MCG researchers, students honored at AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions

Creating a world where people live longer, healthier lives demands unwavering dedication to top-tier research and scientific innovation. That sentiment was on full display at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Hypertension Scientific Sessions as several Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University researchers were honored for their commitment to life-saving research.

The conference gathered leading experts to discuss groundbreaking work in hypertension. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension frequently goes unnoticed until severe health issues arise. It affects approximately half of the adult population across the nation and remains the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.

Researchers from MCG received numerous awards and recognitions, including travel grants, poster recognitions and the distinguished Harriet Dustan Award, which honors female scientists with a long-standing impact on hypertension research.

“These awards directly reflect the quality of the research conducted in hypertension at MCG and the training provided to our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows,” said Eric Belin de Chantemèle, PhD, professor of medicine and a researcher with AU’s Vascular Biology Center. “It shows that our work is competitive nationally and demonstrates our commitment to training the next generation of scientists.”

Mona Elgazzaz, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow for Jessica Faulkner, PhD, and Denisha Spires, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow for Daria Ilatovskaya, PhD, each received the 2024 New Investigator Award supported by the Council on Hypertension and the Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease. Elgazzaz’s research on preeclampsia was selected for an oral presentation.

“The hypertension meeting was an amazing experience,” Elgazzaz said. “Presenting my latest research and participating in events like the hypertension advisory and mentoring program was invaluable. It truly fueled my passion for research and innovation.”

Beryl Khakina, a third-year graduate student with the VBC, presented research on why individuals living with HIV are more susceptible to developing hypertension, even when on medication. Her study examines how certain proteins associated with HIV might trigger immune responses to elevate blood pressure.

“Presenting at the AHA meeting provided a valuable platform to share our novel findings and learn from experts in the field,” said Khakina.

The prestigious Harriet Dustan Award, which honors female investigators who have made significant contributions to hypertension research, was awarded to Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Jennifer Sullivan, PhD. Sullivan, an internationally-recognized expert in the study of sex differences in cardiovascular physiology and the dean of The Graduate School, also delivered a lecture at the Scientific Sessions as part of her recognition.

“To be included among the women previously honored by this award is amazing,” said Sullivan. “Our lab’s work on the mechanisms controlling blood pressure in females is a collective effort, and I am extremely grateful to my team members who have helped advance our understanding.”

The research highlighted at the AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions underscores MCG’s commitment to addressing the pressing health challenge of hypertension. The institution’s dedication to advancing knowledge paves the way for innovative treatments and improved patient outcomes.

By pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry and fostering the next generation of researchers, AU is not only enhancing its own legacy but also making meaningful strides in public health. This collective effort reflects a commitment to transforming the field of hypertension research and ultimately improving the health of communities. As MCG continues to lead in this critical area, the potential for future discoveries is vast, offering hope for better health outcomes for all.

Full list of AU awardees:

Harriet Dustan Award
Jennifer Sullivan, PhD – interim executive vice president and provost and dean of The Graduate School

 Trainee Onsite Poster Awardee
Ishara M.G. Menik – Vascular Biology Center PhD student, Eric Belin de Chantemèle Lab
Adam Jones – Department of Physiology PhD student, Daria Ilatovskaya Lab

 Award for Support of Underrepresented Minorities
Beryl Khakina – Vascular Biology Center PhD student, Eric Belin de Chantemèle Lab

Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease (KCVD) New Investigator Travel Award
Sam Walton – Department of Physiology PhD student, David Mattson Lab

New Investigator Award supported by the Council on Hypertension and the Council on Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease
Mona Elgazzaz, PhD – postdoctoral fellow, Jessica Faulkner Lab
Denisha Spires, PhD – postdoctoral fellow, Daria Ilatovskaya Lab

 Hypertension New Investigator Travel Award 
Yoichi Ono, PhD – postdoctoral fellow, Eric Belin de Chantemèle Lab

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