AHA Predoctoral Fellowship Supports Research on Brain Aging and Cognitive Decline

Graduate student Jennifer Ihuoma has been awarded a prestigious predoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association (AHA) to support her research on the biological mechanisms that contribute to brain aging and cognitive decline. The fellowship recognizes promising early-career scientists whose work has the potential to advance discoveries that improve global health and well-being.

Ihuoma, a third-year doctoral student in the Neuroscience program within the Department of Neurosurgery, conducts her research under the mentorship of Stefano Tarantini, Ph.D. Her funded project, titled “Oxidized LDL–Induced Endothelial Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Driver of Brain Aging and Cognitive Impairment,” investigates how aging and dyslipidemia—abnormal levels of lipids in the blood—interact to affect the brain’s smallest blood vessels. By examining how these vascular changes influence cognitive function, her work aims to better understand how cardiovascular health contributes to the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

The AHA Predoctoral Fellowship provides two years of funding to support Ihuoma’s research and training. Through this support, she will conduct mechanistic studies exploring how oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) affects mitochondrial function in the endothelial cells that line the brain’s microvasculature. The findings could help clarify how vascular dysfunction contributes to age-related cognitive decline and potentially inform new prevention or treatment strategies.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship also recognizes the importance of studying vascular contributors to cognitive impairment—an area closely aligned with the American Heart Association’s mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease through prevention, education and scientific discovery. The award further strengthens Ihuoma’s goal of pursuing a long-term career in biomedical research and teaching.

Reflecting on the experience, Ihuoma encourages fellow trainees to pursue competitive opportunities. “Stay curious, believe in the value of your work, and don’t hesitate to apply—even if you feel unsure,” she said. “Fellowship applications can feel intimidating, but they are valuable opportunities to clarify your research goals and grow as a scientist. With preparation, strong mentorship and persistence, these opportunities are absolutely within reach.”