Medical College of Georgia ROAR Rural Obese At-Risk

ROAR: NIH Specialized Center of Excellence

Bridging Science & Community for the 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

(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 2

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

Objective 3

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

Objective 4

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

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

graphic abstract of project 1

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

graphic illustration of a woman with SLE

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

graphic illustration of scienctific project 2

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

Highlights

Two women smile, sitting in front of a window and computer monitor.

AU researchers use library checkouts to check in on cardiovascular health

group photo of workshop attendees

SCORE’s annual workshop and symposium connect researchers across institutions

A large crowd of people, some sitting at a table, others standing. Large signage throughout.

20 years strong: AU marks annual day of wellness at Costa Farms

Bridging Science and Community for Cardiovascular Wellness