AHA CEO keynotes UK Cardiovascular Research Day, touts 75-year collaboration

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2023) — Cardiovascular disease is a pressing health challenge in Kentucky. It’s one the University of Kentucky and the American Heart Association (AHA) have been working to address for decades.

Since 1949, the AHA has provided more than $41 million through 469 research grants to the University of Kentucky, with 15 grants totaling more than $3.2 million currently active. 

That collaboration was highlighted at the 26th annual UK Cardiovascular Research Day with AHA CEO Nancy Brown as the event’s featured speaker. She shared how the AHA works to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

“At the American Heart Association, we recognize science and research drive our advancements in heart health. The groundbreaking work being done at UK is critical for tackling Kentucky’s high rates of cardiovascular disease and, ultimately, help people live longer, healthier lives,” said Brown. “We are excited to continue to support this work to help transform the way we prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.”

“We are grateful to the American Heart Association and Nancy Brown for the show of support in Cardiovascular Research Day. As we celebrated the excellence and innovation in cardiovascular clinical care, research and education at UK, we appreciate her taking the time to champion the advancements in an area of care so critical to Kentucky’s health,” said Alan Daugherty, Ph.D., D.Sc., a fellow of the AHA.

Daugherty is the Gill Foundation Chair of Preventive Cardiology, director of the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center and the Saha Aortic Center, chair of the Department of Physiology in the UK College of Medicine and associate vice president for research core facilities.

On Sept. 20, researchers filled the Central Bank Center in Lexington. The annual event recognizes a spectrum of research excellence, including highlighting researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine with the Gill Awards.

Svati Shah, M.D., the associate dean for translational research and director of the Duke Center for Precision Health at Duke University was awarded the Gill Heart and Vascular Institute Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cardiovascular Research.

Her research focuses on using community-based data to better understand and define health disparities. One study has recently advanced biomarker research in the areas of heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. Shah presented “Heart Failure Omics: Metabolism and Beyond” at the event.

The Gill Heart and Vascular Institute Early Career Awards were awarded to three investigators. The award, given to those within the first seven years of their faculty appointment, recognizes innovation and creativity that has impacted cardiovascular research and/or advancements in clinical care.

Jessica Caldwell, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Davis, was recognized for her research which includes studying the differences in how female and male hearts respond to stress hormones. She presented “Sex-dependent Cardiac Cyclic-AMP Signaling and Arrhythmias in the Failing Heart.”

Satoshi Koyama, M.D., Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard, was honored for his work analyzing biological data to understand the causes and factors that influence cardiovascular diseases. He presented “Diagnosing Millions of Hearts: Harnessing Genetic Data for Cardiovascular Insights.”

Joshua Travers, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Colorado, studies potential therapeutics for heart failure and other conditions. He presented “Cell Painting and Machine Learning Distinguish Healthy from Failing Human Cardiac Fibroblasts.”

Each year, a UK alum is selected to give the alumni presentation. This year, Brandon Fornwalt, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of cardiology at Tempus Labs Inc., presented “What I Would Tell My Younger 25-Year-Old Self.”

Students from undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral programs gave rapid-fire presentations on a variety of research. Staff and trainees also showcased their work in a judged poster session.

This year’s event also included a new opportunity for researchers to submit their scientific images as art. Attendees judged the images and prizes went to the most popular.

Cardiovascular Research Day is made possible by support from the UK Cardiovascular Research Priority Area, the UK HealthCare Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, the UK Saha Cardiovascular Research Center and the UK Saha Aortic Center.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.