty from any partner institution can apply. Only one application can be submitted from the same Co-PI team. Priority will be given to projects with established working relationships, e.g., collaborative teams.

For more information and complete submission instructions, please download the RFA here. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026. Late and/or incomplete applications and applications not following the specified format will not be reviewed.

Questions? Email us at CTSA@utmb.edu.

Greater Gulf Coast Translational Science Alliance (GGCTSA)

Request for Applications: Mentored Pilot Awards

Applications Due: May 20, 2026

Award Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

The Greater Gulf Coast Translational Science Alliance (GGCTSA), through the Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS) at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), will provide pilot funding for joint projects among its Alliance partners – UTMB, Houston Methodist (HM), Texas Southern University (TSU), and the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL). These awards will provide funding to address challenges commonly found in patients from Southeast Texas that impact overall health and well-being.

Four awards of $25,000 each are available to support a mentor and mentee at each Alliance partner institution. Priority will be given to projects that address emergency preparedness, safety and effectiveness, and removal of barriers to advance clinical translational research. More specifically, projects must address a translational science question so that generalizable solutions can further research and must also include a plan for team science (see RFA for more information). The proposed project must be for a new pilot study and therefore must differentiate from any existing funding.

Innovative solutions need to address key issues that involve public health, emergency preparedness, and removal of barriers to enhance the science of translation. The proposal needs to justify how the project will address translational science challenges. Eligible projects can include in vitro, in silico, animal studies, and clinical studies, as well as bench-top testing of new diagnostics or therapeutics.

Who should apply?

This is a pilot award for faculty who are new investigators (defined as having not received a R01 or equivalent award) interested in pursuing translational science. Faculty investigators (mentee) must identify a mentor and a co-mentor (note: co-mentors should be from a different Alliance partner institution). Only one application can be submitted from the same mentor-mentee team. Priority will be given to projects with established working relationships, e.g., previous relationships with a mentor.

For more information and complete submission instructions, please download the RFA here. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026. Late and/or incomplete applications and applications not following the specified format will not be reviewed.

Questions? Email us at CTSA@utmb.edu.

Meet the Department of Biostatistics & Data Science Experts 

Meet the Experts (Series 3 of 4): 

Join us April 16th, 2026, 12pm-1pm, to meet Dr. Jiefei Wang 

Dr. Wang is a professor within The Department of Biostatistics & Data Science. He specializes in biostatistics with a focus on the development of novel statistical methods and translational research. His research interests include high-dimensional data analysis, Machine learning algorithms, and Natural language processing. Dr. Wang is actively involved in providing statistical support services to UTMB faculty, staff, and students, and he teaches graduate-level biostatistics courses. Please join us to see what we can help you with! 

Please save/add the zoom link to your calendar (Apr 16^th, 12-1PM):  

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613902137?pwd=vFEYqofLKHc6upYLgbQf8xzkAVsHqM.1

EMPOWERING RESEARCH THROUGH DATA-DRIVEN INNOVATION 

The Department of Biostatistics & Data Science at UTMB provides expert consulting and collaborative research in biostatistics, data science, AI, and biomedical informatics. Our faculty develop cutting-edge computational methods to transform complex health data into actionable insights, offering support in AI/ML, big data, biomedical NLP, clinical informatics, and advanced analytics. Partner with us for tailored consulting, research collaboration, and training to accelerate your discoveries. Join our seminar series to learn how you can access our services 

OUR EXPERTISE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDES: 

· AI & ML MODEL DEVELOPMENT 

· PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS 

· BIG DATA INTEGRATION & COMPUTING 

· BIOMEDICAL NLP RESEARCH SUPPORT 

· VISUAL ANALTICS & NETWORK MODELIN 

· CLINICAL INFORMATICS & ONTOLOGY DESIGN 

· CLINICAL DATA MANAGEMENT 

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

Indulge in a Culinary Adventure at Our Cafe!

We're thrilled to serve our latest menu offerings that promise to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your culinary curiosity! Get ready to embark on a journey of flavor exploration with the freshest ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.

