Alejandro Aballay, PhD
@aaballay.bsky.social
190 followers 98 following 21 posts
Dean of the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School https://gsbs.uth.edu/. Scientist studying organismal responses to infections. Views are my own.
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aaballay.bsky.social
Listen to what our graduate students are saying. Terrific advice for new trainees: manage your time, do not be afraid to ask for help, and make the most of Houston’s vibrant community. Great to see how our students build both science and life at the TMC
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social

As our new students are one month in, experiencing the next phase of their academic journeys, not-so-new students in the Neuroscience program, Archit Gupta and Julia Langman, offer some advice for getting acclimated to graduate school, The Medical Center, and Houston! #WeAreGSBS
aaballay.bsky.social
Impressive work from one of our Medical Physics PhD candidates. Elevator pitch a great analogy: just as pilots train on simulators before flying, his research uses AI to give future doctors a safe space to practice radiation oncology skills. A great example of GSBS innovation improving cancer care.
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
We’re kicking off our elevator pitch series — created to share award winning pitches from Graduate Student Research Day — with Medical Physics PhD candidate Skylar Gay! He mentioned it was an honor to watch his peers present their incredible research. Now he’s sharing his research with everyone!
aaballay.bsky.social
Serving as Chair of MMI was one of the most rewarding roles of my career. The department is full of brilliant scientists tackling host–pathogen interactions from every angle. I can’t think of a better opportunity. And of course, doing it all in the natural beauty of the PNW doesn’t hurt.
jnpruneda.bsky.social
Come be my boss! We’re looking for a passionate and supportive leader for our Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Research in MMI spans diverse models and systems of host-pathogen interactions. Come join us in the beautiful Pacific NW!

facultycareers-ohsu.icims.com/jobs/35624/c...
Faculty Portal | OHSU
facultycareers-ohsu.icims.com
aaballay.bsky.social
Great start with our new students. Curious minds, strong values, real drive. Welcome to GSBS. #WeAreGSBS
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
Sharing moments (photos) from last week’s new student orientation: https://loom.ly/pX_lQ30 While students learned about our programs, we got to know them better! Beyond studying biomedical sciences, they like to raise chickens, play basketball, build gadgets, and practice martial arts! #WeAreGSBS
aaballay.bsky.social
Excited to welcome the new class of students to the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences! I look forward to seeing the science you will create, and the impact you will have on the future of biomedical research. @mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
aaballay.bsky.social
Exciting week! We're thrilled to meet the newest members of our community.
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
We're off to a smashing start to orientation week! We look forward to getting to know our students from everywhere who speak multiple languages, love to make Matcha, play piano, design clothes, are raising twins, a cat named Tigger, a rooster: RuPaul, and much more! #WeAreGSBS
aaballay.bsky.social
Thanks to our Program Directors for all they’ve done for the GSBS and their dedication and leadership!
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
It was a celebration!🎉Outgoing program directors William Margolin, PhD – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, PhD – Immunology, were honored last week by students, faculty, and staff — thanks to them and Traver Hart, PhD – Quantitative Sciences, for supporting students!
aaballay.bsky.social
I’m pleased to help introduce our Paper of the Month series — a great way for researchers and anyone interested in science to learn more about our work to advance healthcare.
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
Learn about the key advancements utilizing stem cell technology that could drive future cancer research and the development of therapies in our June “Paper of the Month” Decoding cancer etiology with cellular reprogramming: loom.ly/bxjXpj0 #WeAreGSBS #CancerResearch
Paper of the Month: Decoding cancer etiology with cellular reprogramming
loom.ly
aaballay.bsky.social
Congratulations again, to Molly Bray! It was an honor to present her with this award at our commencement. Dr. Bray is an outstanding role model for our young scientists. #WeAreGSBS
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
🎉 Honoring Molly S. Bray, PhD ’98, our 2025 Distinguished Alumna! Bray returned to the Graduate School to share how mentorship, curiosity, and embracing change shaped her career — and why today’s graduates are uniquely prepared to lead. 👉 Read more about her inspiring message loom.ly/YGnbFdg
2025 Distinguished Alumna: Molly S. Bray on science, mentorship, and change
loom.ly
aaballay.bsky.social
It’s great to see Heather's research in the spotlight. Her NIH-supported research reflects the kind of curiosity and commitment that drives scientific discovery and improves human health. We look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in the field of neuroscience. #WeAreGSBS
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong’s research on brain and neurodegeneration is supported partly by a National Institutes of Health grant awarded early this year. Learn about her research and how this award supports her interest in cellular neuroscience and human health at loom.ly/stRWjds.
