The UAB Department of Biomedical Engineering had a prominent presence at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2024 in November.

The event, which took place in Chicago, Ill., is considered the premier international event for advancements in cardiovascular medicine and science and highlights the latest innovations for healthcare professionals interested in all aspects of cardiovascular disease.

The department had seven presentations at the event, one being a presentation by Yuhua Wei, Ph.D., a Ph.D. student of Jianyi “Jay” Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., professor and T. Michael and Gillian Goodrich Endowed Chair of Engineering Leadership for the UAB Birmingham Department of Biomedical Engineering. Wei was named a top five finalist for the Melvin L. Marcus Early Career Investigator Award in Basic Cardiovascular Science.

The award, sponsored by the AHA Council on Basic Cardiovascular Research, encourages early-career investigators to continue research careers in cardiovascular or circulatory physiology.

“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Zhang. “This is a prestigious award for Ph.D. students/trainees, and it is a great achievement to place in the top five finalists.”

According to Zhang, the event is also very selective with the abstracts they accept.

“For our department to have multiple presentations representing UAB at this event is a testament to our students, their training, and our commitment to being recognized as a leader in the fields of cardiovascular bioengineering and medical sciences,” said Zhang.