TTU HSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Cold weather = sneaky dehydration, which can impact focus during lab work. Winter labs need extra awareness:

💧 Drink consistently throughout the day
🧤 PPE still matters even when you’re rushing
🧪 Follow safe-handling protocols

What are your favorite tips for staying hydrated in the winter?

If you’re feeling the December pressure, you’re not alone!

Our new GSBS guide walks through time-blocking ideas, communication templates and ways to rest without guilt.

Read the full article here ➜ https://bit.ly/avoiding-burnout-ttuhsc

GSBS: where curiosity meets purpose 🔬🧬❤️

Meet the Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology Graduate Student Association (IBGSA) — a student-led organization at TTUHSC Abilene that supports graduate students through advocacy, connection and community.

IBGSA hosts fun events such as rodeo outings and Halloween celebrations, while also helping students build professional skills, share research and find balance in graduate life.

We’re so proud of all the incredible accomplishments of our IBGSA members — from conference presentations to PhD defenses — and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Meet Dr. Rachel Washburn, GSBS alumna and director of the CHAOS Lab at the Kentucky Geological Survey!

From studying Russian and serving in the U.S. Air Force to earning her Ph.D. in Immunology and Infectious Disease at GSBS, Dr. Washburn’s journey proves that every path — even the unexpected ones — can lead to discovery.

Now she’s leading “feral science” that connects bedrock to bench to bedside, blending geology, microbiology and medicine to explore how our world shapes human health.

“If my students stay curious and inspired, and if we’re still opening doors we didn’t know existed, then we’re succeeding.”

Read her full story: https://bit.ly/washburn-chaos

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Washburn — Finding Science in the Chaos When Rachel Washburn, PhD, describes her path to science, she laughs: “It makes zero sense on paper until you hear it.” Washburn, director of the Center for Geohealth and Applied Omics Studies (Washburn CHAOS Lab) at the Kentucky Geological Survey , didn’t take a conventional route to research...

Grad students: conferences can be so much more than a requirement! From networking and presenting research to gaining fresh perspectives, the right conference experience can shape your career. Read how TTUHSC PhD students Lida Khodavirdilou and Mohamed Eltokhy made the most of their recent conferences.

Full blog here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-conferences-grad-students-ttuhsc-gsbs-patfc

Applying to graduate school soon? Don’t let common mistakes derail your application!

Our latest blog breaks down what to watch for and how to make your application shine.

👉 Read the full post here: https://ttuhsc.edu/biomedical-sciences/news/common_app_mistakes.aspx

We are proud to celebrate Vivek Gupta, Ph.D., (PhD ’10) as our 2025 Distinguished Alumni of the Year!

His groundbreaking research in nanotechnology, non-invasive drug delivery and rare disease therapies is transforming how patients receive care.

Join us in congratulating him and read his full story here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/distinguished-alumni-spotlight-dr-vivek-gupta-ttuhsc-gsbs-yoivc

Applying to graduate school? Make your application stand out with our latest blog! Learn how to write a strong personal statement, get meaningful letters of recommendation and show why you’re a perfect fit for programs serving West Texas and rural communities.

Read the full post here: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/biomedical-sciences/news/make_your_app_stand_out.aspx

Applications for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are open!

Don’t get stuck at the last minute — we’ve got a handy Application Checklist to help you keep everything in order: BioRaider account, transcripts, letters of recommendation and program-specific requirements.

Stay on track, avoid last-minute stress and move one step closer to joining our GSBS family.

Check out the full checklist and start your application: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/biomedical-sciences/news.aspx

Deciding between a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Sciences? Understanding the focus of each program is crucial for aligning your education with your research interests. Our latest blog by Abraham Al-Ahmad, Ph.D., breaks down the differences, from drug discovery to disease mechanisms, and helps you determine the path that’s right for you.

Read the full article: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/biomedical-sciences/news.aspx