NIH grant helps support Genetics & Epigenetics student Heather Tsong’s brain research
loom.ly
aaballay.bsky.social
Proud of the three students who presented their research at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Town Hall today and answered questions about their important work to better understand brain and colorectal cancer, embryonic development and fertility challenges. Thanks for your dedication to science!
aaballay.bsky.social
Today’s commencement reminded me what it looks like when a community stands behind science. In these uncertain times, when funding is tight and priorities shift, I’m inspired by our students’ perseverance, families' support, and faculty dedication. The future of biomedical science is in good hands!
aaballay.bsky.social
Grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the research, resilience, and rising talent that define the GSBS.
I remain proud that our school is not just holding steady—we’re growing. Thanks to the support of our donors and institutional partners.
aaballay.bsky.social
Another opportunity to celebrate our students' commitment to leadership as part of their journey. Takese, Bhargavi, Zeph, and Larissa, your commitment to becoming thoughtful leaders as well as strong researchers is inspiring. Congratulations to each of you! #FutureLeaders #WeAreGSBS
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
Congratulations to students Takese McKenzie, Bhargavi Brahmendra Barathi, Zeph Kaffey, and Larissa Tavizon (pictured with leadership coach Dustin Peterson) on completing the university-wide UTHealth Leads program in preparation for becoming future leaders as well as strong researchers! #WeAreGSBS
aaballay.bsky.social
Had a great time last night at the Deans’ Dinner for the UTHealth Student InterCouncil. Proud to be there with our GSBS representatives—grateful for their dedication to student leadership and for representing our school so well.
#WeAreGSBS
#UTHealth #StudentLeadership
aaballay.bsky.social
Graduate Student Appreciation Week 2025 was full of special moments with our students, and we are already looking forward to creating more next year! #WeAreGSBS #GSAW2025 #GraduateStudentAppreciationWeek @mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
aaballay.bsky.social
Every gift from our donors makes a difference in advancing biomedical science — one student and one breakthrough at a time. We greatly appreciate your support.
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to #UTHealthHoustonGivingDay on April 8! In just 24 hours, we raised an impressive $8,275 from 19 donors! Your generosity today is shaping tomorrow’s health care — thank you for your incredible support in helping us build a brighter, healthier future! #WeAreGSBS
aaballay.bsky.social
It's #UTHealthHoustonGivingDay and we’re on a mission to make a big impact in a short amount of time. Whether you’re making a gift, sharing our message, or cheering us on, I hope you will join me in supporting breakthroughs in biomedical science. Every gift makes a difference at go.uth.edu/GDGSBS25.
aaballay.bsky.social
Big day! Congratulations to our MD/PhD students on your matches — enjoy your residencies at these universities across the country.
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
They’re matched! Congratulations to our physician-scientists in the University of Texas Medical Scientist Training Program at Houston, who celebrated Match Day 2025, matching with their residencies and taking the next step in their medical careers! #WeAreGSBS #matchday2025
Match Day 2025
Congratulations, MD/PhDs on your residencies!
Joseph Barnes – Neurology | UT Southwestern
Mikayla Bowen – OB/GYN | Duke University 
Janelle Korf – Pediatrics – Research Track | Johns Hopkins
Josh Morse – Pathology PSTP | University of Alabama Birmingham
Oscar Villarreal – Internal Medicine PSTP | Case Western 
Ben Whitfield – Neurology | Washington University
Janelle Korf, PhD with match letter: Pediatrics – Research Track | Johns Hopkins Ben Whitfield (with wife) with Match Day sign: Neurology residency | Washington University Mikayla Bowen (with husband) with match sign: OB/GYN | Duke University
aaballay.bsky.social
We are pleased to welcome MD Anderson Cancer Center scientist and educator Francesca Cole, PhD, as our new associate dean for academic affairs! She is pictured fourth from left in the Cole Laboratory. Read more at go.uth.edu/FrancescaCole-AssociateDean-AcademicAffairs
@francescacole.bsky.social
aaballay.bsky.social
It's great to see our students thriving in their labs. Keep up the fantastic work on cancer research, Andrea! #cancerresearch
mda-uthgrad.bsky.social
Andrea Hernandez Molina’s research in the Young Laboratory involves treatment for head and neck cancer. Hear more about her research as a PhD candidate in the Immunology Program, and why she is thankful to work with such amazing scientists in their “home away from home.” #WeAreGSBS #immunology