Six UTMB staff, students named Daily News 40 Under 40 honorees

Six members of The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), including two medical students, have been named to the Galveston County Daily News Top 40 Under 40 list for 2026.

According to the Daily News, an independent panel of judges not affiliated with the newspaper evaluates nominees based on three primary criteria:

• Professional accomplishments: career achievements, leadership, innovation, awards, and measurable impact in their field
• Professional growth: evidence that the nominee has advanced in responsibility, influence, or expertise, often well beyond what might be expected for their age
• Community service: volunteer work, nonprofit involvement, civic leadership, mentoring, board service, or other contributions that improve Galveston County

The six honorees from UTMB are:

Arsalan Saleem, MD

Saleem is an interventional radiologist and image-guided surgeon at UTMB Health, where he leads Vascular & Interventional Radiology and directs the interventional radiology residency program. He specializes in minimally invasive treatments for cancer, vascular disease, trauma, kidney disease, and other complex conditions. Saleem is most proud of expanding the interventional radiology service at UTMB Health from two physicians to an eight-physician, four-campus division with expanded clinics, clinical trials, and nationally recognized high-volume programs. He also helped establish one of the nation's first free interventional radiology services at St. Vincent's to improve access for uninsured patients.

Katherine McConnell

McConnell is director of business operations for the Moody Brain Health Institute, where she oversees operational strategy, financial management, and institutional initiatives supporting interdisciplinary research, clinical innovation, and community engagement. She helps build the infrastructure behind major scientific and public-facing programs while advancing collaboration across UTMB and the Galveston community. In addition to her leadership at UTMB, McConnell is active in community service through organizations including the Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels, SMART Family Literacy, and Alzheimer's-related initiatives.

Tamara Sherrod

Sherrod is director of Alumni and Parent Relations at UTMB, where she develops programs and engagement opportunities that strengthen connections among alumni through mentorship, advocacy, volunteerism, and philanthropy. Her work helps cultivate a vibrant alumni network that supports the UTMB mission and future healthcare professionals. Before joining UTMB, she served as executive director of the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation, where she expanded fundraising efforts and launched new programs supporting students and educators. Sherrod's leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and community engagement.

Tara Wondra, PhD

Wondra is a senior learning specialist at the UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, where she supports medical students through academic coaching, study strategy development, and professional growth. She is especially proud of her work with UTMB and the Texas Joint Admission Medical Program, combining mentorship, curriculum development, and advocacy to create long-term support systems for aspiring physicians. Beyond UTMB, Wondra is executive vice president-elect of the Junior League of Galveston County.

Bobby Bobby

Bobby is a medical student at John Sealy School of Medicine whose work spans clinical care, research, education, and service. He conducts research focused on heart and kidney disease, mentors future healthcare professionals, and serves in leadership roles across UTMB and The University of Texas System. Bobby also co-leads a resilience and mentorship program at Ball High School, volunteers at St. Vincent's Hope Clinic, and established a need-based scholarship for first-generation community college students. He aspires to become a physician-educator dedicated to improving patient care and expanding educational opportunities.

Presley Limon

Limon is a fourth-year medical student at John Sealy School of Medicine and a commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Her work spans clinical care, research, education, and community outreach, with leadership roles in admissions and student mentorship that strengthen the UTMB culture of connection. She has volunteered at St. Vincent's Student-Run Free Clinic, mentored youth through UTMB Connect and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and supported initiatives addressing food insecurity and homelessness. Limon plans to serve as an Army physician committed to compassionate care and serving vulnerable populations.

Top photo

• Top row from left, Arsalan Saleem, MD; Katherine McConnell; and Tamara Sherrod
• Bottom row from left, Tara Wondra, PhD; Bobby Bobby; and Presley Limon