Horton blazes a trail into the intricacies of the immune system

For Paulina Horton, science isn’t just a career, it’s an adventure. When talking about her research in immunology, she lights up and describes it with a kind of giddy excitement often reserved for action films.

“It makes me feel like Indiana Jones with a pipette,” Horton said with a grin.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Horton, a seventh-year PhD student at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, grew up surrounded by support.

Her parents, Paula and James Horton, always encouraged her curiosity, buying her copies of “Grey’s Anatomy” and making trips to the library a regular part of life. That early foundation set the stage for a lifelong fascination with how things work, especially the human body.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without the sacrifices and support they’ve given me,” she says. “They always fostered my curiosity and gave me so many opportunities to pursue my interests.”

Finding her path

But Horton didn’t always know she’d end up a scientist. It wasn’t until her undergraduate years at Howard University that her path truly took shape. It was there, in the Ernest Just building — named after pioneering Black scientist Ernest Everett Just — that she took her first immunology class and found the field that would capture her heart.

“While in my junior year of college I was introduced to immunology and absolutely fell in love with the field,” Horton recalls. “I was constantly asking my professor to teach me more than what we were covering in class. Eventually, he suggested I try going into research to quench my insatiable curiosity.”

That curiosity led her to pursue her PhD at MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where she now works as a graduate research assistant. But even as she delves into the intricacies of the immune system, Horton stays grounded in the stories of those who came before her, particularly that of Ernest Everett Just.

“His perseverance, dedication, and genuine passion for science has inspired generations of Black scientists, including myself,” Horton said.

Born in the South into a deeply segregated post-Civil War era, Just earned his PhD in 1916 and was a trailblazer in developmental and cell biology. Despite the severe racial barriers of the time, he became one of the first Black Americans to earn a PhD in the sciences and was later awarded the NAACP’s first Spingarn Medal in 1915. Horton draws strength from his legacy, especially when facing doubts or opposition about her own ambitions.

“His story reminds me to persevere in my dreams no matter what opposition I face and to never let anyone else’s limitations influence my own ambitions,” Horton said.

The uncertainty of graduation

As graduation approaches, Horton is excited about the possibilities ahead. While Houston has been her home during her time at MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, she says she “feels a strong pull to explore beyond, maybe in Chicago. That idea has captured my interest.”

She’s hoping to land a position as a field application scientist and loves the idea of using her expertise to help researchers navigate and apply new technologies in flow cytometry — a role that combines both science and communication, which she’s passionate about.

“The job search can feel overwhelming at times, but I’ve been fortunate to build a strong network through retreats and alumni symposiums at the graduate school. I’m especially thankful to Assistant Dean Raquel Salinas, whose guidance and unwavering support have played a huge role in shaping my journey. I also want to express my deep gratitude to my mentor Dr. Pamela Wenzel and to my labmates — Alina Syed, Michelle Winkler, and Dr. Hyun Jung Lee — for making each day in the lab enjoyable.”

Future aspirations

Horton’s dreams are far from modest. Within the next 10 years, she hopes to climb the ranks as a top executive in a life sciences company — or perhaps launch a company of her own. She’s equally interested in health science consulting, sales, and marketing within the biotech sector.

“I’m hoping to continue to hone and refine my leadership skills I’ve acquired in and out of the lab,” Horton said. “I’m also hoping to learn more about leading in a more professional setting.”

With a pipette in one hand and her sights set on leadership, Horton is proving that science isn’t just about experiments — it’s about courage, curiosity, and carving your own path.