Beck Fellows gain hands-on research experience across the globe

Three Lamar University (LU) students expanded their research experience in cancer biology, immunology and vision science through the 2026 David J. Beck Fellowship, completing summer projects at research institutions across the United States and abroad.

The fellowship recognizes undergraduate students for academic achievement and provides opportunities to pursue independent research, internships and international study. Each recipient receives a full academic scholarship covering tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board, along with up to $10,000 in funding for a summer project.

The 2026 fellows, Homero Tijerina, Sneha Jobby and Isabella Tran, conducted research at institutions in New York, Massachusetts and Taiwan, gaining laboratory experience while exploring their future careers in health care and scientific research.

LU President Jaime Taylor emphasized the value of undergraduate research in helping students move beyond traditional classroom learning to address complex challenges.

"Education isn't simply about learning what other people already know. It gives us the tools to solve real-world problems and, perhaps more importantly, recognize which problems are worth solving," Taylor said. "That's why experiences like the David J. Beck Fellowship matter so much. They give exceptional Lamar University students the opportunity to pursue an academic or creative passion in ways that simply aren't possible in the classroom alone."

Taylor said the fellowship also provides students with the independence and resources necessary to explore new ideas and develop their abilities as researchers.

"It gives them the time, resources and freedom to ask a question, follow it wherever it leads, encounter the inevitable obstacles along the way and come away knowing something they didn't know before — and maybe even something nobody knew before," Taylor said.

Homero Tijerina, a biochemistry major with a minor in chemistry, completed his summer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. His project investigated whether medications already approved by the Food and Drug Administration could be repurposed to improve oxygen levels in tumors and potentially slow cancer progression.

Working under the mentorship of Dr. Mukund Seshadri, Tijerina examined the effects of labetalol, a medication used to treat high blood pressure, on biological processes associated with tumor growth. His research involved cell culture experiments, migration assays and protein analysis.

"Working under the mentorship of Dr. Mukund Seshadri, I learned that effective scientific communication requires precision and that the words we choose matter just as much as the data we present," Tijerina said. "Most importantly, I learned that excellence is not an attribute one simply wakes up with; it is achieved through tireless pursuit, discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement."

Tijerina, who joined LU in fall 2024, plans to pursue a career in medicine as a physician assistant following graduation.

Sneha Jobby, a biology major with a minor in chemistry, spent her summer at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts, where she investigated the mechanisms underlying diabetic corneal neuropathy, a condition involving damage to the nerves of the cornea associated with diabetes.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Ananya Datta, Jobby received training in experimental techniques including immunohistochemistry, fluorescent imaging, ocular tissue dissection and tissue analysis. She also collaborated with graduate researchers at Harvard University's Center for Biological Imaging and participated in a National Institutes of Health/National Eye Institute-funded summer research program.

"I also contributed to the preparation of a manuscript based on my summer research," Jobby said. "This immersive experience provided rigorous methodological training, enabled me to form new connections, and has reaffirmed my desire and commitment to pursuing a career in the field of optometry."

A graduate of L.V. Hightower High School, Jobby joined LU in fall 2024 and is expected to graduate in 2028. She plans to attend optometry school.

Isabella Tran, a biology major on the pre-medical track with a minor in chemistry, traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, to conduct research at Academia Sinica.

Tran worked in Dr. Che-Ming "Jack" Hu's laboratory, where she studied cancer biology and immunology, including gelated cells and their potential applications in immunopeptidomics, a field examining how the immune system recognizes proteins.

Her summer experience also provided opportunities to explore Taiwan and gain a broader understanding of scientific research in an international setting.

"Outside of research, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Taiwan and experience its culture, food, and natural beauty," Tran said. "Living and conducting research in another country allowed me to broaden my perspective, build meaningful relationships, and grow both personally and professionally."

Tran graduated from the Texas Academy at Lamar University before enrolling at LU in fall 2025. She expects to graduate in 2027 and plans to attend medical school.

Established through a gift from LU alumnus David J. Beck to the Lamar University Foundation, the fellowship supports undergraduate students across academic disciplines who demonstrate academic excellence and an interest in research or creative study.

Beck, a 1961 LU graduate and 1999 Distinguished Alumnus, is a founding partner of the Houston-based law firm Beck Redden. He previously served as president of the Lamar University Foundation and as a regent of the Lamar University System.

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Through the program, students have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in professional research environments, develop relationships with researchers and gain experience that supports their academic and career goals.