We will soon close the book on 2025 as we prepare for a new year. Here at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, this year was truly filled with both celebratory triumphs and heartbreaking tribulations. I want to first honor and reflect on two incredible individuals who passed away this year: Jaime Hargrave, our Assistant Dean for Education, and D. Bradley McWilliams, the school’s namesake. They both played very important roles within our community, and they are profoundly missed. It brings me solace to know that their legacies will forever remain at the heart of all that we do here at McWilliams.
This year, the university was proud to welcome Melina R. Kibbe, MD as the new president of UTHealth Houston in September. This ushers in a new era for this institution and I’ve already had the opportunity to witness her exemplary leadership firsthand. I look forward to her visiting us in early 2026 to tour our space, meet with students, learn more about our faculty’s research, and explore all that our school has to offer.
2025 marked other advancements for the school including our continued investment in the future of AI in healthcare. The team here at McWilliams helped facilitate the UTHealth Houston AI Task Force Town Halls and served as the host for the 2025 UT System AI Symposium. We also added unique classes focused on teaching our students about the latest trends in AI. That just scratches the surface of our school’s involvement in expanding AI integration within education, research, clinical care, technology innovation, and operational excellence. I am also looking forward to the TMC AI Summit happening in February of 2026. Faculty, staff, and students from McWilliams are on the planning committee for that event and I encourage everyone to attend and explore the latest AI technologies in healthcare that are being fostered right here in Houston.
Each year, I share my gratitude for you — the extraordinary individuals that make up the vibrant fabric of our flourishing school community. 2025 is no different and although it was transformational with both ebbs and flows, and I am beyond thankful for your work and dedication during each day of this year. I extend my warmest wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and continued success.
With hopeful regards,
Dean Jiajie Zhang, Ph.D.
The Glassell Family Foundation Distinguished Chair in Informatics Excellence
McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston
