UTHealth Houston

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston officially welcomed the graduating class of 2030 for orientation week beginning July 27. Students gathered for a group photo on the lawn of the Jesse Jones Library before participating in a welcome lecture and scavenger hunt.

A routine dental appointment changed 13-year-old Geordon Boulware's life when his dentist discovered a rare jaw tumor.

James Melville, DDS, professor in the Bernard and Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, led an innovative treatment that used Geordon's own stem cells to regrow his jawbone, helping him avoid a more invasive surgery and return to the cattle shows he loves.

Discover how one conversation before surgery led to a groundbreaking treatment and a remarkable recovery: go.uth.edu/GBoulwar

Photos provided by the Boulware family.

Congratulations to Kevin Schulz, MD, on his appointment as the city of Houston’s new EMS physician director.

A nationally recognized leader in emergency medical services, Schulz has spent more than a decade serving Houston as assistant medical director for the Houston Fire Department while educating the next generation of healthcare professionals at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. Discover how his experience responding to major disasters and events, from Hurricane Harvey to the FIFA World Cup, has prepared him for this new leadership role: go.uth.edu/KSchulz

What if the next breakthrough in oral cancer treatment begins with an idea that philanthropy made possible?

For Simon Young, DDS, MD ’11, PhD, the mission is deeply personal. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, he has cared for patients whose lives were forever changed not only by oral cancer, but also by the lasting effects of treatment. Today, his research is exploring innovative approaches—from biomaterials-based immunotherapy to regenerative medicine—that could help patients survive cancer while preserving their ability to eat, speak, and smile.

The path from a bold idea to a lifesaving treatment can be a complex journey. Early-stage discoveries often require proof before they can qualify for major federal funding, making philanthropic investment a critical first step.

"There is no shortage of promising solutions for head and neck cancer; the main bottleneck is funding," Young says. "Every philanthropic dollar helps us turn discoveries into treatments, translating research from the bench to the bedside so patients can not only survive cancer, but also regain function, confidence, and quality of life."

Learn how philanthropy is helping advance the next generation of oral cancer research and the lives it has the potential to change at go.uth.edu/SimonYoungStory.

One of Italy’s highest civilian honors recognizing exceptional service and achievement has been awarded to Fabio Triolo, DdR, PhD, MPhil, professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Triolo received the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in recognition of his decades of leadership in biomedical research, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. From helping establish pioneering cell therapy infrastructure in Southern Italy to advancing groundbreaking innovations at UTHealth Houston, his work continues to shape the future of medicine and improve patient care around the world.

Learn more about this prestigious recognition: go.uth.edu/TrioloHonor

Italy names Triolo a Knight of the Order of Merit Italy names Triolo a Knight of the Order of Merit By Roman Petrowski June 17, 2026 Fabio Triolo, DdR, PhD, MPhil, (right), receives the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic insignia and certificate of honor from the Consul General of Italy One of Italy’s highest civilian honors rec...

Congratulations to Asia Bright, PhD, on receiving the Medical Education Scholarship Award from the Southern Group on Educational Affairs.

Bright, assistant professor and director of the Office of Professionalism at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and executive director of Student Affairs at UTHealth Houston, was recognized for her innovative work encouraging educators to view professionalism through the lens of executive function and strengths-based feedback.

Her learner-centered approach is helping create educational environments that foster reflection, growth, and success for trainees and faculty while advancing scholarship in medical education.

Explore how rethinking professionalism through executive function and strengths-based feedback can create more supportive learning environments: go.uth.edu/ABrightAward

Bright’s award-winning workshop reframes medical professionalism Bright’s award-winning workshop reframes medical professionalism By Roman Petrowski June 24, 2026 By encouraging educators to view professionalism concerns through the lens of executive function and strengths-based feedback, Asia Bright, PhD, earned the Medical Education Scholarship Award from the...

Fifty-two failed attempts. One breakthrough that changed the future of Lyme disease diagnosis.

As a graduate student at MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School, Jing-Ren Zhang, PhD '97, spent more than a year searching for answers. His 53rd attempt led to a discovery that paved the way for diagnostic tests for Lyme disease now used around the world.

Inspired by the mentorship that shaped his own journey, Zhang and his wife, Daimin Zhao, joined his longtime mentor from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Steven J. Norris, PhD, and Norris’ wife, Deborah, to establish endowments supporting student training, research, and innovation at UTHealth Houston. Their gifts will help future scientists pursue discoveries of their own.

"This has been a gift to ourselves, too," Zhang says. "It's a great honor to have resources to give to the next generation."

Read more: go.uth.edu/ZhangStory

What started as a simple idea to enjoy ice cream in July has grown into one of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s favorite annual traditions. Faculty, staff, students, and residents gathered for the 18th Annual Ice Cream Scream Out, where Dean John A. Valenza, DDS, thanked the community for making the school all that it is.

We are excited to welcome Renato M. Silva, DDS, MS, PhD, back to UTHealth Houston as the next dean of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, effective September 30, 2026. Returning to the institution where he previously served as professor and chair of endodontics, Dr. Silva brings exceptional experience as a clinician, scientist, educator, and leader. We look forward to the vision, energy, and expertise he will bring as he leads the School of Dentistry into its next chapter. Congratulations, Dr. Silva!

At more than 10 feet tall and weighing 23,500 pounds, two towering vehicles nicknamed “Laverne” and “Shirley” stand ready at UT Police at Houston—built not for comfort or speed, but for when floodwaters rise and normal transportation becomes impossible.

Acquired after Hurricane Harvey, these high-water evacuation vehicles are part of UTHealth Houston’s broader storm preparedness strategy, helping transport key medical personnel, move supplies, and support emergency response when roads become impassable. Shaped by lessons learned from storms like Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Harvey, they reflect the planning and coordination required to keep healthcare moving during severe weather.

What began as a way to process grief became an unexpected creative outlet for Doncy Eapen, PhD, MSN, APRN, associate professor at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. After the unexpected loss of her father and other significant life events in 2023, Eapen turned to poetry as a way to navigate difficult emotions and make sense of profound loss.

That deeply personal beginning has since grown into a meaningful part of her life. Through the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics’ Inprint Writing Fellowship, she discovered the abecedarian poem form and found a new way to challenge herself creatively while honoring the people, places, and experiences that inspire her.

Today, poetry remains both a source of healing and a space for expression. In a full-circle moment, Eapen wrote an original poem celebrating UTHealth Houston—a reflection of the community, purpose, and passion that continue to shape her work.

“UTHealth Houston”
By Doncy Eapen. Written June 9, 2026.

An academic health center
Based in Houston’s Texas Medical Center
Created for discovery and innovation
Dedicated to educating healthcare professionals
Emerging to shape future healthcare, established on
Fannin Street, spanning 127 buildings
Governed by The University of Texas System Board of Regents
Home to seven schools of health
Inspiring excellence through digital innovation
Jane and Robert Cizik School of Nursing—top-ranked, equipping nurses with
Knowledge and skills to address complex health issues
Leading compassionate, quality-driven nursing education
McGovern Medical School, trusted for academic rigor
Nurturing minds and futures, serving humanity
Outstanding in advancing science and care
Public Health School, top-ranked, driving community-focused research
Quintessential in higher learning
Renowned faculty and rigorous research
School of Dentistry, the first of its kind in Texas
Transforming research into impact, School of Biomedical Sciences offers
Unprecedented opportunities, uplifting learners and communities
Victorious—McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics,
Wonders in data to power human health
Xenial in collaboration, unity, and care
Yielding future mental health professionals—School of Behavioral Health Sciences
Zealous in excellence, service, and science

A century-old discovery led Gena D. Tribble, PhD, to an extraordinary family legacy. When she found her great-aunt and great-uncle in a 1922 dental school yearbook, she uncovered more than a family connection—she found a legacy of healing, teaching, and scientific curiosity that continues today.

Inspired by their example, Gena established the Marion Stevens, DMD, and Northen Orr Tribble, MD, Oral Microbiome Fund at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. Her gift is helping researchers expand our understanding of oral health and pursue discoveries that could improve lives for generations to come.

"It was quite a shock," Gena said of discovering her family's shared passion for microbiology. Looking ahead, her hope is simple. "I am excited for us to keep pressing forward, learning more, and helping people live longer, healthier lives."

The Tribbles' story reminds us that philanthropy doesn't just preserve a legacy, it carries it forward, empowering the next generation of researchers, educators, and clinicians to improve lives.

Discover how one family's commitment to service continues to inspire innovation at UTHealth Houston at go.uth.edu/TribbleFamilyStory.

One ride changed everything.

After an electric scooter crash caused a life-threatening brain injury, 11-year-old Halle Neely underwent emergency brain surgery performed by Peter H. Yang, MD, assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and a pediatric neurosurgeon at UT Physicians and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

Just weeks later, Halle was back in school, graduated with straight As, and even won a running competition with her classmates, making her recovery nothing short of remarkable.
Today, she has one message for everyone who rides an electric scooter: Wear your helmet.

Read Halle's inspiring story and learn how to help keep kids safe on electric scooters at go.uth.edu/HelmetSafety.