Eleven Texas A&M Graduate Students Selected to Attend the Global Young Scientists Summit 2026 in Singapore 

By Kahkasha Wahab, Graduate and Professional School

December 4, 2025 --

COLLEGE STATION -- Eleven distinguished Texas A&M doctoral students have been selected to attend the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2026, taking place January 5-9, 2026, in Singapore. The renowned gathering brings together the world’s brightest young researchers and internationally acclaimed scientific leaders, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists, Millennium Technology Prize winners, and Turing Award recipients.

Meet this Year’s Texas A&M Delegation:

Sebin Abraham (Chemistry)
Rosemarie Acero (Chemistry)
Keerthi Bandaru (Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Science)
Austen Ehrie (Biology)
Sarah Fisher (Chemistry)
Leah Kocian (Biological & Agricultural Engineering)
Haoxuan Mu (Mechanical Engineering)
Arafat Oany (Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology)
Simon Popovic (Chemistry)
Noah Sladek (Chemistry)
Reuben Stewart (Aerospace Engineering).

A Week of Scientific Exchange

The Texas A&M group will join more than 350 young scientists from nearly 50 countries for a dynamic week of keynote lectures, panel discussions, small-group sessions, poster presentations and cross-disciplinary exchanges.

GYSS is known worldwide for its rigorous selection process and its commitment to fostering scientific progress and collaboration through dialogue and interdisciplinary engagement. Topics explored at the summit include artificial intelligence, quantum technology, climate and sustainability, biomedical science, advanced materials and next-generation engineering.

Empowering Emerging Researchers

For many participants, GYSS offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with some of the leading scientists of the 21st century. Keerthi Bandaru (Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Science) said the summit represents a rare chance to broaden her scientific perspective. “I am very excited about meeting and learning from renowned scientists, including Nobel laureates, as well as connecting with young researchers who are equally passionate about advancing science.”

Her sentiment aligns with one of the summit’s core goals: encouraging emerging researchers to embrace scientific thinking beyond the boundaries of their own labs.

Similarly, Simon Popovic (Chemistry) noted that noted that the summit’s interdisciplinary approach is especially appealing after years of specialized graduate research.” Hearing the speakers at GYSS could help me set aside this restrictive mindset and expand my focus.” This highlights the value GYSS places on intellectual openness as a catalyst for innovation.

Turning Global Insights into Local Impact

While the summit focuses on global scientific challenges, Texas A&M attendees are also eager to apply what they learn when they return to Aggieland. Arafat Rahman Oany (Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology) emphasized that engaging with Nobel Laureates and global research leaders provides a rare platform for scientific growth. He shared that he hopes to return with “new insights, collaborative ideas, and a broader scientific network that may contribute to ongoing and future research initiatives at Texas A&M.”

His perspective captures the university’s long-standing aim in participating in GYSS: empowering researchers who bring back valuable knowledge and inspiration to their departments, labs and academic communities.

Leah Kocian (Biological & Agricultural Engineering) shares this excitement, She is most excited to hear directly from Nobel Laureates and learn about their ongoing work and scientific journeys, believing that exposure to their perspectives will make a positive impact on her own research. I want to bring back fresh insights, new ideas, and renewed inspiration to my work at Texas A&M,” she said.

These reflections show how the summit enriches both individual scholars and the university’s research ecosystem.

Looking Forward

Texas A&M’s involvement in the Global Young Scientists Summit continues to expand through partnerships with international scientific organizations, such as the university’s connection to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. The overarching goal is simple: to provide transformative opportunities that shape the next generation of global research leaders and increase the research enterprise at Texas A&M.

For more details, please visit Global Young Scientists Summit.