2025 Distinguished Alumna: Molly S. Bray on Science, Mentorship, and Change
2025 Distinguished Alumna Molly S. Bray, PhD ’98, returned to the MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to reflect on a career shaped by curiosity, change, and mentorship. A nationally recognized expert in obesity, metabolism, and genetics, Bray shared insights from her journey and encouraged graduates to embrace non-linear paths in science and life.
Bray speaking to students at 2025 commencement.
World-renowned obesity researcher and GSBS graduate Molly S. Bray, PhD ’98, was honored as the Graduate School’s 2025 Distinguished Alumna during commencement ceremonies on May 13. A nationally recognized leader in energy balance, exercise response, and metabolic health, Bray currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin, where she holds the Susan T. Jastrow Chair for Excellence in Nutritional Sciences.
“You may think it’s a scary time in science, but never has the ability to move back and forth —from academia to business to industry — been as fluid as it is now. The old rigidity of a single path to success is gone, and this is a wonderful thing. You have the prepared minds to change the world.”
Dr. Molly S. Bray
From her 2025 Commencement Remarks
