Featured Member

Hanqiang Deng, PhD

What led you to a career in Vascular Biology and academic research?

I have been passionate about science and aspired to become a scientist since high school. I knew this may sound cliché, but it is genuinely true for me. My initial interest in virology led me to pursue a doctorate at the Shanghai Institute of Immunology. During my PhD training, I worked on a protein kinase and unexpectedly discovered its critical role in vascular development and integrity during embryonic and neonatal stages. When I first stained embryonic and retinal blood vessels, I was captivated by their beautiful and intricate structures, sparking a deep fascination with vascular biology. This curiosity was further reinforced by personal experience—some of my relatives suffer from cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the urgent need for research to address these serious and widespread conditions. These combined influences solidified my commitment to studying vascular biology and contributing to advancements in the field. Therefore, I decided to continue to study cardiovascular biology after completing my PhD and came to Yale Cardiovascular Research Center for postdoctoral training.

Are there any scientific investigations you are working on that you would like to highlight? Do you want to highlight any specific things about your career?

The overall goal of my research is to explore how blood flow influences endothelial cell functions and contributes to the development and progression of vascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. My work delves into how endothelial cells sense and respond to hemodynamic force, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that drive both vascular homeostasis and pathological remodeling. As you can see, my research interests span a wide range of areas. I believe it is perfectly natural—and even beneficial—to shift research interests throughout the career. Every experience and everything you learn along the way contributes to your growth and perspective as a scientist.

In addition to receiving this award, how did you first get involved with AHA?

I have been a member of AHA since 2021. My first significant interaction with AHA came in 2023 when I submitted my research proposal for the Career Development Award. I was fortunate to receive the funding this year, making my first independent grant, and I’m deeply grateful for the generous support from AHA. This year, I also had the opportunity to serve as a reviewer of AHA Transformational Project Award (TPA) and to attend the AHA Scientific Sessions for the first time. It has truly been a year of many "firsts" with AHA, and I sincerely look forward to getting more involved with AHA in future.

What advice do you have for people starting their research careers?

I’m still in the early stage of my research career, so rather than offering advice, I would like to share some of the key lessons I have learned along my journey.

• Keep passionate about your research. Research can often be challenging. Staying passionate about your research and the impact of your work can help you navigate these challenges. We often get negative results, but negative results are not failures—they are opportunities to refine your approach and deepen your understanding.
• Build a strong foundation. A successful research career starts with a solid base. Focus on developing key skills such as experimental design, critical thinking, data analysis, writing and scientific communication. These skills will serve as the backbone for tackling complex research questions throughout your career.
• Mentorship is invaluable. Seek mentors who align with your career goals and whose experiences can guide you through challenges. Good mentors provide more than just technical advice—they offer career insights, encouragement, and support during difficult times. Remember that mentorship can come from multiple sources, including your supervisor, collaborators, and colleagues. Embracing a network of mentors allows you to benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise.
• Develop your network. Building relationships with other researchers is crucial for professional growth. Attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to connect with others in your field. Don’t hesitate to reach out to peers and senior researchers to discuss ideas or share feedback. Cultivating a network of collaborators, mentors, and colleagues opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives.

What do you like to do outside of medicine?

I like to play volleyball, badminton, and tennis. I was a member of the school volleyball team during my college years, while I consider myself more enthusiastic than skilled, but I really like this kind of non-physical contact sports. Nowadays, I have two little daughters and spend most of my spare time playing and studying with them. Being actively involved in their lives as they grow up is something I deeply value.

Who has had the most impact on your career to date? Who do you consider a mentor?

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have several mentors who have greatly influenced and shaped who I am today. Among them, Prof. Martin A. Schwartz has had the most significant impact on my development as a scientist and independent investigator. Under his mentorship, I not only gained expertise in endothelial mechanotransduction and vascular biology, but also learned the value of asking high-impact scientific questions and designing experiments with precision and rigor. What truly sets Martin apart, however, are his responsiveness and patience. Martin consistently responded to my emails promptly, often with insightful and constructive feedback that advanced my projects. Moreover, he is always willing to take the time to answer my puzzles and discuss the broader implications of our findings. His mentorship served as a model for how to be an effective and good mentor. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and for his enduring influence on my career trajectory.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

Until now, I have not changed my high school dream of becoming a scientist. Currently, I am on the job market, seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. My aspiration is to establish an independent research program where I can explore innovative ideas, mentor the next generation of scientists, and contribute to the broader scientific community. In addition to building a strong research program, I am enthusiastic about mentoring and teaching. I hope to inspire students and trainees by sharing my knowledge and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that cultivates curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to make meaningful contributions to science and improve cardiovascular health—a vision that closely aligns with the mission of the AHA and its PVD Council. Looking ahead, I aspire to foster collaboration and strengthen communication by actively engaging more deeply with the AHA community.