Candidacy Ceremony Means More Than a New White Coat
On Friday, September 30, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences honored 52 students from across Biomedical Engineering, Nursing Science, Health Sciences, Translational Science, Integrated Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physics, Radiological Sciences, and the South Texas Medical Scientist Training programs with their white coats during the annual Candidacy Ceremony, a milestone marking their advancement to PhD candidacy. Mentors had the privilege of coating their students in front of an audience of candidates, fellow students, faculty, staff, family, and friends.
PhD Candidate, Joseph Martini, poses with Dr. David Weiss, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The candidacy ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. David Weiss, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. During his welcome, Dr. Weiss praised students for their excellence and diligence in their work. He then went on to thank our GSBS mentors for their mentorship of students and guiding candidates on their academic journeys. Dr. Weiss also acknowledged program leadership and staff for overseeing and advancing graduate programs to where they are today. He ended his remarks by recognizing the family and friends who supported these students through the triumphs and challenges of graduate school.
Dr. Weiss then turned the mic over to Dr. Tim Raabe, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who reflected on the history and significance of the white coat ceremony. Dr. Raabe shared, “The GSBS white coat ceremony marks a significant milestone for students in our doctoral programs. Becoming a PhD candidate signifies that a student has completed the majority of their coursework, has demonstrated foundational knowledge in their research area, and is now ready to focus primarily on their research projects. The GSBS is extremely proud of all the students who are celebrating their advancement to candidacy and wish them the best of luck in their research endeavors.”
The ceremony featured remarks from GSBS Presidential Ambassador Erik Marchant, who highlighted the importance of celebrating milestones throughout graduate school. He encouraged students to pause and recognize both small and large achievements, noting that doing so builds motivation and strengthens the academic community. During his speech, Erik explained that the Candidacy Ceremony symbolizes resilience and commitment to conducting research with integrity and persistence. “As you put on your white coat today,” he said, “wear it not only as a symbol of responsibility, but also as a reminder of your resilience, your progress, and belonging to an outstanding community of scientists and scholars.”
Dr. Norberto Gonzalez Juarbe shares his journey from PhD Student to Professor and Researcher.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by GSBS alumnus, Dr. Norberto Gonzalez-Juarbe. Dr. Gonzalez-Juarbe was the first graduate of the UT Health San Antonio GSBS Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) program in 2015. Completing his PhD in an impressive three years and ten months, Dr. Gonzalez-Juarbe is now an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Maryland’s College of Computer Mathematical and Natural Sciences while also holding an adjunct appointment at the J. Craig Venter Institute.
During his address, Dr. Gonzalez-Juarbe reflected on his career journey. He reminded students that setbacks are inevitable but emphasized that pursuing what you love makes the journey meaningful and worthwhile. He also advised candidates to pursue funding opportunities wherever they go and to trust the process when challenges arise. “Things are going to get rejected, things are going to happen that you cannot control,” he said. “But if you keep going and you focus, you’re going to be okay.” Finally, he emphasized the importance of critical thinking, reminding students that the way they view their results can help them in their career and open opportunities to new paths and possibilities.
After Dr. Gonzalez-Juarbe’s inspirational keynote address, Dr. Jessica Nute, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, presented the 2025 doctoral candidates and led the Candidate pledge. The ceremony concluded with a reception where friends and family joined the candidates in celebrating their achievements.
PhD Candidate, Ishana Syed, puts on her new white coat at the GSBS Candidacy Ceremony.
For many students, receiving their white coat symbolizes more than an academic milestone. Translational Science PhD Candidate, Vanessa Young says “To me, the white coat represents the values I want to carry forward as a scientist: resilience, mentorship, integrity, inclusivity, and genuine care for the communities we serve.”
PhD Candidate, Vanessa Young, with family and friends at the Candidacy Ceremony.
Radiological Sciences PhD Candidate, Constance Zanze shared a similar sentiment, adding that this milestone is both a celebration of years of hard work and the beginning of what’s ahead. “I see my white coat as a commitment to conduct research ethically and with integrity. In the upcoming years, I am looking forward to submitting my first paper and attending my first conference. These experiences will mark the beginning of my contributions to the scientific community and allow me to learn from others in the field.”
This milestone not only represents growth as students, researchers, and individuals but also marks the beginning of the next exciting chapter in our candidates’ scientific journey. Congratulations to all of our new 2025 PhD Candidates.
2025 Candidacy Candidates
2025 GSBS PhD Candidates
Teniade Adetona
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience Discipline
Emily Aller
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Discipline
Adriana Baker
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Discipline
Jycole Bush
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Discipline
Timothy Candel
Doctorate of Medical Physics – Imaging Track
Karina Cantu
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Physiology and Pharmacology Discipline
Megan Carreon
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Respiratory Care Track
Kathryn Crane
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Health Sciences Track
Andrew DeLeon
Doctorate of Medical Physics – Therapy Track
Brenden Determann II
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Molecular Immunology & Microbiology Discipline
Hoang Dinh
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biochemical Mechanisms in Medicine Discipline
Timothy Emagbetere
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biochemical Mechanisms in Medicine Discipline
Mbolle Ekane
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biology of Aging Discipline
Qiongmei Gao
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Samson Ghilu
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Danielle Gordon
Ph.D. in Translational Science
Eduardo Gutierrez Kuri
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience Discipline
Xena Huang
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Discipline
Heetanshi Jain
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Molecular Immunology & Microbiology Discipline
Sahana Jayakumar
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Molecular Immunology & Microbiology Discipline
Kayode John
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Milind Joshi
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Thomas Kalantzakos
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Azad Khosh
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Abhay Kumar
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
Justin C. Lee
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biochemical Mechanisms in Medicine Discipline
Kayla Lilly
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience Discipline
Nicole Marion
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience Discipline
Lucero Martinez Delgado
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Health Sciences Track
Joseph Martini
Doctorate of Medical Physics – Therapy Track
Siler Monk
Ph.D. in Nursing Science
Maria Montes De Oca Arena
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Discipline
Bria W. Moore
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience Discipline
Desirae Morales
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Selina Morgan
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Physical Therapy Track
Parker New
Ph.D. in Radiological Sciences – Therapeutic Medical Physics Track
Nhat Nguyen
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biochemical Mechanisms in Medicine Discipline
Steve Otero
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biology of Aging Discipline
Michelle Parish
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Speech Language Pathology Track
Jessica Valdez Ponce
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Medical Laboratory Science Track
Joshua Proehl
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Gorana Puzovic
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience Discipline
Kristina Ramirez
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Respiratory Care Track
Ryan Rands
Doctorate of Medical Physics – Therapy Track
Leslie Rivera Lopez
Ph.D. in Translational Science
Moawiz Saeed
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine Discipline
Manoj Sah
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Health Science Track
Annie Smelter
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Physiology & Pharmacology Discipline
Shujie Song
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biology of Aging Discipline
Melanie Taverna
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Health Sciences Track
Brittany Teeter
Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Medical Laboratory Sciences Track
Enrique Torres Hernandez
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program
Ph.D. in Radiological Sciences – Neuroscience Imaging Track
Miriam Tovar
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Biochemical Mechanisms in Medicine Discipline
Yaxi Wang
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
Yuqing Xia
Ph.D. in Radiological Sciences – Therapeutic Medical Physics Track
Megan Ybarra
Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Discipline
Vanessa Young
Ph.D. in Translational Sciences – Data Science Track
Constance Zanze
Ph.D. in Radiological Sciences – Imaging Medical Physics Track
Zhenbo Zhang
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
