Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Students

Why did you choose BCM?

Baylor is uniquely poised to serve as a bridge between academic interests, clinical research, and industry partners. Furthermore, it is a competitive school with excellent resources and deeply committed faculty. As someone with an interest in therapeutic development, BCM was my top graduate school choice.

What is your Research Interest?

My research interests are in two categories: therapeutic/tool development and organismal system biology, specifically immunology/pathophysiology. My current focus is investigating cell-intrinsic perturbations that favorably change the tumor-immune interface to immunological tumor recognition, clearance, and immunological memory formation.

Why did you choose your mentor?

I had four excellent rotations with incredible labs, so the choice was a difficult one. The ultimate tipping point in choosing Dr. Westbrook’s lab were a combination of three things: 

1. His encouragement of holistic training
2. His interest in developing innovative therapeutics
3. His encouragement in using a mixture of classical and modern techniques to solve research questions

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

A key element of this training is the interdisciplinary nature of this program. It offers cross-field collaborations, specialized classes, shared core facilities, and experts who are willing to chat over a cup of coffee.

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes. Cross-institutional collaboration and communication is incredibly helpful.

What are your career plans?

My goal is to develop novel therapeutics to safely treat recalcitrant diseases.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

The people most dear to me – my family, friends, and colleagues - are here.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Judiciously take advice. 

Why did you choose BCM?

I chose BCM because of its friendly environment, quality of research output, high stipend, and proximity to my family.

What is your Research Interest?

Creating therapies for genetic disorders.

Why did you choose your mentor?

I chose my mentor (Dr. Lee) due to his expertise, similar interests, and mentorship style.

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

Learning how others tackle problems and how to ask the right questions.

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes it brings in the top professors and allows for collaborations with hospitals and other universities you can't get anywhere else.

What are your career plans?

Teach and mentor undergraduates in research.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

Houston has basically everything you need or want somewhere close by.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Your life isn’t just research. Take that into consideration when choosing and while in grad school. 

Why did you choose BCM?

I chose Baylor because of the supportive culture and the many clinical and research opportunities available in the TMC.

What is your Research Interest?

Cancer immunology

Why did you choose your mentor?

My mentor's lab does excellent research on the breast tumor immune microenvironment.

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

The program has provided a wonderful community of talented peers and mentors who are a constant source of inspiration and advice.

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes, absolutely.

What are your career plans?

I plan to become a pathologist and physician scientist working to identify new cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

Lots of amazing restaurants!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Find where people seem the happiest (as long as their idea of happiness matches yours). 

Why did you choose BCM?

For the excellent translational research, focus on student wellbeing, and access to TMC collaborations.

What is your Research Interest?

Congenital diseases and stem cell therapeutics.

Why did you choose your mentor?

I wanted to work on a project to develop prenatal therapeutics for congenital disorders. The Finnell lab's developmental biology expertise, coupled with clinical collaborators, offered a unique environment for a highly translational project. 

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

Definitely the people. PIs, fellow students, postdocs, administrators… There are so many people to learn from. 

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes. The TMC area is highly collaborative and fosters an excellent scientific environment.

What are your career plans?

At this point, I still do not know for sure, but I am leaning towards scientific communication. 

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

There is always something to do, the weather is usually nice enough to sit outside, an excellent restaurant scene, and a multicultural community.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Form a community! Doing a Ph.D. is tough, but having friends to rely on makes it better. 

Why did you choose BCM?

Abundance of clinical and scientific training opportunities

What is your Research Interest?

Cell plasticity, cancer, novel therapies

Why did you choose your mentor?

Alignment with research and clinical interests

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

Rigorous training in clinical thinking, grantsmanship, and spearheading research projects

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes, numerous opportunities for collaboration

What are your career plans?

Physician-scientist specializing in pathology or heme/onc

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

Great food

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Don’t forget to have fun

Why did you choose BCM?

I felt a great sense of community, and there is a strong willingness to collaborate across diverse research topics.

What is your Research Interest?

Metabolism

Why did you choose your mentor?

I found a mentor who wholly supports me in my research journey, but also encourages me to develop the project topic independently.

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

I have had many opportunities to attend local conferences to network and receive feedback on my work. Interacting with people both inside and outside of my field of interest has immensely helped add new perspectives to my project direction. 

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes. There are many more opportunities to collaborate with specialists in my topic of interest who are at nearby institutions. I also have access to rich clinical opportunities owing to the plethora of clinics and hospitals in the area.

What are your career plans?

I plan to become a physician-scientist in academia and adult endocrinology. 

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

There is plenty of food and groceries to check out. I’ll never get bored of the new things to try!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

When choosing a lab, go with your gut feeling. The project or topic you start with will change, but in the right environment, you’ll fall in love with all the unique turns and outcomes you encounter along the way!  

Why did you choose BCM?

