NewsLink, April 8, 2022 
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College News

What's cooler than space and NFTs?

The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor recently gifted Dr. Paul Klotman a non-fungible token (NFT) by artist Refik Anadol. The image was produced from the biometric data collected by TRISH from the crew of the Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit the Earth. TRISH's data, in addition to other information gathered, such as vehicle data and audio/visual recordings from the flight, were the basis for a series of limited edition NFT art pieces, now being sold through NFT marketplace KnownOrigin. TRISH partnered with the Inspiration4 crew and SpaceX to study health science and technology research before, during and after the flight that will benefit the collective understanding of the human body.

Letter to U.S. Attorney General

219 faculty members signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to express concerns about the Department of Justice China Initiative. This open letter was adopted from the letter initiated by the Stanford faculty group and signed by faculty groups from Stanford, Yale, UC Berkeley and other colleges. On Feb. 23, the DOJ announced an end to the China Initiative and is making changes to its programs that protect against economic espionage.

Provide feedback on seizure study

Dr. Manish Shah, professor of pediatrics, is leading a collaborative research project trying to improve the usage of anti-seizure medication dosages by paramedics in emergency situations involving pediatric patients. The study, the Pediatric Dose Optimization for Seizures in Emergency Medical Services (PediDOSE), requires exception from informed consent (EFIC) and is in need of feedback from the community. You are invited to learn more about the Houston area collaborators, the study procedures and to give feedback here.

Support during Autism Awareness Month

Look for the Snapchat filter in support of Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month, developed by the SPARK for Autism program at Baylor and Texas Children's, at the following locations in April: Autism Program at 8080 N. Stadium Drive, first week of April; Texas Children's Mark Wallace Tower, second week; Houston Museum of Natural Science, April 23-24; Baylor's Cullen Building, fourth week.

Mentors needed

The Department of Molecular and Human Genetics is seeking Baylor faculty to participate as mentors in the All of Us Evening with Genetics Research Program. Mentors will assist underrepresented early career (senior postdoc and new faculty) investigators in advancing their research projects using NIH All of Us Research Program data. The program will kick off with an Underrepresented Biomedical Researcher Faculty Summit on May 19-21. Find the application here. The deadline to apply is April 15. Send questions to AllofUsEveningswithGenetics@bcm.edu.

Update to InTouch coming soon

InTouch, Baylor's new intranet, will receive an upgrade soon. Look out for updates that will improve your experience on mobile and pave the way for a better InTouch. While waiting for these upgrades, view a refresher on what InTouch has to offer.

HR news

Bright Horizons benefits: When you experience lapses in your normal childcare, it can take dozens of calls to find a replacement caregiver. Turn to the Bright Horizons back-up care benefit, with no co-pays in April, and while you're at it, check out its other services, including virtual tutoring and camps, access to Sittercity and more. Sign up for the upcoming live College Coach events on April 13, "Exploring STEM: Tips for Science and Engineering Applications," and April 27, "Standardized Testing in the 2020s," or listen back to the on-demand recordings. Visit clients.brighthorizons.com/bcm; employer username: BCM; password: Benefits4You. 

Grow. Perform. Succeed with E-Learning: Learning G.P.S is the online learning system that offers a wide range of professional and career development courses designed to help faculty and staff grow in their current positions and prepare for the future. Benefits-eligible employees have access to a comprehensive on-line catalog of courses, videos, books and certifications anytime, anywhere.

Events

Evenings with Genetics discusses Huntington's disease

Evenings with Genetics presents "Huntington’s disease: Presymptomatic to Diagnostic Testing and Care," April 12 at 7 p.m. This Zoom webinar will discuss the background, genetics and care after a Huntington’s disease diagnosis. Panelists include Salma Nassef, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, and Madison Kruger, social worker at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

Sound of Well-Being

Join the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, which includes members from the BCM community, for the "Sound of Well-Being," April 13, 20 and 27, noon – 1 p.m., virtually or live in main Baylor's Rayzor Lounge. The musical journey to well-being will cover topics such as increasing resiliency by creating music, music in family life, impact of music on the brain and more. Hosted by College wellness programs BCM BeWell and BCM LIFE, and the Center for Professionalism; wellness points available and participants can enter to win a pair of TMC Orchestra tickets. Register to attend. Questions? Email wellness@bcm.edu.

Datathon 2022

Join Datathon 2022 virtually by zoom or live, room M112, April 21, 1:30 – 5 p.m. The event will include 19 presentations that use data available at BCM to address quality improvement, population health and research and education projects. Leading up to Datathon, register to attend introductions and tutorials on data resources: SlicerDicer, today, and i2B2, April 15, both from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and offering CME credit.

Alumni Reunion 2022

The 2022 Baylor College of Medicine Virtual Alumni Reunion will be held April 21 and 22. This virtual medium enables us to reconnect safely with each other and share exciting developments in our mission areas of healthcare, research, education and community. Register here to gain access to 20 live sessions, including many that offer complimentary CME and MOC credits.

Awards and Recognitions

Andrabi earns patient safety certification

Dr. Sara Andrabi, assistant professor of emergency medicine, recently was recognized as a certified professional in patient safety by the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety. The credential is earned by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in the core standards of patient safety and recognizes her commitment, knowledge, skill and passion for improving care, safety and quality in the organization.

Balasubramanyam inducted to Harris County Medical Society

Dr. Ashok Balasubramanyam, vice president of academic integration and senior associate dean for academic affairs, was installed as board member of the Harris County Medical Society at a ceremony in February. The society supports physicians, their patients and the community through advocacy, events and other programs.

Weikert receives educator award

Dr. Mitchell Weikert, professor of ophthalmology and director of the ophthalmology residency program, received the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Educator Award for his dedication to teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows in the pursuit of expanding knowledge and improving patient outcomes. The award will be presented during the society's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., later this month.

Faculty in the News

Dr. Robert Atmar spoke to several news outlets, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, about a virus, and it wasn't coronavirus. This time, it was norovirus – the stomach flu – and it's on the rise. Read this and Baylor's other news media mentions in Faculty in the News, and follow BCMHouston_News on Twitter to keep up with our experts in the media. Interested in science news? Read the latest in From the Labs.

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