Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Hevolution/AFAR New Investigator Awards in Aging Biology and Geroscience Research - 2022
What inspired you to pursue aging research?
Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases such as heart disease, brain diseases, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. As we age, our bodies begin to deteriorate, which increases our risk for these diseases and death. By targeting aging and improving our healthspan, the period of life without chronic diseases and disabilities, we have the potential to reduce the burden of these diseases on individuals and society. By addressing the biological processes of aging, we may be able to develop treatments that target multiple diseases at once, reducing the need for multiple separate treatments and improving overall health outcomes. This makes aging research an exciting and uniquely inspiring field to me.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean for you to receive an AFAR grant now?
Receiving this AFAR grant is an incredibly significant recognition for me as a researcher, as it implies that this work has been deemed worthy of support by a leading organization in the field of aging research. In addition to this privilege, it is also an opportunity to grow my research program and make a meaningful impact in the field. For me, as well as for many researchers, an AFAR grant represents an important step in our scientific journey and a validation of the importance of this work.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
Research on the effects of lifestyle interventions and dietary modifications on vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has the potential to make a big impact. The results of this work could help people make targeted changes to their lifestyle and diet to reduce their risk of VCI. This can have a positive impact on the quality of life for people as they age. By understanding the effects of these interventions, healthcare providers can also develop better treatment plans and preventative strategies for people with VCI, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for the rapidly increasing population of aged individuals.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
Through my research, I'm interested in understanding how changes in lifestyle, such as what we eat and how active we are, can impact the health of our brain and blood vessels as we age. One area of particular interest is called Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI), which is a decline in thinking and memory abilities caused by problems with blood flow to the brain. My research is exploring whether certain diets or behavioral changes could help protect against VCI and improve brain health. By studying this, I hope to find ways to help people maintain their mental abilities and prevent cognitive decline as they get older.