I chose Baylor College of Medicine because of its unparalleled commitment to disease-focused research and its integration within one of the world’s largest medical centers. The depth and breadth of expertise across disciplines, from basic science to clinical research, create an environment where discoveries in the lab can be rapidly translated into better treatments for patients. I’m excited by the opportunity to collaborate with leading physicians and scientists and to learn from the cutting-edge facilities and resources that Baylor provides.

What is your Research Interest?

I am interested in studying structural variations and genomic abnormalities that can drive oncogenesis. By implementing cutting-edge sequencing technologies and computational modeling, I am eager to learn how genomic aberrations can drive tumor initiation and maintenance. 

Why did you choose your mentor?

I chose to work with Dr. Michael D. Taylor because of his pioneering contributions to the field of pediatric brain tumors and his integrative research approach that combines genomics, computational biology, and developmental neurobiology. His groundbreaking work in identifying the molecular drivers of brain tumors has not only advanced our understanding of tumor biology but also inspired translational efforts toward improved diagnostics and therapies. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Taylor’s dedication to mentorship and fostering a collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment made his lab an ideal setting for both my scientific and professional development.

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

Collaborating with scientists across clinical and research disciplines has broadened my perspective and enriched my approach to problem-solving. Additionally, Baylor’s access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on training has strengthened my technical and analytical skills, preparing me for a career in biomedical research.

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Absolutely. Baylor College of Medicine’s location in the heart of the Texas Medical Center has profoundly enriched my experience. Being embedded in this ecosystem fosters collaboration with world-renowned institutions. This proximity enables interdisciplinary research, access to state-of-the-art core facilities, and exposure to leading experts. Additionally, the TMC offers access to an incredibly diverse and high-volume patient population which is essential for clinically relevant research, particularly in understanding complex and rare human diseases. 

What are your career plans?

I personally like to stick to academia and doing research. After completing my PhD, I plan to pursue a postdoctoral position to further develop my expertise and ultimately become a principal investigator leading my own research lab focused on cancer genomics and neurodevelopment.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

I enjoy Houston’s vibrant and diverse community, its rich cultural and culinary scene. 

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Take advantage of the collaborative environment and the wealth of resources available. Most importantly, choose a lab and mentor that will support both your scientific growth and personal development. Stay curious and inspired, keep your passion for science alive and don’t forget to keep your coffee cup full!

Why did you choose BCM?

BCM is a strong research and medical institution connected to many other strong research institutions in the TMC 

What is your Research Interest?

Blood Cancers.

Why did you choose your mentor?

He’s accessible and is studying blood diseases and malignancies from several angles that I’m interested in.

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

Finding a supportive community of peers and faculty who give advice and help me achieve my goals.

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes.

What are your career plans?

Physician Scientist Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

Lots of restaurants.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Try not to take things too seriously .

Why did you choose BCM?

I chose Baylor college of medicine because it's a top-tier medical institution with emphasis on translational biomedical research. I have always been interested in doing research in pediatric cancers. So, Baylor's location within the Texas medical center offered unparalleled access to collaborate with researchers and clinicians in specialized children's hospitals. Baylor combines cutting-edge research with a supportive environment - which is key to building a strong career. 

What is your Research Interest?

Understanding how cells in the tumor microenvironment promote tumor dissemination in hepatoblastoma.

Why did you choose your mentor?

I chose Dr. Sarah Woodfield as my mentor because of her passion for pediatric cancer research and her expertise in translational research. The Woodfield lab uses 3D tumor organoids and patient derived xenograft models, providing exceptional resources for studying a rare pediatric cancer. Beyond our common research interests, what stood out about Dr. Woodfield was her approach to mentorship. She gives me space to think independently and develop my own ideas but is always there to offer guidance when I need it. She has been incredibly supportive in helping me explore different avenues for career options. She has played an instrumental role in both my personal and professional growth. 

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

I am interested in a career in regulatory affairs. Baylor’s CTR-CAQ program offers a great opportunity to get first-hand experience by working with a clinical mentor who has ongoing clinical trials. Also, being part of a pediatric surgical oncology lab has given me the opportunity to test therapeutic drugs on patient-derived models to assess their efficacy. This experience has provided invaluable insight into the translational process and how different treatment options are evaluated in the clinical setting. 

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes!

What are your career plans?

I am interested in regulatory affairs.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

I have lived in Houston for over 10 years, and it’s home to me. There's always something new to explore - be it diverse food options, community events, sporting events and Houston rodeo!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

The DDMT program at Baylor is unique for its diverse student cohort and wide ranging research interests among the PIs. I would advise the prospective students to take full advantage of this opportunity by exploring a variety of labs during their rotations and keeping an open mind when selecting their thesis lab. 

Why did you choose BCM?

I chose Baylor College of Medicine because of the collaborative community and the emphasis on translational research due to being in the Texas Medical Center.

What is your Research Interest?

My research interest is in reproductive biology and disease, specifically endometrial regeneration and endometriosis. I am particularly interested in studying endometrial progenitor/stem cell populations and how these populations play a role in normal physiological functions as well as in diseases such as endometriosis.

Why did you choose your mentor?

