Alumni News and Events

Announcements

Research Funding Information Webinar: Overview of upcoming research award offerings, application tips, and understanding the peer review process. Plus, Q&A session. Thursday, October 22, noon ET
Webinar: "From Bedside to Breakthroughs: How the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Empowers Nurses at Every Career Stage" - Thursday, October 22, 2026 - 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. ET
Congratulate the newest Heart Association awardees in your institution or area of study whose funding began on July 1, 2026.

Alumni Stories

Srishti Baid, PhD: Analysis of Streptokinase interaction with Plasminogen by Deep Mutational Scanning

Dr. Baid is first author on the publication of work that was partially funded by an Association Postdoctoral Fellowship. The article is in-press at the Journal of Thrombosis and Heamostasis (doi- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42710811/). Some Streptococcus bacteria produce a protein called streptokinase, that helps them spread through the body by taking advantage of the natural body system and breaking down blood clots. In this study, researchers used a technique that systematically tests many protein modifications, to identify the specific parts of streptokinase, that allow it to attach to its human partner protein called plasminogen. The authors' findings provide a foundation for understanding how these bacteria infect some hosts more effectively than others and could help scientists design better clot-busting medicines in the future.

LinkedIn Bio

Dr. Dinu and Dr. Beasley standing, facing camera with a chalkboard behind them

Jeannette Beasley, PhD, MPH, RDN: Global Evaluation of Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Implementation and Effectiveness

With support from the American Heart Association, Dr. Monica Dinu of the University of Florence joined Dr. Jeannette Beasley at NYU for a visiting professorship on global DPP implementation. A Learning Exchange at NYU’s Institute of Human Development and Social Change convened researchers, students, and lifestyle coaches to discuss global evidence, virtual delivery, cultural adaptation, Mediterranean diet principles, and health equity, launching ongoing collaborations.

LinkedIn Bio

Kevin Gries, MSc, PhD: Molecular signature of inactivity-induced exercise resistance

Dr. Gries, first author of an article highlighting science of how a single day of inactivity (<5,000 steps) can change the next day's exercise response published in the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism. This study has shown modest differences in the metabolic demands of an acute bout of exercise compared to normal activity (>8,500 steps). "This study highlights that we may not be able to exercise our way out of a sedentary lifestyle," Dr. Gries asserts. His work is supported by a Heart Association Institutional Research Enhancement Award.

LinkedIn Bio

Decorative illustration of the process described in this article.

Nirmal Verma, PhD: Role of diabetes-associated hyperamylinemia in stroke

With funding from the Association's Career Development Award, Dr. Nirmal Verma has been able to advance research to show that protective molecules called soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHI) reduce amylin buildup and preserve brain vessel integrity, improving cognitive and motor function. In diabetes, the amylin hormone misfolds and deposits in brain blood vessels, damaging the blood-brain barriers that keep the brain healthy. This leads to microhemorrhages, white matter damage, and neurological deficits. Dr Verma shared, "Thanks to this Award, I’ve been able to advance this work and build connections that continue to shape my career."

LinkedIn Bio

Jimmy Xue: The functional role of scavenger receptor, class B type 1 (SR-B1) in acute hemolysis

Supported in part by a Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, a recent study published in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76099-x) identified HDL receptor SR-BI as a previously unrecognized scavenger of toxic free heme, a harmful substance released during hemolysis. The study also showed that the FDA-approved drug imatinib increases levels of SR-BI in the liver, helping to clear toxic heme more effectively and improving survival. These findings reveal a new way the body protects itself from damage and suggest that SR-BI could be a promising target for treating sickle cell disease and other conditions in which red blood cells break down too quickly. Mr. Xue was a first author on this paper, along with his colleague Dr Ito.

LinkedIn Bio

Alumni Recordings

Podcast: Brain Health for All: Vision, Science, and Leadership with Dr. Mitchell Elkind

No Brain Behind podcast title card American Heart Association Past President and Research Alumni, Dr. Elkind joined No Brain Behind podcast episode hosts, Angel Cadena-Tejada, MD and Rachel Forman, MD, to share career insights. He also discusses how the Heart Association is expanding its role in promoting brain health and addressing health inequities through community-focused initiatives and inclusive research funding.

Brain Health for All: Vision, Science, and Leadership Podcast

Tedx Talk: Rethinking the Link between Alzheimer's and Aging | Courtney Glavis-Bloom, PhD

Dr. Courtney Glavis-Bloom, a neuroscientist at the Salk Institute, presented a TEDx talk about her groundbreaking research on the neurobiological changes that occur with aging, and their link to cognitive decline and resilience. Her work is largely supported by the AHA-Allen Initiative in Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment.

Tedx Talk: Rethinking the Link between Alzheimer's and Aging

2026 American Heart Association holidays:

Jan. 1, Jan. 19, Mar. 27, May 25, July 3 & 6,
Sept. 7, Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 21-25

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Announcements

Alumni Stories

Srishti Baid, PhD: Analysis of Streptokinase interaction with Plasminogen by Deep Mutational Scanning

Jeannette Beasley, PhD, MPH, RDN: Global Evaluation of Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Implementation and Effectiveness

Kevin Gries, MSc, PhD: Molecular signature of inactivity-induced exercise resistance

Nirmal Verma, PhD: Role of diabetes-associated hyperamylinemia in stroke

Jimmy Xue: The functional role of scavenger receptor, class B type 1 (SR-B1) in acute hemolysis

Alumni Recordings