Researchers at Augusta University are leading innovative studies to address cardiovascular health challenges.
Augusta University has received an $8.5 million grant from the Leducq Foundation for a study aimed at improving treatments for peripheral artery disease. Led by Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, the research will examine risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases in women. Additionally, Dr. Sabrina Robichaud has received an AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship to explore the link between cancer and cardiovascular disease. These initiatives highlight the university’s commitment to innovative research and addressing public health challenges related to cardiovascular health.
Augusta, Georgia – The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University has secured an $8.5 million grant from the Leducq Foundation for Cardiovascular Research. This funding is earmarked for a groundbreaking study that aims to enhance treatments for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that can lead to severe cardiovascular complications.
The research team at Augusta University will receive over $4 million to conduct this study, which is being led by Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, PhD. The primary focus of the research will be to investigate the risk factors associated with cardiovascular and kidney diseases, specifically in women. This initiative is part of a broader $15 million effort titled “Strategically Focused Research Network on Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome: Heterogeneity in Women.”
Complementing this grant, Dr. Sabrina Robichaud from Augusta University’s Immunology Center has been awarded the center’s inaugural American Heart Association (AHA) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr. Robichaud’s research endeavors to explore the connections between cancer and cardiovascular disease. This fellowship is designed to promote innovative research in less explored areas and support early-career researchers as they advance their studies.
Dr. Robichaud is particularly focused on how cancer can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. Her findings are expected to enhance the identification of patients at risk and improve preventative measures for cardiovascular diseases.
In total, Augusta University has received approximately $49.8 million in AHA funding through more than 300 awards, a testament to its dedication to addressing significant health challenges in the region. The university’s expertise in immunology, cancer, and cardiovascular biology plays a crucial role in tackling these public health concerns.
The research projects at Augusta University will utilize advanced technologies such as intravital microscopy and mass cytometry, which are expected to significantly enhance the capacity for experimental research and lead to innovative discoveries in cardiovascular health.
Mentorship is also highlighted as a significant component in successfully obtaining AHA grants. The program fosters guidance from seasoned investigators, ensuring that emerging researchers have the support they need to thrive. Furthermore, the AHA fellowship provides funding for fellows to attend conferences, enabling interactions with leading scientists and further enriching their research experience.
In recent institutional developments, Dr. Russell Keen was celebrated during an investiture ceremony as Augusta University’s second president. Under Keen’s leadership, the university has reported a remarkable 40% increase in enrollment over the past year, reflecting the institution’s growth and appeal.
Additionally, Augusta University is in the process of searching for a new executive vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost. This search is pivotal as the university continues to expand its academic offerings and enhance its mission to promote health research and education.
As Augusta University progresses in its research endeavors, the recent grants and fellowships signify a commitment to addressing pressing health issues and fostering a new generation of scientific inquiry within the fields of cardiovascular and metabolic health.
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