Click the link below to explore our tantalizing menu options for this week:

Food & Nutrition (utmb.edu)

The Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program Presents

“An Integrated Host-and-Pathogen Triage Strategy for Early Identification of Severe Lassa Fever”

By

Alexander Alvarado

PhD Student

Mentors: Courtney Woolsey, PhD and

Caitlin Cotter, DVM, MPH, PhD, Dipl. ACVPM

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Levin Hall 3.320

Pilot Project Funding Opportunity – Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health (GC-CPEH, P30ES030285)

Open to GC-CPEH Members and Investigators at BCM, UTMB, and UTHealth Houston

Click Here to Submit Your LOI via REDCap - Deadline: May 8, 2026!

Dear GC-CPEH Members and Investigators at BCM, UTMB, and UTHealth Houston,

We are pleased to announce the GC-CPEH Round 8 Pilot Project Awards, which offer up to $40,000 in direct costs to support innovative, one-year research projects in precision environmental health.  The projected funding period is July 15, 2026, through May 31, 2027.

This opportunity is open to faculty (Instructor level and above) at BCM, UTMB Galveston, and UTHealth Houston who are eligible to serve as PIs on federal grants.   Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) are strongly encouraged to apply.  We also encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues.

Projects should align with our mission to advance environmental health.  Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

·       Environmental exposure science and biomarker discovery

·       Genome and epigenome–environment interactions

·       Genomics, epigenomics, and comparative biology

·       Toxicology, epidemiology, and disease susceptibility

·       Bioinformatics, big data, and data science

·       Public and community health

·       Community Engagement Research

We especially welcome proposals led by junior investigators, interdisciplinary teams, and those that utilize the GC-CPEH Supported Facility Cores.  Center Core service costs may be covered up to 100% through the Center’s Matching Funds Core Utilization Program.

• Would you be Interested in collaborating with GC-CPEH members? Click here to view our member list.
• Would you like scientific guidance? Contact our Executive Committee Members.
• Do you have any questions about the Center's Matching Fund Core Utilization Program?  Contact @An Han, Heyreoun

Key Dates:

• LOI Deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026, by 11:00 PM CT. Click here to submit via REDCap
• In-person Oral Presentation (by invitation): June 26, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at BCM (Up to 12 applicants will be invited to submit full proposals and present to the GC-CPEH Internal Advisory Committee)

For the full announcement and submission details, please review the attached RFA or click here to view our Center’s announcement.

If you have any questions, contact the GC-CPEH Pilot Project Team (Casey Wright, cawright@utmb.edu or Madison Tanner, mgtanner@utmb.edu)

                                                            Topics:         1)Preparation for an FDA Audit 

                                                                                 2) Preparation for a Monitoring Visit

Speakers: Elizabeth Welch & Rachel L. Markley

              Clinical Research Coaches

              Research Administration

                Refreshments served

                  Tuesday, April 21, 2026  @ 12-1 pm

        Via: (In Person) Research Bldg. #6 – 6.110 & MS Teams

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28927637117842?p=IE3mDkgmHnJRV8umDd

Meeting ID: 289 276 371 178 42

Passcode: qC3MD3nS

Need help? |System reference

Dial in by phone

+1 409-240-0721,,760389339# United States, Beaumont

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 760 389 339#

For organizers: Meeting options |Reset dial-in PIN

________________________________________________________________________________

Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement (MSRT-DA) Program
For Registered Respiratory Therapists Ready for More

Advance into leadership, expand your clinical expertise, and position yourself for greater career and earning opportunities with UTMB’s 100% online MSRT-DA Program.

⏱ Complete in 2–3 years
🌐 Fully online and flexible for working professionals
💼 $12,000+ average annual salary increase reported

Admission Requirements:
✔ Bachelor’s degree (any field)
✔ Current RRT credential
✔ Minimum GPA of 2.75

💡 Tuition Support Available:
Up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement for many benefits-eligible employees

Scholarship opportunities for accepted students

🌐 Invest in your future—and expand your impact in healthcare worldwide

👉 Apply Today | Learn More

A New Research Study at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) for Adults Ages 55–70  

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is FDA-approved for weight loss—but could it also slow aging and improve your energy, mobility, and brain health? 

