A Capitol Success
Today I had the incredible opportunity to represent the University of Houston at UH Day at the Capitol. The day was a whirlwind of policy, passion, and Cougar Pride, and I’m thrilled to share my experience with you.
What Is UH Day at the Capitol?
UH Day at the Capitol is an annual event where students, faculty, and staff from the University of Houston head to Austin to advocate for our university and the broader UH System. It’s a chance to meet with legislators, share our stories, and highlight the transformative impact of higher education and research funding on our campus and community.
Making My Voice Heard
This year, I had the privilege of meeting directly with Representative Jolanda Jones and Senator Molly Cook, as well as staff members for Senator Adam Hinojosa, Representative Gary Gates, and Representative Gene Wu. Each conversation was a chance to share not only my own story but also the stories of countless students who benefit from UH’s robust academic programs and research opportunities.
I spoke about my work in the UH Sequencing Gene Editing Core, my interdisciplinary senior honors thesis on cancer-driving genetic fusions, and the incredible support I’ve received from UH’s faculty and research infrastructure. I also emphasized the importance of continued investment in STEM education, research funding, and student support services—topics that are close to my heart as both a scientist and a student leader.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy days like this are more than just photo ops—they’re vital for ensuring our voices are heard in the legislative process. When lawmakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions, they can make informed choices that support education, research, and innovation. It’s easy to think of policy as something that happens “over there,” but the truth is, it directly affects the opportunities we have as students and researchers.
A Few Personal Highlights
One of the most memorable moments of the day was stepping into the historic halls of the Texas Capitol. It’s a beautiful and humbling reminder of the democratic process and the power of showing up. Plus, sending handwritten postcards to the representatives and senators I met was a fun and personal way to follow up and keep the conversation going.
I also loved connecting with fellow Coogs. Whether we were swapping research stories on the bus ride to Austin or sharing lunch between meetings, it was inspiring to see so many passionate, driven students advocating for our university.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on UH Day at the Capitol, I’m more motivated than ever to continue my work in science outreach and advocacy. Whether through my roles in the Society of Physics Students, the Astronomy Society at UH, or my involvement as a College of Natural Science and Mathematics Student Leader, I want to keep building bridges between the scientific community and the public.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible—from the UH organizers to the legislative staff who welcomed us with open minds and thoughtful questions. I can’t wait to see how our efforts contribute to a brighter future for UH and the wider Texas community.
Get Involved!
If you’re a UH student, I highly encourage you to get involved with advocacy opportunities. Whether it’s UH Day at the Capitol or sharing your story on social media, your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference!