Annual Conferences
Our regional meetings foster meaningful networking, provide a platform to share emerging research, and encourage mentorship and professional development, especially for early-career scientists. With a focus on community and accessibility, local conferences are a valuable way to stay connected to the broader field of physiology while celebrating the diverse research happening across Texas.
Upcoming Events
🌱 BBPS 2026 Annual Conference
Rooted in Discovery and Growing Together: Advancing Physiology Through Community and Collaboration
University of Dallas, Irving, TX
📅 Friday, September 18th, 2026
📍 University of Dallas, Irving, TX
The Blue Bonnet Physiological Society's 2026 Annual Conference, centered on the theme “Rooted in Discovery and Growing Together: Advancing Physiology Through Community and Collaboration,” will be held in person at University of Dallas on Friday September 18th, 2026. This year's gathering is designed to feel both energizing and welcoming — a space where scientists, trainees, and educators from across Texas and beyond can come together to share ideas, celebrate discovery, and build lasting connections. Through engaging scientific sessions and thoughtfully designed networking opportunities, the conference will highlight not only the science we do, but the community that makes it meaningful.
At the heart of this meeting is a commitment to fostering collaboration, inclusion, and diversity. We aim to create an environment where every attendee feels seen, supported, and inspired to contribute — whether through sharing their research, connecting with mentors and peers, or exploring new interdisciplinary ideas. By bringing together a wide range of perspectives and experiences, the conference will help strengthen the collective impact of physiology research and nurture the next generation of scientists across Texas and beyond.
Set in the dynamic and welcoming city of Dallas, the University of Dallas offers the perfect backdrop for this year's theme. Dallas is a vibrant hub where academic institutions, healthcare innovation, and diverse communities intersect, making it an ideal place to spark new collaborations and fresh thinking. Its central location makes it easy to gather from across the region, while the city's energy reflects the spirit of growth, connection, and possibility that we hope every attendee will experience. We look forward to seeing you there!
Meet Our Keynote Speaker
Dr. Keisa Mathis, PhD
Associate Professor
UT Southwestern Medical Center
The Blue Bonnet Physiological Society is honored to welcome Dr. Keisa Mathis as the keynote speaker for our 2026 Annual Conference at the University of Dallas!
Dr. Mathis is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Physiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where her research explores the complex interactions between the nervous and immune systems in chronic inflammatory diseases, including hypertension and systemic lupus erythematosus. Her NIH- and Department of Defense-funded work has advanced our understanding of neuroimmune mechanisms that drive cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Mathis is a nationally recognized leader in physiology, mentorship, and advocacy. She serves in leadership roles across several professional societies, is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, and is the Executive Director of Black in Physiology. Her commitment to fostering inclusive excellence and supporting the next generation of scientists has made her a respected voice in the biomedical research community.
Dr. Mathis's dedication to mentorship, scientific innovation, and community building embodies the mission of the Blue Bonnet Physiological Society. We are excited to welcome her to share insights from her groundbreaking research and her experiences advancing equity, leadership, and collaboration in physiology. Join us for an inspiring keynote exploring the intersection of physiology, mentorship, and scientific discovery.
Past Events
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
🎉 Inaugural Conference 2025
📅 Friday, September 26th, 2025
📍 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
🎫 FREE Registration
We hosted our inaugural conference on Friday September 26th, 2025, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX and it was a resounding success, bringing together over 40 physiologists from across Texas for a day of connection, discovery, and community-building. We were honored to host keynote speaker Dee Silverthorn, whose inspiring talk reflected on her scientific journey, her service to the American Physiological Society, and the vital role that local chapters play in strengthening the field. The program also showcased outstanding contributions from students and postdocs through engaging oral presentations, rapid-fire blitz talks, and a vibrant poster session, highlighting the depth and diversity of physiology research across the state. The conference concluded with celebratory closing remarks and the announcement of new leadership, with Nicoletta Memos named President and Marcos Garza as Vice President — marking an exciting new chapter for the society.
📄 View the 2025 Conference Program:
Download / View Agenda