Innovation is in Our DNA
Innovation is in Our DNA A discovery of DNA sequences in the classroom inspires Associate Professor Pislariu to recruit students into research RESEARCH THAT MATTERS > CATALINA PISLARIU, PHD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DIVISION OF BIOLOGY, WORKS IN HER RESEARCH LAB WITH TWO DOCTORAL STUDENTS, SHABAB MEHEHUB (LEFT) AND HALA SAMARA (RIGHT). MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, a phrase that didn’t exist until 1945, is the study of how molecules interact with one another in living organisms to perform the functions of life, and it’s applicable across a swath of scientific fields. It is also the specialty of study for Texas Woman's Associate Professor of Biology Catalina Pislariu. Last year, Pislariu’s students didn’t just learn molecular techniques and instrumentation. They discovered several unique DNA sequences that were verified and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Library of Medicine. “They were thrilled,” Pislariu says of her students. “The excitement this brings is when you have a project that has a purpose, starting with an initial question and finishing with an end product that gives you a scientific answer.” 50% of biomedical scientists are women 47% of biomedical scientists were people of color in 2021 –zippia.com 12 TEXAS WOMAN’S
Learn more about annual giving at twu.edu/annualgiving MY INSPIRATION DONOR A HARVEST BEGINS WITH A SINGLE SEED 50 years of giving IT WAS PROBABLY WRITTEN in the stars that Glenda Brock Simmons’ life would be intertwined with Texas Woman’s. Simmons ’61, ’62 is an alumna and a long-time affiliate who grew up two blocks from the Denton campus. Simmons has the unique distinction of being the longest-standing member of the Redbud Society. Members of the university’s Redbud Society are donors who have given more than three consecutive years. Simmons has given annually for more than 50 years. “I have always wanted to contribute to TWU in whatever way I could,” says Simmons. “I have a wonderful life, and a lot of it was spent at the university.” Simmons’ association with TWU began in the mid-1900s, when her father asked for a work transfer to Denton. He wanted his wife and daughters to attend Texas Woman’s. “I roamed the campus when I was 12 years old,” says Simmons. “My love for the university began there.” Texas Woman’s was a home away from home for Simmons. “It never in a million years would have occurred to me that I would have a chance to teach at the university,” says Simmons. “That opportunity was just made in heaven.” After teaching subjects ranging from typewriting to investments for 20 years, she served as the vice president for student life for another 15 years. One of her proudest achievements was establishing family housing. Simmons isn’t sure when she started giving. “I know every penny counts,” says Simmons. “I gave small amounts when I was a student and when I first graduated. You give what you can give.” “I’ve done what my heart has told me to do. And, one thing it has told me to do is to be generous with TWU.” TEXAS WOMAN’S 13
