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2025 Lab Coat Ceremony Welcomes Graduate Students To Their Thesis Labs

An annual tradition marks the start of scientific discovery for the 2024-2025 class of Stowers Graduate School students.

09 October 2025

The Graduate School of the Stowers Institute recently held its 2025 Lab Coat Ceremony, a milestone event welcoming the cohort of Ph.D. students to the Stowers Institute’s research community. The ceremony marked the beginning of their research journey in their thesis labs at the Institute. Each student delivered a brief presentation introducing their scientific interests and outlining the questions they will investigate during their Ph.D. studies.

Following the presentations, students were joined on stage by their Thesis Advisors, who presented them with their Stowers lab coats. The moment represented both a personal milestone and a welcome into the collaborative, mentorship-driven environment that defines the Institute.

As each Advisor introduced their new student, they offered words of encouragement and insight into the discoveries awaiting them. The event underscored the Graduate School’s commitment to curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific rigor—principles that guide students as they begin their research journeys at the Institute.

The 2024–2025 Stowers Graduate School Class

Alejandra Alonso Quintana, Sankari Lab
Zhengda An, Sauka-Spengler Lab
Sergio Barroso Bordon, Sankari Lab
Adam Cogan, Si Lab
Michael Epp, Özel Lab
Grace McKown, Kostova Lab
Shao-Fu Nien, Sánchez Alvarado and Kostova Lab
Dilan Sakinci, Zanders Lab
Shrutika Sansaria, Halfmann Lab
Ritvee Talele, Sankari Lab

Learn more about the class here.

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