We are enrolling adults 55–70 for a study testing if tirzepatide (Zepbound)—a weight-loss medication—can also slow biological aging. Get compensated. Help us shape the future of healthy aging. 

Learn more: https://utmb.us/e2b 

Thomas Blackwell, MD, FACP and Alan Landay, PhD are the Principal Investigators of this study.

Speak with a study coordinator to find out if you qualify and what to expect.

For information about eligibility and participation, contact the UTMB Clinical Research Center.

Phone: (409) 772-1218

Each week the Pastoral Care Department brings you a Moment of Hope and a weekly anchor to encourage you.

Weekly Anchor ⚓

Today’s Anchor highlights Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi or Mesadi or Basoa, that marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on 13 April or 14 April. It is seen as a spring harvest celebration primarily in Punjab and Northern India. 

"May the divine light renew our spirits,bring together our communities in peace,joy, and prosperity. Let us celebrate the harvest of our efforts and walk forward with hope, compassion, and shared service to humanity. Blessings!"

Moment of Hope

🦻Listen to today's Moment of Hope entitled “A Reflection for Strength and Courage,” by Simon John, Chaplain at UTMB’s Clearlake campus. We pray it encourages you today.

Date:  Thursday, Apr 16, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Place:  Rebecca Sealy 5.100

Who:  All

Speaker: Presenter: Lee Fisher, PhD
Associate Professor & Assistant Vice Chair for Research
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
University of Pittsburgh

Summary: More than 1.5 million people in the United States have undergone a leg amputation, and many experience poor balance, frequent falls, and chronic phantom limb pain due to the loss of sensation from the missing limb. Restoring this sensation is a major challenge in improving mobility and quality of life. This talk will focus on how researchers are developing new neurotechnologies to restore sensation to people with limb amputation using spinal cord stimulation. By generating sensations that feel as if they come from the missing foot and linking them to sensors on a prosthetic limb, this approach aims to help the brain experience the prosthesis as an integral part of the body. The talk will also describe the translational pathway that combines pre-clinical animal research with human clinical trials. Animal studies are essential for understanding spinal cord anatomy, testing new electrode designs, and safely advancing these technologies. These studies highlight the critical role of animal research in developing therapies that improve balance, reduce phantom limb pain, and enhance quality of life after limb amputation.

The BRAD 2026 webinar is sponsored by Tecniplast.

RSVP: Research Education Calendar

UTMB Pediatrics Grand Rounds
Friday, April 17, 2026, 8:00 – 9:00 AM (Central Time)

In-Person: Research Bldg. 6, Room 2.312

Virtual: Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 251 676 170 929 62; Passcode: jy9pe9Rr

Dial in by phone

+1 409-240-0721,,185956585#

Surendra Sharma, MD, PhD

Professor

Basic Science & Translational Research

Department of OB/Gyn & Pediatrics

University of Texas of Medical Branch

Programming of Autism Spectrum Disorder

in the mother’s womb

Objectives: Following this session, participants should be able to

•  Learn about new experimental models to understand the pathophysiology of ASD.
• Address prediction and treatment of ASD.
• Learn about the current knowledge of causative factors for ASD.

The UTMB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation will hold our third annual Orthopaedic Research Forum on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Levin Hall on the Galveston Campus.

We invite anyone conducting musculoskeletal-related research to submit an abstract for consideration. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to present their research at the event.

The person submitting the abstract must be the presenting author. There is no registration fee. For abstract submission instructions and application: https://forms.office.com/r/MM3tDQL1eC.

 The submission deadline is April 20, 2026.

If you are:

Allergic to ragweed pollen, peanuts, tree nuts, or not allergic to any pollen

Older than 18 years old

Men and women

Have not received allergy shots

Are not taking an antihistamine within two weeks

Have been tested for allergy (skin tests or ImmunoCAP) within 6 month, or if not tested we can test by skin test

Are willing to donate 50 mL of blood (about 3 table spoons)

You may be eligible to participate in our study.

Successful participants will be compensated for their time and effort.

