The Biomed Beat
Introducing "The Biomed Beat" — your pulse on the latest happenings from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) office. Stay tuned to this dynamic platform for insightful updates, breakthrough research highlights, and exciting developments within the realm of biomedical sciences. From groundbreaking discoveries to upcoming events, "The Biomed Beat" keeps you informed and inspired as we navigate the forefront of scientific exploration and innovation. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of biomedical research, right at your fingertips.
Biomedical Sciences Grad School Glossary: What Does That Even Mean?
Starting grad school in biomedical sciences means learning a whole new language — one full of acronyms, academic titles and program lingo that can feel overwhelming at first. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a quick glossary of the most common terms you’ll hear around campus, in e-mails and in your program handbook.
SAA (Student Affairs Advocate)
Think of your Student Affairs Advocate as your go-to person for academic or personal concerns. They help with wellness concerns, communication challenges, work-life balance and navigating university policies. SAAs are here to help you thrive, not just survive.
Committee
Your graduate committee is a group of faculty members (including your PI) who advise you on your research progress, coursework and degree milestones. They also attend your dissertation defense and determine whether you've met the requirements for graduation.
PI (Principal Investigator)
Your PI is the faculty member who leads your research lab. They serve as your primary mentor, help guide your project and support your professional development. Choosing a PI is a huge decision — it shapes your day-to-day life in grad school!
Thesis vs. Dissertation
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can differ by institution:
A thesis is typically associated with master’s-level research and is usually shorter, based on existing research.
A dissertation is usually part of a Ph.D. and involves original research that contributes new knowledge to the field.
Currently, the only program we offer that requires a thesis is our Pharmaceutical Sciences Master’s in Amarillo!
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A CV is a detailed document that outlines your academic background, research experience, publications, presentations, awards and skills. Unlike a résumé, which is typically brief, a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your professional journey — especially important when applying to graduate programs, research positions or academic jobs.
Program vs. Concentration
Your program is your official degree track (e.g., Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. or Biotechnology M.S.).
A concentration is a more focused area of study within your program (like Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology or Translational Neurosciences & Pharmacology). Not every program will have a concentration!
Think of it like a major and a specialty!
Flex Time vs. Leave of Absence
Life happens — and grad school policies reflect that.
Flex Time is an informal adjustment that allows for temporary flexibility in your schedule (often for short-term health, personal or caregiving reasons). Research mentors can approve up to nine days of Flex Leave, while ten days or longer must be approved by the mentor and the SAA and requires paperwork.
A Leave of Absence is an official pause in your enrollment, requiring paperwork and approval. You won’t register for classes during this time. Leaves of absences are reserved for extreme circumstances.
Brightspace/D2L
This is your online learning platform where you’ll access course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes and communicate with instructors. It's like your digital classroom hub.
SGA (Student Government Association)
The SGA represents all TTUHSC students, advocating for student needs and planning campus-wide events and initiatives. They’re your voice in university-level decisions.
GSA (Graduate Student Association), GSAA (Graduate Student Association in Amarillo), IBGSA (Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology Graduate Student Association)
The GSA is the main student government body for GSBS. It organizes events, advocates for graduate student needs and serves as a liaison between students and administration. Joining GSA is a great way to meet people outside your lab! Each Grad School campus has its own GSA: GSA (Lubbock), GSAA (Amarillo) and IBGSA (Abilene).
SRW (Student Research Week)
One of the highlights of the academic year! Student Research Week is a multi-day event where students present posters and talks, hear from keynote speakers and compete for awards. It’s a celebration of research and a fantastic networking opportunity.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to learn in grad school — and not just in the lab. Keep this glossary bookmarked as you get started, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone had to learn this language once, and you’re not alone in figuring it out.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Grad School
Starting grad school in biomedical sciences is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re coming straight from undergrad or returning after time away, the transition can feel like stepping into a completely new world — one filled with lab coats, grant deadlines, data analysis and a whole new way of thinking.
To help ease that transition, we asked our current Graduate Student Association officers to reflect on their first semester and share the things they wish they had known before starting grad school. Here's what they had to say:
Grad School Is Hard — Don’t Go It Alone.
"One thing I wish I had known before applying to grad school is how important it is
to build a support system early on. Whether it's friends in your program, a good relationship
with your PI/mentor or just people outside of academia you can talk to, having people
to lean on makes a huge difference."
