In Her Element
Baylor’s journey to becoming an R1 Institution spans decades. In fact, we recently published an article about Dr. Barry Hankins’ research on Baylor’s path to our current status and those who helped get us there. Speaking of people who helped get us there, Leila Romero, Ph.D. (B.S. ‘11), an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, recently earned the Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to further her research in the development of new tools for chemical synthesis and drug discovery.
In 2020, Romero returned to Baylor with a $2 million Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grant – designated for upcoming investigators pursuing their faculty appointment who are expected to make outstanding contributions in career research.
With the grant helping her research in creating synthetic products with stronger applications for cancer-fighting drug leads, her work had proven itself for the CAREER award. This award will narrow her attention on earth-abundant metals for applications that use less of chemicals to help the effectiveness of metals used, cost and toxicity.
In an article from Baylor University, Romero stated, “In my work, I’m interested in exploring them and developing new chemical strategies to understand where this anti-cancer activity is derived from in order to further improve the efficacy and therapeutic potential of these small molecules.”
Much Ado About Everything
Sam Henderson (BFA ‘05), an assistant professor in Baylor’s film & digital media and theatre departments, has won multiple awards for his short film – Ado. Recently, being nominated for six different Oscar-qualifying film festivals.
In the film, Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish and The Princess and the Frog) portrays Ms. Hopkins. She is rehearsing Much Ado About Nothing with her middle school theatre class when there is an interruption by a school shooter.
Henderson was inspired from conversation with his mom about what she would do in a school shooter situation as a teacher. The idea of the short film is meant to draw attention to the American teacher experience and the issues they face in classrooms.
Basketball is Back
In just under 100 days, Baylor basketball season will tip off. In their off season, Baylor represented Team USA at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games finishing as silver medalists after Team Brazil beat them, 94-88. Team USA was up 20 by the third, but couldn’t keep up with Team Brazil – who put 35 points in the fourth, throwing the game into OT where they took gold. The Bears may have not won, but this is just a testament for how hardworking the the team been. A whole new roster under Scott Drew was able to take home silver.
Baylor Esports Level Up
Baylor Esports is leveling up the playing field. The adventure with Baylor Esports started with hiring the program’s first director and coach, Adam Stanley. An article from The Baylor Line, talks about Stanley’s roles of recruiting top competitive gamers. The esports industry was estimated to $2.13 billion, reaching an estimate of $7.46 billion in the year 2030.
Baylor Esports recently signed incoming freshman, Colby “hockser” James, the first-ever recruit for the program. James recently played for the 9Lives team, a professional esports team, and totaled more than $160,000 in career winnings over 78 tournaments since 2018 from multiple Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) events, including World Championships and Majors.
This upcoming season will have a three-person Rocket League team, with two remaining spots soon to be announced. Esports plans to partner up with Oso Esports, a gaming club established in 2017 – to train student-athletes for future competition rosters in bigger gaming competitions.
