Hwang earns Jess Hay Fellowship
The University of Texas System has named Sseu-Pei Hwang, PhD candidate and graduate research assistant in the lab of Catherine Denicourt, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, as a recipient of the Jess Hay Chancellor’s Graduate Student Research Fellowship.
“Knowing that my work and effort are recognized, and that others look forward to my growth, is profoundly encouraging,” Hwang said. “This award is a meaningful affirmation of the importance of curiosity-driven basic research as the foundation for future breakthroughs. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which gives me both confidence and motivation as I take the next step in my career, striving to make meaningful contributions to biomedical science.”
The prestigious fellowship was established by former University of Texas System Regent Jess Hay, a visionary leader dedicated to supporting research opportunities for graduate students whose work benefits the state of Texas.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of observing Sseu-Pei’s growth into a truly outstanding scientist,” Denicourt said. “She demonstrates an exceptional command of experimental design and a deep appreciation of the broader impact of her research.”
In the Denicourt Lab, Hwang’s research focuses on ribosome biogenesis, the process of creating ribosomes which are responsible for protein synthesis. Hwang has contributed to the publication of a multitude of scientific research papers since 2020, including the most recent article “Protocol to detect m22G modification on single tRNA iso-decoders by immuno-northern blotting,” which was published in the July 2025 edition of STAR Protocols.
“Sseu-Pei’s projects consistently benefit from her creative vision and her ability to generate ideas that driver her work forward,” Denicourt said. “Beyond her research talents, she is distinguished by her maturity, collegiality, and integrity. With her sights set on leading her own academic research team, Sseu-Pei clearly embodies the qualities necessary for such a role. I am very proud of Sseu-Pei’s achievements and can say without hesitation, that she is truly deserving of the Jess Hay Fellowship.”
Hwang earned a master of science in biochemical science and technology from National Taiwan University in Taipei in 2018. She joined the Denicourt Lab as a PhD candidate at the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2021 after serving three years as a research assistant in Taiwan.