Houston-area Mustangs ignite the future

Houston connection: From Houston, Texas

Research area: In silico drug discovery and molecular dynamics

A National Science Foundation graduate research fellow, Lauren Ammerman McCormick is making discoveries that could one day help people around the world.

As part of a biological research team at SMU, McCormick helped uncover an important protein that allows removal of an Alzheimer’s-associated toxin from the brain. Her research may open the door to new treatments for aggressive and debilitative diseases.

After completing her Ph.D., McCormick continued her research as a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Through her work, McCormick is developing a scientific outreach program for use in local schools with diverse student populations.

“A thriving research environment is a key component of top research universities like SMU because we’re not just teaching knowledge, we’re creating it.”

- Lauren Ammerman McCormick ’21 Ph.D., Biology

Houston connection: Lives in Katy, Texas

Major: Journalism

During her time on the Hilltop, Peyton Woodson Cooper ’00 nurtured her passions for writing and storytelling by serving as a staff writer for the SMU Daily Campus. Woodson Cooper is the senior director of communications for TDECU, Houston’s largest credit union. She manages the internal and external communications strategy for the nonprofit cooperative that helps members navigate each stage of their financial journey.

Woodson Cooper is a respected speaker and lecturer. Her strategic communications and crisis communications work has been honored with awards from Ragan Communications, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Outside of work, she inspires others as an author of short stories and children’s books. She has also served as a volunteer SMU student recruiter for the Greater Houston region.

“During my time at SMU, alumni and administration served as champions for students and helped us craft limitless futures.”

- Peyton Woodson Cooper ’00

Houston connection: From Bellaire, Texas

Majors: Finance and French

As an SMU President’s Scholar and BBA Scholar, Alex Euscher is already making an impact on future SMU graduates. After his time as an exchange student in high school, Euscher now volunteers time mentoring as a student ambassador through Rotary International and the SMU President’s Scholars Program.

In addition, Euscher is preparing for his career after graduation by pursuing demanding internships, building his business and leadership skills through programs such as the Hunt Institute and the SMU Cox Career Accelerator Program.