I am delighted to serve as president of Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists for the 2024 term. It is an honor to work with the dedicated and dynamic members who serve on the BRASS Board of Directors and help me guide this unique and worthwhile organization to fulfill its mission and plan for the future.
Now in our 29th year, we continue to embrace the pursuit of excellence in biomedical research in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Since 1995, BRASS has provided 88 amazing BRASS Scholars with guidance, mentorship and support for their research and academic endeavors. Since the very beginning, we have followed each of them as they progressed in their careers. Many Scholars have gone on to achieve great success as leaders in research, clinical care, academia and private industry.
Our annual endowed BRASS scholarships have gradually increased from just one in our inaugural year to four in 2012. Today we have 20 active BRASS Scholars. In 2007 we also funded the prestigious William R. Brinkley Endowed Chair, which currently is held by Carolyn Smith, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
We have been able to make this remarkable progress through the generosity of members and other benefactors. They understand the importance of supporting student scientists so they can go on to make breakthroughs that lead to cures for the diseases that plague society. To date we have raised more than $9 million!
Funding for biomedical research has been significantly reduced nationally over the last decade. This reduction has had a major impact on research labs throughout the country, including at Baylor. Your continued financial support for BRASS helps ensure we have the ability to fund a crucial margin of excellence for our Scholars’ research.
If you are not yet a member, we would love to have you join BRASS and become a part of the BRASS family. I assure you that you will enjoy getting to know our brilliant and talented BRASS Scholars. They will enrich your lives in so many ways, just as you will theirs.
Sincerely,
Elsie Eckert
BRASS President
