The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of our M. E. Abbott Scholarship to PhD candidate Lara Gharibeh, a student in the Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory at the University of Ottawa.The M. E. Abbott Scholarship seeks to recognize those whose work today, in the pioneering excellence tradition of Dr. Abbott, carries on the search for answers to vital questions faced by families with bicuspid aortic valve.
This full one year scholarship, effective September 1st, 2017, will provide support for the research project "Molecular mechanisms underlying BAV-associated aortopathy". In the course of this research, an understanding of the cause and mechanism of valve calcification will be sought. In addition, the question of the impact of valve geometry versus genetics on aortic aneurysm and rupture in response to stress will be examined. Both of these questions are critically important to BAV families. It is our firm conviction that the ground breaking work in progress in this laboratory in Ottawa is vital to advancing knowledge, individualizing treatment, and thus promoting the well-being and longevity of individuals and families where bicuspid aortic valve is present.
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| Diseased thoracic aorta |
We are particularly pleased to support this work through funds given in memory of Charles Doherty, who tragically lost his life at the age of 34 due to complications from his bicuspid aortic valve.
We are also pleased that this scholarship begins with September, the month when we observe Thoracic Aortic Disease Awareness.
If you would like to help us support research like this in the future, please donate to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's mission and programs!
