PRI-PHSU Graduate Training Program in Biomedical Sciences

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Marcos J. Ramos! 🌟

We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Marcos J. Ramos, Assistant Professor and member of the T32 Advisory Committee, for leading such a meaningful, practical, and engaging professional development session for our students and faculty: “The Scientist Beyond the CV: Connect. Communicate. Inspire.”

Through real-life examples drawn from his own professional journey, Dr. Ramos brought the topic to life, engaging our students and encouraging them to look beyond academic achievements and publications to recognize the importance of building meaningful connections, communicating effectively, and inspiring others through their work.

His practical insights and thoughtful approach offered valuable takeaways that our trainees can carry with them as they continue to grow not only as scientists, but also as communicators, collaborators, and future leaders in biomedical research.

👏 Thank you, Dr. Ramos, for sharing your experience, wisdom, and passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists. Your contribution to our T32 community is truly appreciated!

🎉 Congratulations to our third-year student, Vivianka Y. Ramos Plaza, from the Appleyard Lab, on her recent publication in the PHSU Scientific Journal, Volume 3, Issue 1 (2026)! 🧬

This is a wonderful accomplishment and a reflection of her dedication, hard work, and commitment to scientific research. Congratulations as well to all the co-authors who contributed to this work!

Wishing Vivianka continued success as she advances in her scientific journey. Well done! 👏🎓

🔬 Celebrating Our Trainees’ Research Excellence! 🧬👏

We proudly recognize James Torres-Pirela, fourth-year PhD student, and Vivianka Ramos, third-year PhD student and T32 trainee, both from the Appleyard Laboratory, for their contributions to the 12th Behavioral Health Student Research Symposium of Southern Puerto Rico, held at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) on October 24, 2026.

🏆 James Torres-Pirela presented the research titled “Leptin Partially Reverses the Beneficial Effects of Exercise in a Rat Model of Endometriosis,” co-authored with Kristian A. Reyes-Vega, Myrella L. Cruz, Luis A. Rivera-Arce, and Caroline B. Appleyard.

🔬 Vivianka Ramos was a co-author of the research titled “Environmental Enrichment Modulates Hot Plate Ethological Responses Before and After Endometriosis Induction Surgery in Rats.” The study was presented orally by Roberto Agresar-Figueroa, a medical student whom Vivianka mentored during a summer rotation. This collaboration reflects Vivianka’s valuable contributions to biomedical research and her commitment to sharing scientific knowledge and providing mentorship.

🌟 We congratulate James and Vivianka on their dedication to scientific research and their contributions to advancing biomedical knowledge. We are proud of their excellent representation of the PhD in Biomedical Sciences Program and the PRI–PHSU T32 Program! 🎓🧬🔬

We proudly recognize Vivianka Ramos (Appleyard Lab) and Adrián Márquez (Rivera-Amill Lab), PhD in Biomedical Sciences students and third-year T32 trainees, for their outstanding contribution to science outreach during Science Week on October 9, 2026, at Sor Isolina Ferré School in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

As part of this initiative, Vivianka and Adrián engaged middle school students in an exciting educational activity focused on the Dengue Virus Cycle, delivering an informative talk and an interactive demonstration that brought biomedical science to life and encouraged students to explore the science behind a public health challenge that directly affects our communities.

👏 We celebrate Vivianka and Adrián for their enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to sharing their scientific knowledge beyond the laboratory. Their participation exemplifies the vital role our trainees play in promoting science education, raising public health awareness, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Congratulations, Vivianka and Adrián, and thank you for representing our Program with such enthusiasm and excellence! Your efforts help make science more accessible, engaging, and meaningful to our community. 🧬🔬