Advancing Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Health through Crossdisciplinary Research
Augusta University's Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) Center explores the lifelong impact of obesity on Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKMS) in women. By leveraging epidemiological expertise through the School of Public Health, research capabilities through the Medical College of Georgia, and advanced technology from the College of Science and Mathematics, the center uses innovative approaches to identify risk factors, understand long-term health impacts, and develop strategies to prevent CKMS.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities
The Problem
According to recent findings from the American Heart Association, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults has at least three components of CKMS, which include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood sugar, impaired kidney function, and excess body weight.
CKMS is a clinical term that describes the combined health effects of heart disease,
kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. This syndrome puts people at high risk for serious health complications including
heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Understanding the interconnections of cardiovascular,
kidney, and metabolic conditions in women requires innovative and interdisciplinary
research that can uncover shared risk factors, reveal insights on pathways of disease,
and lead to more effective strategies for prevention and care.
The Collaboration
The SFRN is a nationally funded research center with a strong blend of epidemiology and basic science. By utilizing a crossdisciplinary approach, researchers aim to address knowledge gaps and better understand unique risk factors that predispose females to CKMS.
Disruptions in Cardiorenal Free Fatty Acid (FFA) Metabolism in CKMS in Females
Daria Ilatovskaya, PhD | Justine Abais-Battad, PhD
Mechanisms of CKMS in Pregnancy
Jessica Faulkner, PhD
Risk Factors for CKMS in Women
Steven Coughlin, PhD | Marlo Vernon, PhD
Directed by Dr. Alison Kriegel, the SFRN Postdoctoral Training Program at AU provides fellows with mentorship, cross-disciplinary training, and collaborative research opportunities to prepare them to become leaders in CKMS research.
Prepare fellows to conduct innovative, rigorous and ethical independent research in the areas of CKMS and sex as a biological variable (SABV).
Train fellows in communicating effectively across disciplines and building productive collaborations within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
Foster the success of trainees as they transition toward independent CKMS investigators.
Jennifer Sullivan, PhD
Daria Ilatovskaya, PhD
Justine Abais-Battad, PhD
Jessica Faulkner, PhD
Steven Coughlin, PhD
Marlo Vernon, PhD
Alison Kriegel, PhD
Guido Verbeck, PhD