If interested, please contact

Terumi Midoro-Horiuti

(409) 772 3832

tmidoro@utmb.edu

Make images accessibile:
We often use images to enhance or support text in our emails, documents, etc.  As we've been learning, people access electronic information in different ways.  For images, this means people with blindness or low vision or other disabilities won't get the benefit of our images unless we add alternate (alt) text to describe them. Luckily, Microsoft makes it easy to add alt text to our images to make them accessible.

Give it a try:

1. Open Outlook and create a new email.
2. Add an image (copy and paste works).
3. Right-select the image.
4. Select Add alternate text from the menu.
5. Add a short description of the image (like you were describing it to someone in another room).
6. Select the OK button.
7. You've made your image more accessible!

Check back all week for more tips!

Stay tuned to the Digital Accessibility User Group on Teams for office hours throughout the week! 

Learn more and ask questions about:

• Title II
• Alt text to images
• Tips
• Resources, and more!

Join the Office of Faculty Development’s Faculty Leadership Collaborative (FLC): Mid-Career Bootcamp!

Nationally recognized experts in their fields will present and interact directly with faculty participants. Session topics include:

• Leadership: Presence & Self-Management
• Leading Organizational Change (Change Leadership)
• Managing and Mediating Conflict
• Strategic Thinking, Planning, and Negotiating
• Coaching, Mentorships, Reflections
• Creating a Leadership Future - Preparing for Transitions
• Finances & Funds Flow

Register, build your faculty networks, and claim continuing education credits for:

• Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• Dietetics
• Medical
• Nursing
• Physical Therapy
• Respiratory Care
• Social Work

Register today!FLC Mid-Career Bootcamp Registration

The Faculty Leadership Collaborative (FLC): Mid-Career Bootcamp

May 12 - 14, 2026 | 1PM – 4PM [CDT] each day via Zoom

Registration payments can be made via

• Department procard
• Personal credit card

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health is currently accepting applications for its K12 faculty training program, “Building Interdisciplinary Careers in Women’s Health”, for 1 new appointment that will become available on approximately August 1, 2026. This 2-year program allows scholars to devote 75% effort towards conducting research in women’s health or sex differences, and annually provides up to $100,000 in salary support and up to $50,000 for research expenditures.

Ideal candidates will have a good publication record demonstrating an interest in women's health or sex differences and a history of funding or demonstrated skills in obtaining research support. In addition, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1.       Have a PhD degree or clinical doctorate.

2.       Have completed all postgraduate training including a postdoctoral or clinical fellowship.

3.       Have no more than 8 years of research experience after their last doctoral degree. 

4.       Not be or have been a PD/PI on a Center (P50, P60, P20, P30, U54) grant or subproject of a Program Project (P01), individual career development (K-series) award, or independent research project grant awards (R01) or equivalent

5.       Hold rank of assistant professor (or be eligible to be appointed at the assistant professor level). 

6.       Be willing to spend at least 75% effort on research (50% for surgeon specialists).

7.       Be a US citizen or non-citizen permanent resident (Individuals on visas are not eligible). 

Interested candidates should visit the BIRCWH Application Process website for a full overview of the application process and instructions on how to apply. The deadline to apply is April 20, 2026.  A selection committee will review eligible applicants and invite those most qualified to interview further.

Join the Office of Faculty Development’s Advanced Careers in Academia, Life Leadership Collaborative, co-sponsored by the Sealy Center on Aging and OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) for a workshop on April 16, 2026!

Participants will leave with a framework for designing their retirement, beginning with understanding identity, purpose, and community.

This workshop will be facilitated by Kimberly A. Skarupski, PhD, MPH (University of Texas Medical Branch) and Jennifer 1a. Haythornthwaite, PhD (Johns Hopkins University).

Now offering Continuing Education Credits for:

• Dietetics
• Medical
• Nursing
• Social Work

Register today!CLICK HERE to Register for ACA 2026

Advanced Careers in Academia, (LLC) Life Leadership Collaborative

April 16, 2026 | 4PM – 6PM

Open Gates, 3^rd Floor Auditorium (Room 301) 

Make the most of your lunch break April 13–17 by joining Human Resources for our Financial Wellness Series: Building Wealth One Bite at a Time.

Whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, these webinars will provide valuable information to help you make confident financial decisions.

You’ll hear directly from UT System-approved providers about retirement planning strategies, investment options, and long-term financial goals — all while enjoying your lunch.

Click here to learn more and register for your preferred session!

COME OUT AND VISIT BEYOND BLING

AT THE CLEAR LAKE CAMPUS!

Beyond Bling Boutique offers lots of bling fashion jewelry ranging

from $3.00 - $25.00, including bracelets, charm necklaces, rings,

earrings, fashion headbands, bows, freshies, diffusers

(for your car), and wristlets as well.

MONDAY, APRIL 13^TH

TUESDAY, APRIL 14^TH

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15^TH

9:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

1^ST FLOOR – MAIN LOBBY

Credit cards, Debit cards, Cash App, and Venmo are accepted.

Proceeds benefit Patient and Volunteer programs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

🎗️ FREE Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Screening 🎗️

Early detection can save lives—don’t miss this important opportunity to get screened at no cost.

📅 April 15, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 UTMB – University Hospital Clinics

1005 Harborside Drive, 5th Floor

Galveston Texas 77550

Our experienced specialists will provide quick, painless screenings to detect early signs of oral, head, and neck cancer.

No appointment is needed—walk-ins are welcome!

💙 Take a step toward better health and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

As the title sponsor of the 33rd Annual Tour de Braz Bike Ride, University of Texas Medical Branch is offering complimentary registrations for team members!

Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, starting at Alvin Community College, and enjoy a scenic ride through Brazoria County. Routes are available for all experience levels, including 35, 47, 67, and 100 miles. Proceeds benefit the Alvin Volunteer Fire Department.

Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Tonya Visor - tfvisor@utmb.edu or Lori Blackwell - loblackw@utmb.edu today to receive the UTMB registration code and secure your spot!  

Team Science/Translational Science Webinar for Pilot Applicants

April 15, 2026    2:00pm – 3:00pm

The National Center for the Advancement of Translational Sciences (NCATS) emphasizes a critical distinction between translational research, which focuses on context-specific therapeutic areas towards, and translational science, which seeks to improve operational processes that facilitate translational discovery. This presentation will explore how investigators can align their pilot proposals with the goals of translational science in the context of the 2026-2027 Institute for Translational Science (ITS) Pilot Awards. In this presentation, we will clarify the distinction between translational science and translational research, provide examples of projects that illustrate this distinction, and engage the audience in a collaborative discussion to refine and workshop their project ideas in light of the funding call.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2447949527789?p=NXnv5xsw3WCKnp9Ssa

Meeting ID: 244 794 952 778 9

Passcode: Tx7ck7QY

Need help? | System reference

Dial in by phone

+1 409-240-0721,,615490331# United States, Beaumont

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 615 490 331#

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

New Texas Medical Board (TMB) Requirement: Senate Bill 31 (also known as “The Life of the Mother Act”) requires physician applicants and licensees who provide obstetric care to complete a one-time, TMB approved, mandatory continuing education (CE) course on pregnancy-related medical emergencies.

The Texas Campaign for Mothers is bringing Dr. Charles E. L. Brown, MD, MBA to UTMB to deliver the Texas Medical Board–approved physician education requirements under the Life of the Mother Act (SB 31). This interactive, case-based session will focus on the practical application of SB 31 in clinical care. Advance registration not required.

Date: April 15, 2026  Time: 8:00 AM
Location: UTMB – Research Bldg. 6, Room 2.312 or Teams
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22194136779545?p=q5g5JWHdXPIAxAcbjc
Meeting ID: 221 941 367 795 45
Passcode: kZ3oj278

Applicable Specialties
Maternal and Fetal Medicine 
Obstetrical Anesthesia 
Obstetrics and Gynecology 
Obstetrics
Obstetrics & Gynecological Surgery 
Critical Care Medicine (OBGYN) 
Emergency Medicine 
Family Practice - Emergency Med
Internal Med - Emergency Med
Family Medicine
Family Practice
Urgent Care - Family Practice

First in the Family (FIF) presents FIF Day, an annual event celebrating students and faculty that are the first in their families to pursue a career in medicine. Join us on Monday, April 20th from 12-1pm at Lee Hage Jamail Student Center- First Floor for a guest talk by Dr. Khan, provided lunch, and a group picture in front of Old Red. Come celebrate being FIF with us! RSVP to guarantee lunch.

RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/pXDedUmFf9

UTMB is launching the annual Research Centers and Institutes Seminar Series over the next several weeks. This year’s series highlights the collaborations, discoveries, and momentum shaping our research enterprise. Each session will showcase how our centers connect faculty across disciplines and help translate innovative ideas into meaningful impact.

Looking for collaborators, core resources, or seed funding?
Come explore what is available to our research community by seeing where faculty are already engaged and where new partnerships can grow, recognizing that our centers and institutes often serve as key entry points to funding and interdisciplinary work.

We invite the UTMB community to engage with the important work underway across our centers and institutes—and to explore the new opportunities ahead.

SAVE THE DATE

Research Center or Institute Presenting:

       1) Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA): 9:00AM-9:35AM

       2) Sealy Center of Structural Biology (SCSB): 9:40AM-10:15AM

Event: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Location: HEC Room 3.200/3.201

If you have any questions, please email gegianno@utmb.edu.

Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate these groups and the meaningful impact they have on advancing research at UTMB.

The Office of Faculty Development is pleased to invite you to a special professional development session featuring Dr. Jennifer Haythornthwaite, an internationally recognized scholar and mentor from Johns Hopkins University. Known for her outstanding contributions to education and mentorship, Dr. Haythornthwaite brings a wealth of experience guiding trainees and faculty across disciplines.

Please note, this session is for UTMB Faculty only.

In this engaging session, she will share practical, actionable strategies for building effective and sustainable mentoring relationships—supporting academic success, career advancement, and overall well-being.

Why Attend? This session is ideal for educators who are looking to:

• Strengthen their mentoring skills
• Develop more intentional mentoring structures within their programs
• Learn from a nationally respected leader in mentoring

Date: April 16th
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Location: Open Gates

Register now—space is limited:  https://utmb.questionpro.com/t/AbwAJZ8ObK

We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance your mentoring practice and connect with peers.

Join the Office of Faculty Development for a special session on mentoring basics for researchers with Dr. Jennifer Haythornthwaite from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Haythornthwaite is an internationally recognized scholar; she has over 200 peer-reviewed publications, 30 years of continuous NIH funding, and she is the co-founder of the United States Association for the Study of Pain. Her career exemplifies both research excellence and a deep commitment to mentoring. Drawing on her extensive record of NIH-funded work and her experience guiding trainees and junior faculty across disciplines, Dr. Haythornthwaite will share practical strategies for building effective, sustainable mentoring relationships that support rigorous science, career advancement, and well-being.

Please note, this session is for UTMB Faculty only.  

This session is ideal for investigators who want to strengthen their mentoring skills, create more intentional mentoring structures in their labs or programs, and learn from a leader who has successfully combined high-impact research with a track record of developing the next generation of academic researchers.

DATE: April 16^th

TIME: 1:30-3:00 pm

LOCATION: Open Gates! 

REGISTRATION:Space is Limited. Click here to register:  https://utmb.questionpro.com/t/AbwAJZ8ObQ

UTMB invites you to join us for the NetZero Summit 2026 on April 30th, 2026 in HEC 3.201 as we come together to advance sustainability, innovation, and environmental leadership across our campus community.

This Earth Day event will feature keynote remarks, speeches and panels and the presentation of the Green Lab Ambassador Awards. The Summit will highlight UTMB’s commitment to responsible research practices and our shared goal of achieving a net zero future.

Date: April 30th, 2026
Location: HEC 3.201

Time: 9:45 am - 12:00 pm
Check-in begins at 9:45 AM

Whether you are a student, researcher, faculty member, or staff, the NetZero Summit offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate sustainability achievements, and contribute to shaping UTMB’s environmental future.

🌱 Be part of the conversation. Be part of the solution.

Link to RSVP: NETZERO Summit 2026 at UTMB – Fill out form

Balance4Mobility: Effects of Walkasins ® Use on Clinical Outcomes of Gait and Balance Function in Individuals with Peripheral Neuropathy and Balance Problems

Are you at least 55 years old and have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy that is causing problems with your walking and balance? You may be eligible to enroll in a study that will test to see if the Walkasins®, a low-profile device you wear on your lower leg, can help you keep your balance better and walk better.

The study device used in this study is called Walkasins®. The main purpose of this study is to test whether Walkasins® can help people with peripheral neuropathy maintain their balance better. The researchers want to learn as much as they can about how Walkasins® might improve walking abilities for people with peripheral neuropathy.

You May Qualify If You

• Are at least 55 years old
• Able to complete all assessments without an assistive device (like a cane or walker)
• Have a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy Or have a diagnosis of chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, one-year post chemo
• Report walking and balance problems
• Have a foot size that fits the Walkasins
• Are willing to use the Walkasins® as instructed

Participation Involves

Undergo balance and walking tests, attend 4-5 in-person visits, participate in 5 study phone calls, keep track of your falls, and wear the Walkasins on a regular basis when you receive them. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Location

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), School of Health Professions (SHP), 1114 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550

A new, more modern institutional event calendar is being adopted by UTMB this month. Submissions to the current event calendar will stop being accepted on April 15; traffic to the original calendar will be redirected and the original tool will eventually be taken offline.

You can preview and post to the new calendar now. Events appear on the calendar homepage, can be embedded on other web pages, and shared through multiple channels. All UTMB community members can access the submission form, which is to be used for UTMB-sanctioned or university-related events.

Updated guidelines and user tips are now online and linked to the new calendar home page.
If you have questions about the new tool or transition, please share them with the event calendar team.

Efficacy and safety of nipocalimab in pregnancies at risk for severe HDFN: A Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo- Controlled, Double-Blind, Multicenter Study.

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an investigational medication in pregnancies at risk for severe HDFN.

The Azalea clinical trial is enrolling participants who:

• Have tested positive for red cell antibodies

• Have been diagnosed with HDFN in a prior pregnancy

• Are 18 to 45 years old and are currently pregnant (less than 18 weeks)

Additional eligibility criteria will be assessed by the study team.

All participants in the clinical trial will be reimbursed for study required travel and receive study required medical care at no cost and reimbursement for their participation.

Please contact the study team at obgynrsu@utmb.edu or lead clinical research coordinator: gusherna@utmb.edu

Earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) Biostatistics - 100% Online

Unlock a World of Possibilities

APPLY TODAY for FALL 2026

The UTMB School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) offers an online MPH program designed to equip you to apply statistical reasoning to population health and communicate findings for action. The program is 42 credit hours over five semesters with integrated coursework, computing, and practice-based projects.

Program Highlights:

• Public Health core plus advanced biostatistics
• Bias, confounding, random error; sample size & power
• Clean, transform & analyze data; address multiple testing
• Careers in government, NGOs, health systems, pharma, insurance, consulting

Why Choose SPPH?

• Low faculty-to-student ratio: Personalized attention for each student.
• Competitive tuition rates: Affordable and valuable education.
• Cutting-edge research: Engage in innovative public health research.
• Rich with community partners: Extensive networking and practical experience opportunities.
• Tuition assistances for employees: UTMB offers a tuition assistance program for employees.
• Learn from experts: Opportunities to collaborate with national and international leaders in public and population health.

Don't miss the opportunity to advance your career in public health

• Google Chrome is recommended, but any browser should work provided Flash in enabled.
• If paying by PO, select “Pay with PO#”. Please do not include taxes when paying with a PO. Please get with your department’s administrative support for assistance with submitting your PO.
• If paying online, select “Pay Online”.
• Your email address is required to receive a confirmation.
• Please note there will be a $40 late fee on all orders placed during late registration.
• Late registration opens March 30^th and closes April 19^th.

The Vesalius Osler Society is honored to be hosting the Willed Body Program Memorial on 4/30/2026 from 4:30-6:30 pm in HEC 2/206/2.220 to celebrate the individuals who selflessly donated their bodies to further medical education at UTMB. The event is open to all staff, faculty, and students that would like to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP using the following link by 4/17/26: https://forms.office.com/r/Q2G1B90QAP