Scenes Around NSM
Eclipse on Campus
Hundreds turned out to witness the solar eclipse at UH. The UH Observatory atop NSM’s Science and Research 1 and other sites around campus were packed with people wanting to safely get a glimpse of Houston’s near-total eclipse. Safety glasses, the Observatory telescope, and several telescopes stationed outside provided multiple viewing options. Hats off to the Astronomy Society at UH, UH Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science, and UH Physics for coordinating the activities.
Mariam Manuel Featured on UH Scholars Walk
Mariam Manuel, a member of NSM’s teachHOUSTON faculty, was featured on UH’s Scholars Walk digital screens located between the Student Center South and M.D. Anderson Library. The Scholars Walk saluted her achievements in student success stating that she “draws from her experience as a teacher and first-generation student to champion culturally responsive STEM education. She recently secured a $1.6 million NSF Racial Equity in STEM grant, dedicated to expanding underserved students’ access to STEM education.”
Featured Video: Mobile Air Quality Monitoring
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UH uses a mobile air quality laboratory on land and an atmospheric research boat to collect air quality data. See how both are used and how the work being done is helping NASA scientists.
Ritu Bohat: Dan E. Wells Outstanding Dissertation Award, Fall 2023
Ritu Bohat’s dissertation, “Targeting PI3K Isoforms to Improve Effectiveness of T cells Mediated Immunotherapy,” examined how our body’s immune system can be taught to fight against cancerous cells that have an overactive form of the protein PI3K. By targeting the divergent forms of this protein, it reduces the activity of the cancer cells without hurting immune cells, where these proteins are also present. Her work provides a deeper understanding of this protein in cancer and immune cells and provides a novel therapeutic approach to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Her advisor was Weiyi Peng. Bohat, a biology Ph.D. graduate, received a certificate and an award of $1,000.
Kacie Waiters: Susan G. Koman ASPIRE Recipient
Biochemistry Ph.D. student Kacie Waiters received one of the inaugural Susan G. Komen ASPIRE (A Supplement to Promote Inclusion for Research Excellence) awards to support her salary, travel, and manuscript publication. Her ASPIRE project is titled “Targeting Druggable Protein Modifications in HR+ Breast Cancer.” Her research will identify biomarkers to predict endocrine therapy response and present alternative targeted approaches for endocrine-resistant breast cancer patients.