National Cancer Research Month
Approximately 18.6 million people in the United States are living beyond cancer thanks to continuous advancements being made by cancer researchers. Baylor plays a small role in the important work being done, and this May, during National Cancer Research Month, the University is celebrating the work of its researchers, who have significantly contributed to the battle to cure the disease.
Across Baylor, researchers are exploring different types of some of the most aggressive forms of cancer and trailblazing new and innovative treatments. For example, Kevin G. Pinney, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is studying a next-generation approach to effective therapy in treating kidney cancer. Joseph Taube, Ph.D., associate professor of biology who leads The Taube Lab at Baylor, investigates the molecular pathways and cellular properties that enable primary tumor cells to metastasize. Leigh Greathouse, Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition sciences, and Anakan Choudhury, Ph.D., post-doctoral research fellow, are exploring how AI can help personalize nutrition for cancer prevention.
These are just a few of the many researchers at Baylor whose work is changing the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
Baylor Student Fosters Inclusion at Local Elementary School
Margo Paluch may have graduated from Baylor University last weekend, but she is leaving behind a legacy of inclusion and kindness.
Paluch, a graduate of the Moody School of Education, completed her required student teaching experience at Hewitt Elementary School. After spending a day substituting in a Special Education classroom, Paluch came up with an idea.
She created a program called Best Buddies, giving her third-grade classroom students opportunities to build friendships with their special education peers once a week. By partnering students together at recess, Paluch’s students learned to step out as leaders and act with kindness and care.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my third graders for stepping up as leaders, showing kindness and building genuine friendships. They are showing what true friendship looks like through their actions, even when their buddy may not communicate with words,” says Paluch, according to Baylor Proud. “I feel so hopeful for our future because of these kids. I truly believe they are going to make our world a better place for people with disabilities.”
Braxton Keith to Visit Waco
Baylor added another rising star to its lineup of talent coming to visit Foster Pavilion in the coming months – country singer Braxton Keith.
On October 2nd, the Midland, Texas native will return to his home state shortly after the drop of his debut album “Real Damn Deal.” The Nashville-based artist Cassidy Daniels will open for Keith.
Graphic Design Students Shine at International Competition
At the Graphis New Talent Annual, the final major opportunity for students studying graphic design at Baylor to showcase their work, the competition is fierce. Bringing together 113 leading institutions worldwide, including the Pratt Institute and the Parsons School of Design, Baylor students are competing against top talent for recognition.
This year, 10 Baylor students were recognized at the competition for their work, with the top Gold Award going to Allison Schnelle for her magazine double-spread advertisement titled It Runs in Our Veins.
The student’s winning projects are available to view on the Department of Art and Art History webpage.
Welcome Home Willie
One of Baylor’s most iconic former students, Willie Nelson, returned to his alma mater last Thursday for a memorable performance at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark.
There were more than 6,000 people in the crowd at the sold-out show. Willie was gifted his own Baylor Line jersey by President Livingstone and honored with an official alumni-by-choice degree.
Truett Master of Arts in Theology and Healthcare
Truett Seminary welcomed its first cohort for an exciting new program last summer – the Master of Arts in Theology and Healthcare (MATH). The one-year program prepares students who are planning to become healthcare professionals, equipping them with a theological perspective and understanding.
At Baylor commencement last weekend, Kiana Morris was the first person to graduate with the degree.
“It has been such a gift to participate in Truett classes, MATH-specific courses, and even upper-level undergraduate electives,” said Morris, according to an article from Truett Seminary. “In my Truett classes, I have been alongside students preparing for Christian ministry, and while my vocation will not be situated within the Church in a traditional sense, there is a shared commitment to serving others and pursuing the common good. That shared vision has been deeply meaningful.”
Baylor Senior Honored as Staff of the Year at Robinson Junior High
Garrison Fritts, a Baylor senior majoring in middle grades mathematics education, is completing his year-long residency at Robinson Junior High School, where he teaches 7th-grade advanced math. But before even becoming an officially certified teacher, Fritts is making an impact. This year, Robinson honored him as Staff of the Year, making him the first resident in the Baylor program to receive an honor such as this.
“Receiving this award came as such a surprise to me, and I am honored and so thankful to be in this position,” Fritts said, according to an article from Baylor Instant Impact. “I feel that the Lord has continued to give me opportunities to show the gifts that he has given, and this award is a testament of his goodness and love. I am so grateful to be at Robinson and to work with people who believed in me since the beginning of my career in education.”
Baylor Professors Take First Prize in Osaka
Gabriel Piqué, DMA, is Assistant Professor of saxophone at Baylor by day, but outside of the classroom, he is a member of the saxophone sextet The Moanin’ Frogs.
This year, Piqué and The Moanin’ Frogs took home the Menuhin Gold Prize at the 12th Osaka International Chamber Music Festa in Japan. The competition takes place every three years and features select groups from around the world. In receiving the highest honor, The Moanin’ Frogs also won a cash award and a Grand Prix Concert Tour across Japan in 2028.
Bob Avant to Retire
Bob Avent, Adjunct Lecturer and Director of the Baylor Bronze Handbell Ensemble in the School of Music, will retire after 16 years of service.
“For the last sixteen years, Professor Bob Avant has nurtured the Baylor Bronze to be a stellar collegiate handbell ensemble,” said Randall Bradley, DMA, interim dean of the Baylor School of Music, according to an article from the Baylor School of Music. “He is a masterful teacher, recruiter, conductor, and mentor. Baylor Bronze concerts are distinguished by immense precision, seasoned musicality, and extraordinary passion for the art of handbell ringing.”
Advocacy Day in the School of Social Work
Learning how policy is shaped and influenced is a key part of pursuing a career in social work. That is why Baylor students from the BSW and MSW programs, both online and in person, have the opportunity to engage firsthand in meaningful dialogue and advocacy at the Texas Capitol by participating in NASW-TX Social Work Advocacy Day.
During their day at the Capitol, students broke into small groups and had conversations with different legislative offices. They relied on both academic expertise and personal experience to represent the communities they serve.
