New Fellowship Supports Research on Stress and Heart–Brain Communication in Autism

Kiran George, Ph.D., a Graduate College postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, has been awarded a highly competitive postdoctoral fellowship supported by the American Heart Association (AHA) and Autism Speaks. The fellowship will support Dr. George’s research exploring how the brain and heart communicate during periods of stress, particularly in the context of autism.

Dr. George’s work focuses on oxytocin, a neuropeptide widely recognized for its role in social behavior but also essential in regulating stress responses and heart function. His research examines how disruptions in communication between the brain and heart may contribute to stress-related challenges associated with autism. Using autism mouse models, Dr. George is investigating how these interconnected systems function together and how understanding this relationship may ultimately help improve stress regulation and overall well-being.

According to Dr. George, careful preparation and a clear understanding of the funding agencies’ missions played an important role in securing the fellowship. Before developing his proposal, he spent considerable time reviewing the priorities and expectations of both sponsoring organizations. “When I decided to apply, I spent significant time understanding what the sponsors were looking for and what they expected from applicants,” he said. “Based on that understanding, I developed an idea that closely aligned with their mission.”

The process of preparing the fellowship proposal proved to be a valuable professional development experience. Through the application process, Dr. George refined his research concept, designed experiments, gathered preliminary data, and evaluated the feasibility and impact of his proposed work. “It gave me the opportunity to refine a scientific idea, design experiments, collect preliminary data, and think critically about feasibility and impact,” he said. “It was challenging, but it was also one of the most valuable professional development experiences I’ve had.”

Dr. George emphasized the importance of mentorship and collaboration throughout the grant-writing process. He worked closely with his mentor, Mohiuddin Ahmad, and co-mentor, Stavros Stavrakis, along with other faculty members in the Department of Cell Biology. By sharing drafts and incorporating constructive feedback at each stage, he was able to strengthen the proposal significantly. “Each round of feedback strengthened the proposal,” he said. “This process made a tremendous difference.”

With support from the fellowship, Dr. George will continue advancing research that deepens understanding of the complex biological connections between the brain, heart, and stress responses—work that may ultimately contribute to improved strategies for supporting individuals with autism.