Three Decades of BRASS Mentorship and Scientific Research Support at Baylor College of Medicine Were Celebrated

Three Decades of BRASS Mentorship and Scientific Research Support at Baylor College of Medicine Were Celebrated

Thirty years ago, a group of twenty advocates set out to raise needed funds for biomedical student research scholarships. On a transatlantic flight from London, Myra Branum Wilson (one of the event honorees) sat beside Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a Ph.D. researcher at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Dunbar was focused on writing a critical grant to fund the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. That candid exchange planted seeds for what would become BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists). Three decades later, over 100 supporters gathered at a River Oaks residence to commemorate the more than $9 million raised supporting scientific research and mentorship at Baylor College of Medicine.

Edna Meyer-Nelson and The Richland Companies provided underwriting support for the evening. BRASS President Elsie Eckert and 2021 BRASS Scholar Sharon Bright Amanya spoke warmly about the organization’s long legacy of nurturing scientific talent. Honored for their outstanding contributions were Myra Wilson, Dr. James Bonar, Dr. Ben Deneen, Dr. Ganesh Rao, David & Eula Wintermann Foundation, Buck Bukowski Research Travel Endowment Fund, Donald E. McMahon/Ed McMahon Research & Recruitment Endowment Fund and Honorary Lifetime Member and one of BRASS’ earliest champions, Dr. Michael DeBakey. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was recognized for their ten years and over $3 million of research support. Internationally renowned neurologist and member of the BRASS Board, Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, admired as a mentor by many, was in attendance, and her presence underscored the significance of the evening.

Currently pursuing PhDs and endowed scholarships under the names of Sidney Faust, Don D. Jordan, Don D. Sykora, and Myra Branum Wilson, are twenty BRASS scholars. The organization remains steadfast in empowering the next generation of scientists across diverse disciplines.

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Les Eckert, Judi and Jack Johnson, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Jody Merritt, Andy Delery, Dionne Breen, Dr. Jacquie Baly & James Craig, Ann Ayre, Terri Wang, Beth Wolff, Cheryl Byington, Ed McMahon, Hershey Grace, Kirk Kveton & Daniel Irion, Tamara Klosz Bonar, Francoise Marks, Peter Vanderlofske, Cindy & Larry Burns