Nirmal Verma Awarded AHA Career Development Award

Dr. Verma, an assistant professor in our lab, received the AHA Career Development Award (CDA) focused on the role of diabetes-associated hyperamylinemia in stroke. The AHA Career Development Award supports highly promising healthcare and academic professionals in the early years of their first professional appointment to assure the applicant’s future success as a research scientist in the field of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease research. Dr. Verma is thankful to his mentor, Dr. Florin Despa, and lab colleagues. Dr. Verma received the AHA Career Development Award for three years (2024–2027). In this study, Dr. Verma and the Dr. Despa Lab will test the idea that high levels of amylin in the blood change the tight junctions between endothelial cells, which can cause small bleeding and neurological problems. By identifying the pre-diabetes-associated elements that contribute to the development of stroke and focusing on them in order to limit the disease's progression before it starts, this strategy will help to prevent or stop stroke in people with diabetes.

Congratulations, Dr. Verma!