From curiosity to calling: One UTHealth Houston student's path to microbiology

Jana Gomez will graduate this year from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. (Photo by UTHealth Houston)

As Jana Gomez prepares to cross the commencement stage at UTHealth Houston, her path reflects more than years of research. It tells the story of a scientist driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to making science understandable to others.

Her journey into microbiology wasn’t a straight line, but once she found her footing, there was no turning back.

“When I was doing my bachelor's, I got a little bit of research experience, and I really liked it,” Gomez said. “So, I decided to get a master's in microbiology. And then I liked that so much that I decided to pursue a PhD.”

That decision ultimately led her to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. “UTHealth Houston had a great diverse microbiology program that I really liked. So that's ultimately why I decided to go with UTHealth Houston.”

Finding fascination in the invisible

Although science had always been part of her life — thanks in part to her mother — it was a single undergraduate course that transformed her interest into a passion.

“My mom was actually a high school biology teacher, and she planted that seed very early on for me,” she said. “But really the microbiology passion started in undergrad.”

She vividly remembers the class that changed everything. “I took an elective called Great Diseases of the World, and I adored that class. That’s what really sparked my interest in microbiology specifically.”

That fascination with how microscopic organisms shape the world continues to guide her work today.

Research with real-world impact

In the lab Gomez focuses on infections tied to medical devices — an area of research that directly affects patient quality of life.

“I study staphylococcus aureus, which is a bacterial pathogen, and it commonly causes catheter-associated urinary tract infections,” Gomez said.

Her work explores how these infections develop and persist. “My research project was aimed at understanding why one particular protein that the bacteria create contributes to infection.”

Through hands-on experiments, she studies bacterial behavior in realistic conditions. “We often will grow the bacteria in conditions that kind of mimic the urinary tract,” she said.

A voice for science beyond the lab

While her research is highly technical, Gomez has found equal purpose in translating science for broader audiences.

“I’m really passionate about science communication and communicating complex scientific ideas to a more layman audience,” she said.

That passion took shape during an unexpected internship opportunity with UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences communications team.

“That internship kind of happened by chance,” Gomez said. “My main goal was to set up what is now the ‘Paper of the Month’ feature at the graduate school.”

The initiative helps bring student research to life through storytelling. “Every month we take an article that was written by a grad student… and we write blog posts to feature them,” she said.

Looking ahead, she hopes to turn that passion into a career. “The ultimate goal would be working for a big publication, communicating science for general audiences,” Gomez said.

“Combining my love for writing, my love for science is the perfect career path for me.”

Life outside the lab

Despite the demands of doctoral research, Gomez prioritizes balance and creativity in her personal life.

“I don’t have any children unless you count my pets,” she said with a laugh. “I have one cat and two dogs. They’re my whole world.”

She and her husband, a postdoctoral researcher, often spend their free time together. “We do a lot of exploring throughout Houston,” she said.

When she slows down, she turns to creative hobbies. “I’m also a really big reader. I enjoy crochet and I enjoy cross stitch,” Gomez said.

Celebrating the finish line

As graduation nears, Gomez is focused not just on what comes next, but on recognizing how far she’s come.

“I think it’s really easy to get lost in the weeds of trying to meet deadlines, but I’ve learned to be kind to myself,” she said.

Instead, she encourages fellow graduates to pause and reflect. “This is the accumulation of all of the work you’ve done. It’s a celebration at the end of the day,” Gomez said.

“This is you celebrating all of your accomplishments throughout your PhD.”

This student story is part of the Countdown to Commencement series, featuring graduating students from schools across the university. Check back each week as we celebrate the Class of 2026 leading up to commencement.