Tatara Selected as Grand Prize Winner in TAMEST Poster Challenge

FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - Alexander Tatara, M.D., Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, was selected as the Grand Prize winner of the TAMEST (Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science, & Technology) Protégé Poster Challenge. He was chosen from among 63 early career researchers participating in this year’s program.

The TAMEST Protégé Program pairs early‑career scientists and industry professionals with TAMEST members, offering mentorship and the chance to share emerging research at the organization’s annual conference. Protégés also compete in the poster challenge, which highlights work with potential to advance scientific understanding and benefit society.

Since the program’s launch in 2004, TAMEST has welcomed 1,286 protégés. Many have gone on to distinguished careers: 42 have received major TAMEST‑associated honors, including the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, Hill Prizes, and the Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship, and 58 have been elected to the National Academies and inducted as TAMEST members.