UTMB Announcements for 1/9/2026

Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Study of Nipocalimab or IVIG in Pregnancies At Risk of Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) FREESIA-3

What is the purpose of the study?

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

The FREESIA-3 clinical trial is enrolling participants who:

• Are 18 to 45 years old

• Are pregnant with an estimated gestational age (based on ultrasound) from week 8 to

18 ^6/7

• Have a history of at least 1 prior pregnancy with FNAIT

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

Roberto Logroño, MD Award and Lectureship
for Professionalism in Healthcare

DEADLINE EXTENSION: CALL FOR STUDENT/FELLOW/TRAINEE NOMINATIONS

We recognize that winter break may have interfered with some student and trainee nominations. We are extending the application period for this group only until January 14^th for potential nominees that missed the cutoff.

Award
We seek nominations for the annual Roberto Logroño, MD Award and Lectureship for Professionalism in Healthcare for meritorious trainees (students, fellows, residents) of any of UTMB’s five schools: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Public and Population Health. This lectureship and award is given annually in memory of Roberto Logroño, M.D., a Tenured Professor and Director of Cytopathology in the Department of Pathology from 1997 until his unexpected death in 2006. Dr. Logroño exemplified many of the attributes of professionalism, including altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, honor and integrity, and respect for others.

This year’s award ceremony will celebrate UTMB exemplars of professionalism from the past (Dr. Logrono), the present (a faculty member), and the future (a trainee). The recipients of the Logrono award will be honored at a ceremony to be held in Spring 2025. Awardees will be asked to present their insight about professionalism.

Award Criteria
The nominee should be a UTMB student, resident, post-doctoral fellow or other trainee who is recognized for a high level of professionalism in their daily interactions and daily work. Desired features include but are not limited to

• Evidence of altruistic activities that benefit others (e.g., volunteer or pro bono service, advocacy)
• Demonstration of going above and beyond in service of patients, peers, and/or UTMB students (e.g., mentorship)
• Commitment to accountability, duty, and integrity (e.g., transparent communication, self-identifying mistakes or challenges and correcting them, actively seeking feedback to improve personally and professionally)
• Commitment to excellence (e.g., exemplary clinical/teaching/research practice, recognizing and promoting ethical innovation, ethical attitude and response in interactions, particularly in challenging situations).

Nominations
Students, faculty and staff may nominate a student/fellow/trainee candidate. Nominations should include a nomination letter (maximum 500 words) describing in detail, with specific examples, how the candidate exemplifies the principles of professionalism in daily interactions with members of the UTMB and/or surrounding community. The nomination packet should also include the candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV) and up to two (2) additional letters of support (maximum 500 words each) from peers, mentors, faculty members, or staff members who are well acquainted with the candidate. Nomination packets that exceed the word or letter counts will not be reviewed.

The deadline for nominations is January 14, 2026. Supporting documents should be sent together to Ms. Angela Culler at anculler@utmb.edu, with subject heading “Roberto Logroño Lectureship”. Documents should be sent as one single PDF file for each nomination. All nominees will need to be available to attend the ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 4:00pm.

We’re excited to invite children in 3rd- 5th grade to take part in a fun and educational activity during National Poison Prevention Week, which takes place March 15–21, 2026. The Southeast Texas Poison Center is once again sponsoring our annual Poison Prevention Poster Contest, and we would love to have our youth participate!

Call for entries!

Showcase your creativity while raising awareness about poison dangers in your community.

Who Can Enter

Ages 3rd - 5th grade.

Make a Poster To

• Tell Your Friends about poison dangers lurking at home, at school, or even outdoors.
• Share some tips to stay safe from poisoning.
• Teach others about the Poison Help line: a source for free and immediate expert help

Email jnreynos@utmb.edu to acquire contest instructions and entry form.

We’re excited to invite youth between 13-19 years of age to take part in a fun and educational activity during National Poison Prevention Week, which takes place March 15–21, 2026. The Southeast Texas Poison Center is once again sponsoring our annual Poison Prevention Video Contest, and we would love for you to participate!

Call for entries!

Showcase your creativity while raising awareness about poison dangers in your community.

Who Can Enter

Ages 13- 19.

Under 18 years of age requires a parent or guardian to fill out the online form prior to uploading a video. 

