Brain Aneurysm Foundation Research Grant Awards
Since launching its research grant program in 2007, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation has invested more than $7 million in brain aneurysm research. The 2026 grant recipients announced below will be formally recognized and funded at the Foundation’s Annual Research Grant Symposium in September.
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650,000
Awarded by BAF in 2026 -
18 Projects
funded in 2026 -
Over $7 million
total research funding since 2007
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Steffen-Sebastian Bolz, MD, PhD and Darcy Lidington, PhD
University of Toronto
Project
Targeting Prostaglandin D2 Synthase as a Therapeutic Intervention for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $25,000
Running Against Ruptures Chair of Research
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Karol Budohoski MD, PhD, FRCS and Sri Veeturi, PhD
University of Utah Health
Project
Phenotyping the Endothelial Response to Cerebral Ischemia in an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model
Recipient of $50,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
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Elizabeth Crago, PhD, MSN, RN, CEN, FCCM
University of Pittsburgh (of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education)
Project
The RESTORE-Symptoms Study: Hormonal and Inflammatory Correlates of Symptom Burden After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $50,000
Katelyn M. Caruso Chair of Research
Murphy Family Chair of Research -
William Gibson, MD, PhD
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (University of British Columbia)
Project
Long-Read Whole Genome Sequencing in Familial Intracranial Aneurysms
Recipient of $50,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Andres Gudino, MD
University of Iowa
Project
Biologically Validated Imaging Biomarkers for Noninvasive Assessment of Intracranial Aneurysm Wall Instability
Recipient of $40,000
Austen L. Dunn Chair of Research
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Koji Hosaka, PhD
University of Florida – Gainesville
Project
Enhancing Neurolysin-Mediated Neuroprotection after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage using Pyridine Piperazine Derivatives
Recipient of $40,000
Virginia Comstock Tocci Chair of Research
Froggy’s Drive Chair of Research -
Naoki Kaneko, MD, PhD
The Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles
Project
Hemodynamic Optimization of a Fenestratable Membrane Flow Diverter for Complex Giant Brain Aneurysms
Recipient of $50,000
Christopher S. Ogilvy, MD Chair of Research
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Hiroki Kobayashi, MD, PhD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Project
Role of Periostin-Expressing Activated Fibroblasts in Intracranial Aneurysm Development
Recipient of $50,000
NYC Marathon Chair of Research
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Christian Lopez Blanco, BS
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Project
Neuromodulation for the Prevention and Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm
Recipient of $40,000
Fight Like Frank Chair of Research
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Khalid Malik, PhD
University of Michigan
Project
RuptureIQ: Physics Informed Multimodal AI for Hemodynamics Aware Prediction of Brain Aneurysm Rupture
Recipient of $30,000
Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
BAF Chair of Research -
Devin McBride, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Restoring Microvessel Perfusion to Prevent DND after SAH
Recipient of $30,000
Christopher C. Getch Chair of Research (Sponsored by the CV Section and Emily Slovitt)
Strode Family Chair of Research
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Dr. Tatsat R. Patel, MS, PhD and Kerry Poppenberg, PhD
University at Buffalo
Project
Morphological and Transcriptomic Signatures of Longitudinally Followed Intracranial Aneurysms
Recipient of $35,000
Carol W. Harvey Chair of Research
Team Suze Chair of Research -
Redi Rahmani, MD
University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
Project
The Role of Cigarette and Electronic Cigarette Aerosols and Constituents on Intracranial Aneurysm Formation and Rupture
Recipient of $35,000
Larry Bedell Chair of Research
Falmouth Road Race Chair of Research -
Teresa Sanchez, PhD
Weill Cornell Medical College – NYC
Project
Targeting Endothelial Sphingolipid Signaling as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $30,000
Janine Durso Chair of Research
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research
Laughter is The Best Medicine Chair of Research -
Hirotaka Sato, MD, PhD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Project
Role of DNMT3A-Driven Clonal Hematopoiesis in Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture
Recipient of $35,000
Wes Carr Chair of Research
Kati Lorge Chair of Research -
Zachary Sorrentino, MD, PhD
University of Florida – Gainesville
Project
Transcriptomic Analysis of Ventricular Catheters to Predict Cell-mediated Brain Injury after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $25,000
