We at Greehey CCRI are proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our GSBS students, whose leadership and research are making a meaningful impact across our academic community.
🌟 GSBS Outstanding Student Leadership Award: Jack Prochnau
The Outstanding Student Leadership Award honors a GSBS student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership through campus involvement, service, and academic excellence. This award recognizes individuals who serve as role models—contributing meaningfully to institutional culture, motivating others, and leading with integrity.
Jack Prochnau, a second‑year MD/PhD (STX‑MSTP) student in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD Program (Cancer Biology track), exemplifies these qualities. Mentored by Dr. Manjeet Rao, Jack has shown sustained, high‑impact leadership across student governance, institutional committees, community‑building initiatives, and mentorship programs.
His service includes serving as SGA Secretary, participating in merger working groups, and leading CSA and GCCRI student organizations. In addition, Jack independently developed an eight‑session MSTP seminar series and has provided mentorship through multiple formal programs—all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications.
Jack’s commitment to service and academic excellence has strengthened student support structures and enriched the GSBS academic environment. We are proud to recognize his leadership and the positive impact he continues to make.
🔬 GSBS Outstanding PhD Student Research Award: Anindita Nayak
The Outstanding PhD Student Research Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated an exceptional record of research accomplishment over the past year. This award celebrates impactful discoveries, scholarly productivity, and significant contributions to UT San Antonio’s research mission.
Anindita Nayak, a sixth‑year PhD student in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD Program (Biochemical Mechanisms in Medicine discipline), is a deserving recipient of this honor. Under the mentorship of Dr. Shaun Olsen, Anindita has produced high‑impact research, including a first‑author publication in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology focused on SUMO conjugation.
Her work also includes major contributions to collaborative studies in ubiquitin and viral protease biology, as well as the resolution of the structure of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex with relevance to cancer research. Anindita’s excellence has been further recognized through multiple departmental and institute‑level research awards.
With an impressive publication record, impactful scientific findings, and numerous presentations, Anindita’s work reflects exceptional research performance and leadership within the IBMS program.
👏 Congratulations to Jack and Anindita !
We are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to following your continued success as leaders and innovators in science and medicine.