Make a Video To

• Tell Your Friends about poison dangers lurking at home, at school, or even outdoors.
• Share some tips to stay safe from poisoning.
• Teach others about the Poison Help line: a source for free and immediate expert help

Email jnreynos@utmb.edu to acquire contest instructions.

Multicenter Prospective Diagnostic Study Assessing PAS Biomarker Panel BioPASS: Standard Operating Procedures

What is the purpose of the study?

Aim 1: The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a novel maternal biomarker for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) compared to standard (history and imaging based) methodology.

Aim 2: Measure the resiliency of patients with PAS compared to patients without PAS during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older
• Viable singleton gestation
• Between16 to < 32 weeks’ gestation
• Ultrasound diagnosis of
  •  Anterior placenta previa (anterior placenta covering or abutting the internal cervical os)

OR

• Low-lying placenta (anterior placenta within 2cm of the internal cervical os)
• Able and willing to provide written, informed consent
• Plans to deliver at BIDMC or participating site

Exclusion criteria

• None

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

The 67th Annual National Student Research Forum will take place on March 7th, 2026, in Galveston, Texas, with abstracts accepted until January 12th, 2026 at 11:59 PM. This long-standing forum provides a national platform for students to present original work and engage with peers and faculty from institutions across the country.

The program features student research in basic science, clinical investigation, and the medical humanities. Presentations may be delivered as posters or oral sessions, with several award categories available.

The event will be held at 301 11th St, Galveston, TX 77550, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. More information can be found on the National Student Research Forum (NSRF) website through the University of Texas Medical Branch. 

NSRF Website

For questions, contact nsrfgalv@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.

Neonatal Platelet Transfusion Threshold Trial (NeoPlaTT)

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to figure out which platelet count may be best for platelet transfusion in the most premature babies. We will also compare outcomes in premature babies transfused with a higher or lower platelet count level. Our goal is that our platelet transfusion study will help doctors and nurses know when to provide a transfusion.

The NeoPlaTT clinical trial is enrolling participants with:

• A gestational age of 23 0/7 to 26 6/7 weeks AND <48h postnatal age

Patients who demonstrate a decrease in platelet levels will be randomized into one of two (high vs. low) threshold groups and transfused according to their randomized group. Additional eligibility criteria will be assessed by the study team.

Information gathered from this study may help other babies with low platelet counts in the future, however, there is no direct benefit to those who choose to participate in this study.

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

New Year, New Beginnings, Lifelong Learning and Healthy Longevity Awaits – Join us at OLLI!

FY2026 Membership: CLICK HERE to learn more.

Spring Semester Starts January 5th: CLICK HERE to register for classes.

2026 is a big year for digital accessibility!  Digital accessibility has been a requirement for decades, what's new? 

• Updates to Title II have clarified the requirements and set a deadline of April 24, 2026.
• How can you learn about digital accessibility and be prepared? The Digital Accessibility website is your starting point.
• You can also email the digital accessibility team for help with training and improving your documents, email, and website(s) to meet the new standards.

Stay tuned to these announcents for daily tips and resources in the coming year!

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

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility is the practice of creating equal access to digital content for our patients, staff, students, and others that consume our content.  The first step in the process is to understand what's needed and the methodologies for meeting those goals.

Maybe you've heard about web accessibility -- that's just a portion of the content that needs to be accessible.  Digital content and applications are in continuous flux as technologies push new boundaries. We strive to continually improve our content availability from documents to email to video, to social media to whatever technologies come next. Our digital accessibility site provides a central location for accessing the necessary guidelines, training, and tools enabling us to create accessible and inclusive digital content.

#DigitalAccessibilityAtUTMB

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. 

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 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

Did you know? January 4th was World Braille Day!

"A foundational belief in our state and nation is that all individuals, regardless of the challenges they may face, have the potential to change the world for the better. Today, we have many tools and resources to overcome challenges, and braille, in particular, enables people with visual impairment to participate fully in virtually every facet of public life.

Braille is a tactile symbolization of language, unlocks the written word for the visually impaired through a standardized configuration of raised dots, and its expressive capacity equals that of the printed alphabet. The ability to read printed material is crucial in education, employment, and healthcare, and braille ensures people with visual impairment or blindness lead productive, fulfilling lives while reaching their full potential."

Read the Governor's full announcement