For Young Physician-Scientists
Since 2009, the Caroline Wiess Law Scholar award has facilitated the recruitment and retention of young physician-scientists who have the potential to translate scientific discoveries into effective clinical applications.
The award funds researchers for $1 million over three years, with the expectation that the scientists will then have obtained sufficient funding to continue their work.
About Mrs. Law
Caroline Wiess Law was a generous Houston philanthropist whose estate endowed the scholar program. She was the daughter of Humble Oil & Refining Co. (now ExxonMobil) co-founder Harry Carothers Wiess and Olga Keith Wiess, a founding trustee of the College. A patron of the arts and collector of modern art, Mrs. Wiess Law served for many years on the board of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which named the original museum building in her honor.
Her relationship with Baylor began in 1970 and continued until her death in 2003. Her generosity has benefited many Baylor departments.
Wiess Law Scholars
Jennifer E. Posey, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular & human genetics, was appointed in 2020.
Katherine P. Lemon, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics – infectious diseases and molecular virology & microbiology, was appointed in 2019.
Sameer A. Sheth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of neurosurgery and a McNair Scholar, was appointed in 2018.
Atul Chopra, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor of molecular & human genetics and molecular & cellular biology and a member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, was appointed in 2014 and served through 2017.
Andrew Sikora, M.D., Ph.D.
Andrew Sikora, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of otolaryngology – head & neck surgery and a member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, was appointed in 2014 and served through 2017.
Leonid Metelitsa, M.D., professor of pediatrics – oncology and a member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, was appointed in 2010 and served through 2013.
Sean McGuire, M.D., Ph.D, assistant professor of molecular & cellular biology and a member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, was appointed the first Scholar in 2009. He served through 2012.