President's Scholarship Award

Beginning in the 2011-12 Academic Year, President Nancy Dickey initiated an annual President’s Scholarship program through the President’s Circle campaign.   The President's Scholarship was presented to one student from each college within the Health Science Center - medicine, public health, dentistry, dental hygiene, pharmacy, nursing and graduate studies, for a total of seven scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. 

The SGS would like to congratulate Mr. John Reneau, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate located at the SGS Temple campus, who was the first recipient of the President's Scholarship for the School of Graduate Studies.  The criteria for awarding the scholarship primarily focused on students’ professionalism, leadership, academic performance, and commitment to community service and Mr. Reneau has exemplified each of these qualities through his professional, educational, and personal endeavors.  About John, one nominating faculty member wrote:

"One of the most remarkable things about John is that he accomplishes so much without showing signs of stress to others.  His relaxed, pleasant demeanor spreads goodwill wherever he goes.  John has deep personal and spiritual convictions which motivate him to excellence.  His commitment to a career of service will be a lifelong passion.  His maturity and professionalism shine through in every interaction he has.  John plans to pursue a career in science and medicine - his work has already made a difference to many patients, medical staff, peers, and colleagues.  I look forward to seeing the great works John does in the future in his mission to serve others with excellence."

Congratulations, John Reneau! 

SGS Outstanding Mentor Award

Beginning in Spring 2011, Dr. David Carlson, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, initiated an annual SGS Outstanding Mentor Award. The Outstanding Mentor Award was presented to one graduate faculty member from the SGS who excells in their ongoing committment to the advancement of graduate education within the HSC.  The award recipient is presented with a plaque and a $5000 bursary award to aid in their work with graduate students.

The School of Graduate Studies is pleased to announce that Dr. Cindy J. Meininger was selected as the recipient of the 2010-11 Outstanding Mentor Award! As a Professor in the department of Systems Biology and Translational Medicine and as Director of Graduate Studies for the SGS Temple campus, Dr. Meininger has displayed an unwavering commitment to creating a supportive environment in which students can grow, and has a record of student success, both in school and professionally. About Dr. Meininger, one of her graduate students wrote:

"One aspect I have always personally appreciated is Dr. Meininger's interest in my development as a scientist.  In addition to giving instruction on the factual details of whatever topic we were covering, she has along the way given much useful advice on the practicalities of being a scientist, especially how to develop a career as a young scientist.  Even though she is now a well-established scientist, she has maintained an incredible sensitivity towards students and is able to relate to them where they are in the present.  I am always impressed with her ability to keep a subject relevant and meaningful, and to help me understand the broader context of how or why something is important to me as a student.  I always feel extremely comfortable asking her for advice, as I know her responses are always given with my best interest at the forefront of her attention. [sic]"

Congratulations, Dr. Meininger and thank you for your outstanding dedication to graduate education!

SGS Student Travel Grants 

Recent recipients of the SGS Student Travel Grant include:

Yuyan Han (SGS-COM) for travel to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases meeting in SanFrancisco, CA.

John Reneau (SGS-COM) for travel to American Association for Cancer Research Advances in Breast Cancer Research meeting in San Francisco, CA.

Zichao Zhang (SGS-IBT) for travel to the Cell Symposia: Regulatory RNAs meeting in Chicago, IL.

To apply for a travel grant, please complete the SGS Student Travel Grant Application form and submit it, along with all necessary documentation, to Amanda Allen at aallen@tamhsc.edu.