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Medical College of GeorgiaROAR Rural Obese At-Risk
ROAR Rural Obese At-Risk
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  • ROAR Rural Obese At-Risk

ROAR: NIH Specialized Center of Excellence

Bridging Science & Community for Cardiovascular Wellness of Women

The Rural Obese At Risk (ROAR) initiative aims to transform academic and community understanding of sex as a biological variable (SABV) in the consideration of hypertension. This NIH-funded center is part of a national consortium to advance SABV to improve biomedical research and clinical care for both women and men.   

Contact Us

ROAR Initiative

 Health Sciences Campus

Pavilion III

(706) 721-3278

aaduwus1@augusta.edu

ROAR Objectives

Objective 1

Conduct cutting-edge research to advance our understanding of sex-specific mechanisms that control BP to limit cardiovascular risk.  

 Objective 1

Objective 2

Develop a culturally diverse research pipeline of biomedical scientists trained in the field of SABV in CVD.  

Objective 2

Objective 3

Establish a community outreach pipeline of trained scientists to increase awareness of SABV and promote optimal cardiovascular healthcare.

Objective 3

Objective 4

Empower the community to self-monitor and work to identify barriers to improving access to healthcare. 

Objective 4

Program Leadership

photo of Dr. Jennifer Sullivan

Dr. Jennifer Sullivan

jensullivan@augusta.edu

photo of Dr. Michael Ryan

Dr. Michael Ryan

michael.ryan1@va.gov

photo of Dr. Daria Ilatovskaya

Dr. Daria Ilatovskaya

dilatovskaya@augusta.edu

photo of Dr. Erin Taylor

Dr. Erin Taylor

ertaylor@umc.edu

Scientific Projects

blood pressure cuff

Mechanisms Driving Enhanced Susceptibility of Females versus Males to High-Fat Diet-Induced Increases in High Blood Pressure

test tube with blood sample labeled SLE

The Impact of Obesity and Leptin on Immune System Dysfunction and Hypertension in Females with Systemic Lupus Erthematosus

kidney models

Innate Immune-Mediated Changes in Renal Function to Cause Hypertension in Females with Autoimmune Disease

Upcoming Opportunities

Costa Farms Health Fair

07/11/2025
Costa Layman Farms
73 Green House Rd., Trenton, SC 29847
7:30 am - early afternoon

Costa Farms Health Fair

 

Highlights

Miniature heart box with doll-sized furniture and posters inside.

Love Your Heart: Medical Illustration student designs traveling exhibit

Read Story
ROAR fellows at NIH conference

ROAR Early Career Fellows Drive Cardiovascular Disease Outreach in the CSRA

Read Story
Group gathered for ROAR retreat

ROAR Report: Women’s Cardiovascular Health Retreat Provides New Insights for NIH-Funded Collaboration

Read Story

Bridging Science and Community for Cardiovascular Wellness 

Get Involved
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