Vallier Family Chair of Research
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John Emmanuel Rivera Torio, MD
BIDMC and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center – Manila
Project
Global Disparities in Intracranial Aneurysm Management: A Comparative Study Between a High-Income and Low- to Middle-Income Country From 2020 to 2024
Recipient of $10,000
BAF Chair of Research
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Zhen Xu, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Role of the Endothelial TSPAN5 Pathway in Intracranial Aneurysm Pathogenesis
Recipient of $25,000
Matthew Friedman Memorial Foundation Chair of Research
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Isaac Josh Abecassis, MD
University of Louisville
Project
Modeling Jet Flow Impingement in Intracranial Aneurysms Using CFD, 4D Flow MRI and 3D Printing
Recipient of $50,000
Christopher S. Ogilvy, MD Chair of Research
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Julian Clarke, MD, MA
University of Washington-Seattle
Project
The Role of Brain Capillary Pericytes in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After aSAH
Recipient of $50,000
K. Wendell and MaryAnn Reugh Family Fund at Innovia Foundation Chair of Research
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Patrick Fillingham, PhD
University of Washington
Project
An Automated Computational Method for Evaluating Cerebral Aneurysm Coiling Strategies
Recipient of $50,000
NYC Marathon Chair of Research
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John Hagan, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Whole Genome Sequencing to Identify Candidate Familial Intracranial Aneurysm Genes
Recipient of $40,000
Fight Like Frank Chair of Research
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Zahra Hasanpour-Segherlou, MD
University of Florida Gainesville
Project
Biliverdin Reductase-A, a Heme Degradation Pathway Enzyme, as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Vasospasm Protection in SAH
Recipient of $35,000
Brain Aneurysm Foundation Chair of Research
Christopher C. Getch Chair of Research (sponsored by the CV Section)
Sara Hebner Chair of Research
Ginny Tocci Chair of Research -
Lei Huang, MD
Loma Linda University
Project
The Role of Aberrant Piezo1 Signaling in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after SAH
Recipient of $50,000
Katelyn M. Caruso Chair of Research
Boston Marathon Chair of Research -
Seon-Kyu Lee, MD, PhD
Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Project
AI Assisted Multicompartment Cytokine Reactome Mapping in aSAH Patient with Vasospasm
Recipient of $40,000
Froggy’s Drive Chair of Research
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research -
Takuma Maeda, MD, PhD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Project
Blocking The PD-1/PD-L1 Axis to Prevent Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture
Recipient of $30,000
Brain Aneurysm Foundation Chair of Research
Christopher Gregory Chair of Research
Strode Family Chair of Research -
Devin McBride, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Role of Annexin after SAH
Recipient of $35,000
Kati Lorge Chair of Research
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research -
Humberto Mestre, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Project
Enhancing Glymphatice-Lymphatic Clearance as a Novel Strategy to Treat SAH
Recipient of $50,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Peeyush Pandit, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Repurposing Cancer Drug to Promote Vascular Repair and Neuroprotection after SAH
Recipient of $35,000
Larry Bedell Chair of Research
Falmouth Road Race Chair of Research -
Tatsat Patel, PhD & Kerry Poppenberg, PhD
University at Buffalo
Project
Morphological and Molecular Markers for IA Screening in Patients with Family History
Recipient of $35,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
Carol W. Harvey Chair of Research -
Jose Javier Provencio, MD
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Project
Myeloperoxidase Inhibition in Blood and CSF of patients with SAH
Recipient of $40,000
Austen L. Dunn Chair of Research
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FNU Ruchika, MBBS
Johns Hopkins University
Project
High -Resolution Imaging of NET Mediated Vasospasm in SAH- Identifying a Therapeutic Window
Recipient of $45,000
Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research
Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
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Umeshkamar Athiraman, MD
Washington University in St. Louis
Project
Targeting CCR6-CCL20 Axis for Improving Neurologic Outcomes After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $30,000
Doreen Ndishabandi Chair of Research
Nebraska’s Hope for a Better Tomorrow Chair of Research -
Holly Berns, MS
Northern Arizona University
Project
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Correlate Circle of Willis Morphology to Potential Aneurysm Formation
Recipient of $50,000
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research
