Congratulations to Erik Marchant on being named the 2025 GSBS Presidential Ambassador!
The UT Health San Antonio Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) Presidential Ambassador joins the ambassadors of the other 5 schools in supporting and engaging with the Acting President. The Ambassador attends institutional functions where they represent the GSBS student body. The Ambassador is chosen for their engagement in GSBS activities, strong communication skills, and ability to represent the diversity of programs within the GSBS.
Erik Marchant is a third-year IBMS student in the Biology of Aging Discipline under Dr. Blake Rasmussen’s mentorship. His research focuses on investigating the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and developing therapeutic strategies to improve muscle health. He is particularly interested in how aging contributes to the development of insulin resistance, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. Erik began his research career at Brigham Young University, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nutritional Science, along with a minor in Gerontology. His work there centered on skeletal muscle metabolism, leading to multiple publications—including a unique case study on himself and his identical twin brother, which assessed muscle mitochondrial function following an ultramarathon. Throughout his academic journey, Erik has been fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors and aspires to one day run his own research lab and train the next generation of scientists. He currently serves on the IBMS student council, representing the Biology of Aging discipline. Outside the lab, Erik enjoys running on nearby trails, spending time with his wife Abby, and serving as a mentor for the youth at his church.