-Kevin Graham, GSA President, GMES Student
Your support system is just as important as your GPA. From lab mates to friends outside of science, having people you can lean on makes the journey much more manageable.
Lab Rotations are like speeding dating but for science.
"When it comes to lab rotations/picking a mentor, try to be honest with yourself about
what your passions are and what environment you work best in — not just what sounds
impressive on paper."
-Kevin Graham
"My tip for lab rotations is to not be afraid to directly ask the PI if they can afford
a student — as you can like a lab, but if the PI can't fund you, then that part doesn't
matter. Also, it’s OK if you don’t have a lab decided by the end of fall. I didn’t
find my lab until the spring."
-Dakota Robison, Treasurer, Ph.D. Student
Choosing a lab isn’t about what sounds impressive — it’s about where you’ll thrive.
Be honest with yourself, ask direct questions and trust your instincts.
Sleep. Eat. Have Fun. Seriously.
"Don't underestimate how much better things feel when you get enough sleep, eat decent
meals and have things outside of school to look forward to!"
-Kevin Graham
You can’t pour from an empty beaker. Prioritizing your health and happiness is essential for long-term success — yes, even in grad school.
Trust the Process
"Something I've come to rely on here at the HSC is the idea of 'trusting the process.'
Grad school is tough, and it's easy to feel like you're behind or somehow the one
person who isn't going to make it. But the programs here at the HSC are designed to
help you succeed. If you show up, do the work and ask for help when you need it, you'll
get there — even if it doesn't always feel that way in the moment."
-Kevin Graham
Everyone feels behind at some point — but you’re not. Grad school is built to challenge and support you. Keep showing up, ask for help, and give yourself time.
Imposter syndrome is real – and normal!
"One tip I have for impostor syndrome is to be aware that grad school is for learning,
so it's okay OK if you don't know everything or if it's your first time learning about
a concept or a lab technique that your peers already have experience on."
-Abigail Torres, Secretary, Ph.D. Student
"As for stuff like impostor syndrome, I would mention the counseling center. They
are very inviting, can help with a variety of stresses and we have free sessions with
them, so we might as well use them."
-Dakota Robison
Impostor syndrome is incredibly common in grad school — but that doesn’t mean it has to control you. Embrace the learning curve and focus on your own growth.
Find your rhythm, your way.
"Just don't rush yourself and give yourself time to adjust to new environments."
-Dakota Robison
There’s no single timeline for success. Whether you find your lab in your first rotation or your fourth, give yourself room to grow and adjust.
You don’t have to know everything on day one.
"Avoid comparing yourself to your peers, as everybody comes from a different background
and has different experiences and strengths. Recognize your strengths and acknowledge
that it's okay to take your time to learn and understand new concepts. Approach challenges
with curiosity and a learning mentality."
-Abigail Torres
Starting grad school isn’t about knowing it all — it's about learning how to ask questions, explore ideas and become comfortable with uncertainty. Give yourself permission to grow.
Grad school isn’t just about mastering techniques or passing exams — it’s about growing into the kind of scientist, scholar and person you’re meant to be. If you’re heading into your first semester, take a breath. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Lean on your people, ask for help, and give yourself grace.
You belong here — what will you discover?
Daily Dose
Distinguished Alumni
Since 1999, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has honored alumni whose accomplishments and service bring distinction to their professions, communities, and our institution. The Presidential Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 2015, is the university’s highest alumni honor, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to health care and exemplify the values of TTUHSC.
Dr. Brinda Dass earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1993 and a Master of Science in 1995. In 2001, Dr. Dass graduated with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from TTUHSC. She went on to earn a post-Master’s certificate in Clinical Research Management in 2008, and a Master’s in Public Health in 2012. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Baylor College of Medicine and returned to TTUHSC as a Research Assistant Professor for 7 years.
Subsequently, Dr. Dass has spent 18 years as a scientist with the Food and Drug administration where she has risen through the ranks to hold the current title of Deputy Director for the GeneConvene Global Collaborative. Dr. Dass has received numerous honors and awards during her career. She is an outstanding scientist, leader, and a strong advocate of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and TTUHSC.
Past Honorees
2024: Dr. Kaci Bohn, Ph.D.
2023: Dr. Ebtesam Attaya Islam, M.D., Ph.D., FCCP
2022: Dr. Jane Colmer-Hamood, Ph.D.
2021: Dr. Kenneth Cole, Ph.D.