Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists

09/29/2026

What a wonderful evening last night welcoming our newest BRASS Scholars and introducing them to the BRASS family!

Congratulations to Anna Grace, Don D. Sykora Endowed Scholar; Anna, Don D. Jordan Endowed Scholar; Megan, Myra Branum Wilson Endowed Scholar; and Lindsey, Sidney Broadfoot Faust Endowed Scholar.

I especially love the BRASS “Buddy” tradition, pairing each new scholar with a former scholar who can help them navigate the experience, answer questions, and make those important connections from the very beginning.

Thank you to our fellow Board member and BRASS founding member Robin Simon for graciously opening her home and hosting such a warm evening with our scholars, Board members, donors, members, and leadership.

A beautiful start for an impressive new class of scholars. Looking forward to watching all they accomplish!

08/06/2026

On behalf of the BRASS Board of Directors, congratulations to Dr. English Laserna on successfully defending her Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics at Baylor College of Medicine!

Her dissertation, “Manipulating the Hippo Pathway to Promote Retinal Regeneration,” reflects years of dedication, research, and perseverance. We are proud to have supported English along her journey and look forward to seeing the impact of her work as she continues her career in science.

Congratulations, Dr. Laserna!

07/08/2026

The BRASS Board of Directors proudly congratulates Ryan King Perez on being awarded the prestigious "National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP)".

This highly competitive fellowship recognizes exceptional graduate students who demonstrate outstanding potential to advance scientific research and innovation. Ryan's selection reflects both the intellectual excellence of his work and the meaningful impact his research will have on society.

We are especially honored that Ryan recognizes BRASS as part of his journey, and we are grateful to have played a role in supporting his development as a scientist. Celebrating the achievements of emerging researchers like Ryan reinforces our commitment to investing in the next generation of scientific leaders.

Congratulations, Ryan, on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to following your continued success and the many contributions you will make to science, innovation, and our global community.

05/20/2026

A huge thank you to Joel Luks and CultureMap for the wonderful write-up highlighting the recent BRASS reception. Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists

It was an incredible evening celebrating the mission of BRASS and the next generation of physician-scientists at Baylor College of Medicine. Grateful to everyone who continues to support research, education, and scholarship that will shape the future of healthcare and innovation.

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/society/brass-reception-steak-48/

What: Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists reception

05/11/2026

What an extraordinary evening celebrating the mission, impact, and future of BRASS at our annual Tea & Toddies event.

From honoring outstanding leaders and mentors to hearing directly from former BRASS Scholar Laura Macky Lorentzen, the night reflected exactly what BRASS is about—investing in the next generation of physician-scientists and creating a lasting legacy of mentorship, discovery, and innovation.

Congratulations to our honorees:
✨ Edna Meyer-Nelson – Angel of the Year
✨ Dr. Sameer Sheth – Mentor of the Year
✨ Katya Kabotyanski – Don D. Jordan Outstanding Trailblazer Scientist Award Recipient

We are deeply grateful to our founder, Myra Wilson, Board President Elsie Eckert, our mentors, scholars, board members, supporters, and hosts Sidney and Linda for making the evening so meaningful.

For 31 years, BRASS has remained committed to advancing research, education, and scholarship at Baylor College of Medicine—and evenings like this remind us why that mission matters more than ever.

Photos by John Wilson

05/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the BRASS Cocktail Reception—what a tremendous turnout! We are excited to welcome several new members and continue building momentum behind this important work. (Professional photos by Hung L. Truong)

BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) supports the next generation of physician-scientists at Baylor College of Medicine through scholarships, research, and education—investing directly in the future of medicine.

04/29/2026

Thank you, Scott Evans for the thoughtful coverage of our recent reception— it reflected both the energy in the room and the purpose driving this work.

As the article noted, “leaders came together to celebrate and support the next generation of physician-scientists,” a reminder that what we are building today will shape the future of medicine.

BRASS is more than just an organization—it’s a promise to invest early, support boldly, and keep groundbreaking research advancing.

https://thesocialbook.com/brass-scholars-research-celebrated-at-steak-48/

Over 100 BRASS supporters celebrated their Baylor College of Medicine Scholars' research and personal journeys at a Steak 48 reception.

04/20/2026

It is such a joy celebrating our BRASS Scholar, English, and her incredible experience competing in the Texas Rose of Tralee 🌹

As a candidate, she gained a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the confidence to step onto a larger stage, and the overwhelming support of a community that showed up for her in a big way. From the Houston Irish community to her proud family, she was surrounded by love every step of the way.

English represents exactly what BRASS stands for—talent, courage, and the willingness to embrace opportunity with grace and enthusiasm. We are so proud of her.