Today is the last day to complete the 2026 Employee Demographic and Emergency Classification Form and have it approved by your leader.

The form takes only a few minutes and can be accessed from any web-enabled device, including your phone, tablet, or computer, at https://utmb.us/ezo.

Completion is required for all full-time, part-time, and casual employees.

For questions or assistance with the form, please contact your HR Employee Relations Advisor or CMC HR Consultant.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY IN LEAGUE CITY

FOR GRACE ANNA’S BOUTIQUE!!!

Grace Anna’s Boutique offers $6. jewelry and much more – including

necklace sets, rings, bracelets, earrings, fashion accessories, scarves, 

dresses, tops, a great selection of scrubs at great prices, electronics, and more.

They’re also having a Lavish Linens Sale to include sheet sets and bamboo pillows.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30^TH

8:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

LEAGUE CITY CAMPUS (CLINIC SIDE) – 1^ST FLOOR

AND

LEAGUE CITY HOSPITAL ENTRYWAY

Cash, debit cards, and credit cards are all accepted.

Proceeds benefit patient and volunteer programs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

LAST DAY FOR THE GOURMET CUPBOARD AT THE CLEAR LAKE CAMPUS!!!

LAST DAY – CLEAR LAKE!!!

The Gourmet Cupboard sells dry ingredients that, when mixed with wet ingredients,

make full meals, entrees, sides, soups, breads, dips, beverages, crock pot meals, etc. 

They also sell salsas, pickles, and spreads from Crosby, TX.

Easily plan your weekly meals!!!

  FRIDAY, JANUARY 30^TH

 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

1^ST FLOOR – MAIN LOBBY

Cash, Debit Cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover,

and American Express are all accepted.

Proceeds benefit patient and volunteer programs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

On behalf of St. Vincent's Student-Run Clinic, we'd like to invite you to join us on March 5th at 5PM at the Ashton Villa for dinner and a show!

We'd love it if you could join us for food and entertainment provided by our wonderful community members by purchasing a ticket at this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-benefit-concert-2

The Department of

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Presents Speaker:

Sanja Sever, PhD

Professor

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Vice President of Drug Discovery

Director of  Sealy Institute Drug Discovery

University of Texas Medical Branch

“Mission ImPossible: Transforming Dynamin Paradigm”

Thursday, February 5, 2026

4:00 p.m.

Basic Science Auditorium, Rm 2.212

or

Via Zoom:

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610090754?pwd=ZowJEraBARcUjqfVXJxHbJCQ8kzhyp.1

Meeting ID: 161 009 0754

Passcode: 043066

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS WELCOME

HOSTED BY:

   Guy Nir, PhD

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

Thinking about retirement?

The HR Benefits Center is hosting a virtual TRS informational session on:

Friday February 6th, 2026, from 10:00am – 11:00am

This session will cover retirement benefit eligibility, required documentation,

and other critical items. To register for this retirement session, please click on the link below. 

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email, which will be saved to your Outlook calendar.

Teacher Retirement System of Texas Benefits Information Session

If you are unable to attend this retirement session, future dates for 2026 are listed below.

Please look for these dates in the UTMB Daily Announcements!

April 3^rd, 2026

June 5^th, 2026

August 7^th, 2026

October 2^nd, 2026

December4th, 2026

Thinking about retirement? The Human Resources Benefits Center is hosting a virtual Optional Retirement Program of Texas (ORP) informational session on:

Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 2:00pm – 3:00pm

This session will cover retirement benefits eligibility, required documentation, and other important critical items. To register for this retirement session, please click on the link below.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email, which will be saved to your Outlook calendar.

Optional Retirement Program of Texas Benefits Information Session

If you are unable to attend this retirement session, future dates for 2026 are listed below.  Please look for these dates in the UTMB Daily Announcements!

April 3^rd, 2026

June 5^th, 2026

August 7^th, 2026

October 2^nd, 2026

December 4^th, 2026

UTMB 's Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in partnership with CSHEMA (The Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association), is observing February 9 - 13, 2026 as Laboratory Safety Awareness Week

Academic institutions nationwide will be hosting events to answer questions and provide pertinent safety resources to the university and research community.

EHS will have staff available at the locations below to share lab safety tips and answer your questions. Come out and enjoy some interactive activities and exciting giveaways!

EHS will be at the following locations the week of 09 February 2026:

• Monday 09 February 2026

MRB – 1st floor lobby

0900 – 1200

• Wednesday 11 February 2026

SON – 1st floor lobby

0900 – 1200

• Friday 13 February 2026

MRB – 1st floor lobby

0900 - 1200

2026 McLaughlin Colloquium Call for Abstracts

The McLaughlin Endowment Committee and the Institute for Human Infections & Immunity are pleased to announce that the annualIHII/McLaughlin Colloquium will beFriday, April 17th.  All UTMB predoctoral, postdoctoral and clinical fellows currently involved in infectious disease and immunity research are invited to submit abstracts for poster presentations. The abstract submission form is availableon the McLaughlin website at https://www.utmb.edu/mclaughlin/colloquium/colloquium-homeThe submission deadline is April 1, 2026.

Keynote address by

Joan Kenney, PhD

Microbiologist

Centers for Disease Control

Fort Collins Colorado

presenting
“Arboviruses: CDC’s Role in Ecological Interventions and Assessments”

All poster presenters will be eligible fortravelawards.

Keynote Lecture: 1-2pm

Final agenda to come

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

Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Designed for individuals holding a Bachelor's, Professional or Graduate degree who are ready to strengthen their public health expertise.

Program Highlights

• Flexible & Online: Purposefulky designed to meet the needs of working professionals.

• 14 Credit Hours | Two Semesters: Complete the certificate in as little as one academic year (Fall - 7 credit hours / Spring - 7 credit hours)

• Foundational Public Health Coursework: Policy & Equity, Applied Public Health Leadership, Analytical Methods, Assessment, Planning & Evaluation

• Pathway to the MPH: Certificate credits may be applied toward the MPH degree if completed within five years, offering a seamless transition for those who choose to continue.

• Career Advancement: Ideal for individuals seeking to expand career opportunities, strengthen credentials, or build a solid foundation in public health practice.

This seminar introduces Merative MarketScan Research Databases, featuring de-identified, longitudinal U.S. healthcare claims data from 140+ million individuals. Attendees will learn about populations, variables, data files, and research applications through real-world examples, including uses in epidemiology, health economics, and comparative effectiveness research, plus practical guidance on access and costs. 

In Person Location: HEC 1.200

Zoom RSVP: https://utmb.us/f16

Get Ready & Get Registered!

Join OLLI this spring for an inspiring series of talks from UTMB’s leading experts. 
Each session brings practical insights and real‑world guidance to support your health and well‑being.

Featured Presentations

Snap, Crackle, Pop of Arthritis
Dr. Megan Sorich — Monday, January 26

A Safe & Sound Hospital Stay: How to Get the Care You Want for the People You Love
Dr. Meredith Masel — Wednesday, January 28

Gut Health and Cancer Risk
Dr. Maurice Willis — Wednesday, February 4

Healthy Weight Loss Approaches
Dr. Andrea Stark — Wednesday, February11

An Introduction to Palliative Care: Living Well with Serious Illness
Dr. Moustafa El Sayed — Wednesday, March 4

Role of Zinc in Macular Degeneration
Dr. Fredericus Van Kuijk — Thursday, March 5

See the Difference: Preparing for Successful Cataract Surgery
Dr. Laurence Ducker — Wednesday, March 18

Register ONLINE or call (409) 763-5604 for additional information.
 

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 

Maybe you see yourself TEACHING the next generation of respiratory therapists.

Maybe RESEARCH calls to you.

Maybe you want a stronger voice in OPERATIONAL decisions and the direction of care.

Whatever future you’re imagining, the path forward doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the work you love today.

UTMB’s100% online Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy – Degree Advancement Program was designed for Registered Respiratory Therapists who are ready to grow without pressing pause. With Leadership Tracks in Operations, Education or Research, in just 2 to 3 years, you’ll build advanced knowledge, expand your leadership potential, and prepare for roles that shape the future of respiratory care - all while continuing to care for patients.

Getting started is straightforward. All you need is a bachelor’s degree in any field, a current RRT credential, and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Many students are eligible for up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement through their employer, potentially covering up to half of in-state tuition. Scholarships are also available, and graduates report stepping into advanced roles with an average annual salary increase of $12,000.

This year isn’t just about setting goals. It’s about choosing direction.

Choose leadership. Choose impact. Choose what’s possible next.

👉 Apply today: https://ahcas.cas.myliaison.com

The Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program Presents

“Mechanistic Study of Temperature Sensitivity of Human Coronavirus OC43”

By

Xiangxue Deng

PhD Student

Mentor: Xuping Xie, PhD

Friday, January 30, 2026

12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

HEC 3.206

Greetings! Please read the following announcement sent on behalf of the UTMB Campus Bookstore.

The John Sealy School of Medicine’s MD Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center. It is time to submit your commencement regalia rental orders!!

Please use the following link to submit your order for the regalia rental:  https://www.buildagrad.com/utmbsomedfaculty

• 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.
• To avoid late fees, orders must be submitted by March 29, 2026

Note: Regalia will arrive the week before Commencement for distribution. An email will be sent when it is available to be picked up with designated days and times, along with the pick-up location.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Campus Store for assistance at (409) 772-1939.

February brings Mardi Gras celebrations to Galveston Island, and UTMB Catering is joining in the festivities. To mark the season, we are pleased to offer a Mardi Gras–inspired menu for events hosted on the UTMB Galveston campus.

Explore the flavors of Mardi Gras and add a festive touch to your next event by viewing the menu on our UTMB Catering Online Menu.

In celebration of Go Red for Heart Health, we’d love to see you and your team show off your brightest, boldest RED on Friday, February 6.

Grab a quick team selfie, a fun group shot, or even a “strike‑a‑pose” moment and send your photos to social@utmb.edu.

Let’s show some team spirit and keep hearts healthy together!

👓✨ January Optical Shop Specials! ✨👓

Refresh your look and your vision with these great savings:

🕶️ Buy One, Get 40% Off Your Second Pair
Perfect for prescription, sunglasses, or backup frames.

👁️ Contact Lens Savings
Purchase an annual supply of contact lenses and receive 10% off + FREE shipping and
enjoy 40% off a complete pair of frames and lenses.

Terms & conditions apply. Frame purchase required. Insurance/promotions cannot be applied to this discount.

Stop by one of our UTMB Optical Shop locations for more details and discover additional specials tailored to fit your budget and needs!

700 University Blvd                                    10121 Emmett F Lowry Expressway

Galveston                                                         Texas City

(409) 747-5823                                             (409) 978-4315