Weronika Zarzycka, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Biochemistry at the OUHSC Graduate College, has been awarded the highly competitive American Heart Association (AHA) Fellowship. This esteemed recognition supports her research and professional development while advancing the AHA’s mission to improve cardiovascular health.

Zarzycka’s journey toward securing the fellowship was shaped by the encouragement and guidance of her mentor, Dr. Chiao, and the support of a postdoctoral fellow in her lab, Dr. Kobak, who had previously received an AHA postdoctoral fellowship. Their insights and feedback played a crucial role in helping her navigate the rigorous application process.

Reflecting on her experience, Zarzycka offers valuable advice for future applicants. She emphasizes the importance of starting early and breaking the application process into manageable steps. “The application process can be overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps really helps,” she said. “Give yourself and others plenty of time to write, revise, and collect recommendation letters.”

She also shared several key strategies for a successful application:

• Focus on a strong specific aims page first. A clear, compelling aims page will not only guide your project but also make the rest of the proposal much easier to write.

• Seek advice from mentors, peers, and lab members. Those who have gone through similar applications can provide valuable insights and make the process less stressful.

• Engage your committee members early. Sharing your proposal with them ahead of time allows for thoughtful feedback that can strengthen your application. Since reviewers may not be from the exact same field, ensuring clarity and accessibility is key.

• Align your research proposal with the AHA’s mission. Highlight how your work contributes to advancing cardiovascular health to make a compelling case for funding.

Beyond the AHA Fellowship, Zarzycka encourages students to take an active role in seeking out funding opportunities. “I recommend talking with your mentor about funding options but also being proactive. Explore university resources, professional organizations, and funding databases to stay informed about upcoming opportunities. Connecting with peers who have applied for similar fellowships can also provide helpful insights.”

She also notes that applying for fellowships is a valuable part of graduate training. “Even if an application is not successful, it is an excellent way to develop grant writing skills for your future career,” she said.

The OUHSC Graduate College congratulates Weronika Zarzycka on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the impact of her research in the field of cardiovascular health.