Central OC Times

Recent advances in medical and biotechnology have benefited those suffering from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, these treatments have not been evenly distributed across society, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine.

To address this issue, the National Science Foundation has awarded a $3 million grant to an interdisciplinary team at UC Irvine. The funding will support the launch of a Biomedical Engineering Social Science Training initiative aimed at graduate students. This program seeks to develop a next-generation workforce by combining education in cardiovascular health, technology, and equity with a focus on broadening access to care for traditionally underserved communities.

Principal investigator Naomi Chesler, UC Irvine professor of biomedical engineering, stated: “To take advantage of new data science-driven approaches and technologies such as wearable devices, we need a reimagined and redesigned cardiovascular healthcare ecosystem.” She added that the NSF BEST grant would enable collaboration among biomedical engineers, public health experts, psychological and behavioral scientists, and community members.

The program will serve 30 to 40 students from various departments within UC Irvine. Fifteen doctoral students will receive two years of funding. Participants will engage in specialized courses, interdisciplinary workshops, and a summer research internship focused on technological solutions to address cardiovascular health disparities.

Central to the initiative is extensive engagement between students and community and industry partners. “Training will include an immersive research internship in a community care center where participants will experience firsthand the impact of healthcare inequities on California’s underserved populations,” Chesler said.

The NSF BEST program aims to introduce students to team science concepts while providing skills training throughout their academic journey. Outcomes will be rigorously studied and evaluated to refine training methods for addressing health inequities through technology.

Co-principal investigators joining Chesler include Bernard Choi (professor of biomedical engineering), Jason Douglas (associate professor of health, society and behavior), Christine King (associate professor of teaching in biomedical engineering), and Dylan Roby (chair and professor of health, society and behavior). Core participants also include Jessica Borelli (professor of psychological science), Michelle Digman (associate professor in biomedical engineering), Amir Rahmani (professor of nursing and computer science), Maritza Salazar Campo (assistant professor in organization management), with Margaret Schneider serving as lead evaluator.

UC Irvine's Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for various university initiatives including student success, health & wellness programs through philanthropic investment totaling $2 billion by engaging 75 thousand alumni.

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is recognized among the top public universities nationally with over 36 thousand students offering 224-degree programs contributing significantly both locally ($7 billion annually) & statewide ($8 billion).

For more information about UC Irvine or media inquiries visit www.uci.edu or news.uci.edu.