The UVA Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics (MPBP) is proud to announce that five of its outstanding graduate students were awarded prestigious fellowships from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These competitive awards recognize their innovative research in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, supporting their efforts to advance medical knowledge and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Zuzanna Juskiewicz (Graduate Program: Molecular Physiology, Brant Isakson Lab) was awarded the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship (January 2025 – December 2026) for her project on the mechanosensitive cationic channel Piezo2 in the lymphatic endothelium. Her research investigates how Piezo2 regulates lymphangiogenesis in adipose tissue under obesogenic conditions, with a focus on its interaction with Flt4, a gene crucial for lymphatic vessel growth. This work could offer new insights into obesity treatments by targeting lymphatic vessel expansion. The fellowship provides coverage for salary and health insurance for 2 years.
Wyatt Schug (Graduate Program: Molecular Physiology, Brant Isakson Lab) received the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship (January 2025 – December 2026). His research explores the role of basophil-endothelium interactions in cardiometabolic disease, particularly how oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to endothelial dysfunction. By studying the link between circulating hydrogen peroxide and basophil activation, Wyatt aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating cardiometabolic conditions.
Skylar Loeb (Graduate Program: Molecular Physiology, Brant Isakson Lab) was awarded the NIH/NHLBI F31 Predoctoral Fellowship (April 2025 – March 2027) for her work on alpha globin expression in lymphatic endothelial cells and its role in heart failure. Her project aims to understand how alpha globin impacts lymphatic vessel permeability and cardiac inflammation, both of which contribute to the progression of heart failure.
Victoria Milosek (Graduate Program: Molecular Physiology, Gary Owens Lab) received the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship (January 2025 – December 2026) for her research on targeting interleukin-6 (IL-6) trans-signaling to increase survival from cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, while preserving innate immune function during infection. Her work aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies that enhance atherosclerotic plaque stability and reduce cardiovascular events without compromising immune integrity.
Linyao (Elina) Zhou (Graduate Program: Molecular Physiology, Ling Qi-Iris Sun Lab) was awarded the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship (January 2025 – December 2026) for her research on the SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD pathway in the liver and its role in lipid metabolism. Her project aims to explore how this pathway regulates the biogenesis of ANGPTL3, a key protein involved in lipid metabolism, offering insights into potential therapies for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases.
These fellowships reflect the high caliber of research within the MPBP department and the exceptional talent of its trainees. Their work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in cardiovascular and metabolic health, and the department is proud to support their continued development as future leaders in biomedical research.
Filed Under: Honors & Awards, Research