Fostering innovation and discovery: MCG researchers honored at APS summit

More than 30 faculty and graduate students from the Department of Physiology in the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University’s and AU’s Vascular Biology Center recently attended the American Physiological Society‘s annual summit in Baltimore, Maryland. The event brought together more than 3,000 participants from across the world to connect, collaborate and explore the science behind some of the biggest health issues facing our world today.

As one of the top U.S. institutions represented, researchers from AU presented on a wide range of cutting-edge topics, including cardiovascular and heart health, obesity, kidney disease, HIV and diabetes. Their projects focus on the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and reflect the growing importance of personalized care and innovative approaches to understanding how different factors impact overall health. The collaborative nature of science is crucial to address the complex health conditions that many people face.

“The strong presence of Augusta University faculty and trainees at the American Physiology Summit is a powerful testament to our leadership in physiological research,” said Jennifer Sullivan, PhD, dean of The Graduate School. “Their contributions underscore our institution’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery and shaping the future of biomedical innovation.”

Notable accomplishments from the summit included the recognition of Eric Belin de Chantemèle, PhD, a physiologist and regents’ professor in the VBC, as a Fellow in the Cardiovascular Section; Jessica Faulkner, PhD, assistant professor in MCG, who was honored with the Shih-Chun Wang Young Investigator Award; and Junichi Saito, MD, PhD, assistant professor at the Vascular Biology Center, who earned the Outstanding Postdoctoral Trainee Award for his contributions to cardiovascular research.

“It was a great honor to win this prestigious award among strong competitors,” Saito said. “I believe my future research will connect the broader cardiovascular research fields and provide insights into novel therapeutics for refractory vascular diseases.”

Ishara M.G. Menik, a PhD candidate with the VBC, won a research recognition award for her research investigating factors that affect high blood pressure in women.

“Winning this award truly showed me that our work to uncover why young women are becoming vulnerable to salt-sensitive hypertension matters,” Menik shared. “It’s a huge motivator to keep digging into those missing pieces and to continue fighting for better heart health in women.”

Cheyenne Head and Amina Aly, recent graduates of the Master of Science in Medical Physiology degree program in the Department of Physiology, also presented their research on graduate student support initiatives and campus emergency response planning. Conducted through their roles as graduate research assistants with The Graduate School, their projects focused on assessing the needs of the campus community following Hurricane Helene. By evaluating the emergency response by TGS and analyzing response plans from similar institutions, they identified strengths and developed recommendations to enhance future support efforts. Their findings will help strengthen resources and initiatives, further advancing TGS’ commitment to supporting its graduate community.

This year’s APS Summit highlighted the value of collaboration, innovation and commitment to excellence in advancing biomedical sciences and higher education. The many achievements of MCG’s researchers who attended the summit reflect not only their personal commitment to research but also the supportive culture at Augusta University that encourages inquiry and excellence at every career stage.

With a growing presence at national conferences and an expanding portfolio of impactful research, Augusta University continues to strengthen its role as a leader in health research. This momentum promises to fuel new discoveries and make valuable contributions to the global scientific community in the years to come.

Full list of AU Awardees:

Fellow – Cardiovascular Section

• Eric Belin de Chantemèle, PhD, professor, Vascular Biology Center

Shih-Chun Wang Young Investigator Award

• Jessica Faulkner, PhD, assistant professor, Medical College of Georgia

Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award

• Junichi Saito, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Vascular Biology Center

APS Renal Section Pre-Doctoral Excellence Finalist

• Ryan Schibalski, Department of Physiology PhD student, Ilatovskaya Lab
• Sati Alexander, Department of Physiology PhD student, Mamenko Lab

Cardiovascular Section Outstanding Graduate Student Trainee Award

• Josue Zambrano-Carrasco, Vascular Biology Center PhD candidate, Su Lab

Water & Electrolyte Homeostasis Data Diuresis Competition Finalist

• Hannah Godley, Department of Physiology PhD student, Sullivan Lab

Student Representative APS Capital Hill Advocacy Day

• Emily Burns-Ray, Department of Physiology PhD student, Mattson Lab

Best Oral Presentation Award Black Physiologists Society

• Beryl Kahkina, Vascular Biology Center PhD student, Belin de Chantemèle Lab

George M. O’Brien Kidney Resource Alliance Travel Award

• Ryan Schibalski, Department of Physiology PhD student, Ilatovskaya Lab

Research Recognition Award

• Antara Choudhuri, MS in Medical Physiology graduate, Ilatovskaya Lab
• Ishara M.G. Menik, Vascular Biology Center PhD candidate, Belin de Chantemèle Lab
• Mona Elgazzaz, MD, PhD, Department of Physiology postdoctoral fellow, Faulkner Lab
• Vasha Tandra, PhD, Vascular Biology Center postdoctoral fellow, Li Lab

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