I chose my mentor, Dr. Diana Monsivais, because of our lab's diverse use of model systems (mouse, endometrial organoids, 2D culture, etc.) to study the endometrium and disease. The Monsivais lab has also amassed an expansive biobank of primary samples from patients with endometriosis, which is an invaluable tool to study endometriosis and due to my interests in translational studies was a huge motivator for me to choose Dr. Monsivais and her lab. She is also approachable, supportive, and allows me the freedom to be creative with my projects!

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

The resources and people available for collaboration here at BCM have been extremely influential. Experts in any field, technique, and career path are available and I have met so many mentors outside my own lab that have expanded both my training and have introduced me to possible career paths I previously had not considered. 

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

I am interested in translational research and drug development, and through TMC our lab has access to collaborations to obtain primary patient endometriosis samples which we can then use for experiments. The ability to work with primary patient samples is integral to my thesis project and enables me to focus on closing the gap between academic research and therapeutic/clinical developments that affect real patients.

What are your career plans?

My overall career objectives are to increase awareness, funding, and research into therapeutics for women’s health diseases such as endometriosis. I am interested in various industry career paths such as working in biotech, scientific writing, venture capitalism, and intellectual property, and my time here at BCM will help expose me to these different paths I can take!

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

In Houston, I enjoy the diversity of people that live here and share their cultures - and I also enjoy the authentic international food scene as a result! I also love attending the Houston Rodeo, the world's biggest rodeo, every March, and I love that the cost of living is affordable!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to current students and investigators who have similar research interests! They have the best knowledge of what life and research is like at BCM. 

Why did you choose BCM?

There is a huge diversity of research interests at BCM, and I knew I would have an opportunity to pursue research in any topic with all of the top resources.

What is your Research Interest?

I study glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive malignant primary adult brain tumor. Specifically, during my Ph.D. I aim to discover how astrocytes and glioblastoma cells interact, and how those interactions can impact tumor growth.

Why did you choose your mentor?

My mentor, Dr. Hyun Kyoung Lee, is an extremely driven scientist and an equally dedicated mentor. She is very supportive of my goals, and she encourages me to do MY best and focus on individual improvement. Dr. Lee has created an amazing lab family, and she and my labmates inspire me every day!

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

At Baylor and in the Lee lab, I have been given many opportunities to present my research to different audiences and advance my scientific communication skills. These opportunities foster many collaborative efforts within BCM and in the TMC that I am so excited to expand over the years.

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Yes! Being in the TMC provides so many opportunities for collaboration, and there are always interesting talks, workshops, symposiums, and conferences around the TMC and at BCM! As a personal anecdote for how this has benefitted me since being at BCM, the top national conference for my research (Society for NeuroOncology) was held in Houston this year!

What are your career plans?

One of my favorite things about BCM is that, as students, we are encouraged to pursue any career path, academic or otherwise. I am excited to explore over the next few years as my skills and passions grow!

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

I love living in a big city! I have been to so many concerts, sports games, and other events since moving here! And you hear this a lot but the food truly is unmatched!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Step outside of your comfort zone! I knew absolutely nothing about neuroscience or cancer before joining my lab, and I am so glad I didn’t limit myself, because I am so happy to be where I am now!

Why did you choose BCM?

For me, BCM was the only school to have an entire community of professors who are passionate about rare disease research, something I became passionate about in my undergraduate studies. The DDMT program in particular also offered the most unique and expansive interdisciplinary PhD training. Ultimately, I knew that BCM would push me to become my very best as a scientist but also as a collaborator and peer.

What is your Research Interest?

Rare neurological diseases, behavior, metabolism

Why did you choose your mentor?

Dr. Arey has an infectious passion for science! Her lab leverages the nematode worm C. elegans to study everything from evolution, development, environmental exposures, RNA processing, behavior, and disease. The freedom she gives her students to pursue their own passion projects combined with her extensive, multidisciplinary training and incredible mentorship made me excited to join the Arey lab for my Ph.D. training.

What aspects of training have been most influential in preparing for your intended career?

The broader community at Baylor, more specifically my DDMT cohort, is inspiring and a constant source of encouragement. There is such a wealth of knowledge here from science to career choices to the best restaurants around town. 

Did Baylor's location in the Texas Medical Center enhance your experience?

Baylor's location in the TMC has given me unparalleled opportunities while in graduate school like tabling for Rare Disease Day in TCH alongside non-profit organizations or shadowing geneticists through Baylor Genetics at the Innovation Center. The ability to experience research from the bench through clinic every day is a gift!

What are your career plans?

I am still fairly open-minded about future career plans but the two that excite me the most are a teaching professor and scientific director at a disease non-profit.

What do you enjoy about living in Houston?

I truly love the sunshine and heat (yes- even in summer!). Also, the food scene here in Houston is amazing and certainly worth exploring every chance you get.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Remember that you are a trainee so of course you do not know and will not do everything perfectly the first few times. The pressure felt in earning a PhD can be intense, but reminding yourself that both good and bad is growing you closer into the scientist you want to be is key.