Patrick Fettuccia Chair of Research
Christopher Gregory Chair of Research -
Spiros Blackburn, MD
UTHealth, Houston
Project
Life Expectancy after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Damage vs Repair
Recipient of $50,000
Thomas J Tinlin Chair of Research
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David Chung, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Project
Towards Real-Time Perfusion-Guided Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $50,000
Christopher Ogilvy, MD Chair of Research
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Prajwal Ciryam, MD, PhD
University of Maryland
Project
A CSF Leukocyte Atlas to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $35,000
Falmouth Road Race Chair of Research
Christopher C. Getch Chair of Research (Sponsored by the CV Section)
Aaron’s Huls Chair of Research
Kati Lorge Chair of Research -
Robert Herbert, PhD
Louisiana State University
Project
Soft, Sensor-Embedded Cerebral Aneurysm Model Towards Predicting Rupture Risks
Recipient of $30,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
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Koji Hosaka, PhD
University of Florida – Gainesville
Project
Aneurysm Treatment and Healing: IL-17 Inhibition and Inflammatory Cascade
Recipient of $40,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
Froggy’s Drive Chair of Research -
Jennifer Kim, MD, PhD
Yale School of Medicine
Project
Leveraging EEG to Develop Comprehensive Automated DCI Prediction and Treatment Models
Recipient of $40,000
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research
Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research -
Ioannis Koktzoglou, PhD
Endeavor Health
Project
Next-Generation Magnetic Resonance Angiography for Improved Structural and Hemodynamic Evaluation of Brain Aneurysms
Recipient of $40,000
Larry Bedell Chair of Research
NYC Marathon Chair of Research
Strode Family Chair of Research -
Takuma Maeda, MD, PhD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Project
The Effect of Novel Brain Penetrant Manganese Porphyrin-Based SOD Mimic on the Long-Term Outcomes of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $40,000
Austen L. Dunn Chair of Research
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Farhad R. Nezami, PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Project
AI-Driven Comprehensive Hemodynamic Analysis and Safety Prediction for Intracranial Aneurysm Flow Diversion
Recipient of $45,000
Katelyn M. Caruso Chair of Research
Rapid Ai Chair of Research -
Kamil Nowicki, MD, PhD and Adi Mittal
Columbia University and University of Pittsburgh
Project
A Blood Test to Detect Cerebral Aneurysms – Part II – Platform Development
Recipient of $40,000
Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research -
Tatsat Patel, PhD
University at Buffalo
Project
Generalizable Deep-Learning Algorithms for IA Management from Computed Tomography Angiography Imaging
Recipient of $50,000
Fight Like Frank Chair of Research
Carol W. Harvey Chair of Research -
Yanning Rui, PhD
UTHealth, Houston
Project
Treating Intracranial Aneurysms by Targeting TBK1-Mediated Endothelial FA-Phagy
Recipient of $40,000
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research
Running Against Ruptures Chair of Research -
Scott Simon, MD, FAANS
Pennsylvania State University
Project
Understanding How Genetic Variations in the Metabolism of Iron Impacts Recovery from Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $50,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Omid Asgari, PhD
Northern Arizona University
Project
Development of a Novel Balloon-Mesh Device to Improve the Embolization of Aneyurysms
Recipient of $45,000
Austen L. Dunn Chair of Research
Fight Like Frank Chair of Research -
Peter Czarnecki, MD
Beth Isreal Deconess Medical Center
Project
The Role of Polycystic Kidney Disease Gene Variants in Brain Aneurysm Developments
Recipient of $30,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
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Joelle Hartke, MD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Project
The Effect of Growth-Arrest Specific 6 on Intracranial Aneurysm Formation and Rupture
Recipient of $45,000
Froggy’s Drive Chair of Research
Strode Family Chair of Research -
Sungha Hong, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Role of TRPV1 in Rescuing Global Ischemia Following SAH in Aged Mice
Recipient of $40,000
Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
Strode Family Chair of Research
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Naoki Kaneko, MD
University of California – Los Angeles
Project
Advancing Brain Aneurysm Treatments with Robotics: An Investigation into the Effectiveness of Robotic-Assisted Endovascular Procedures
Recipient of $35,000
Falmouth Road Race Chair of Research
Nebraska’s Hope for a Better Tomorrow Chair of Research -
Seungil Kim, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Project
Evaluation of Healing Progress in the ECM-Based Injectable Embolic Delivering Therapeutic Proteins in a Murine Cerebral Saccular Aneurysm Model
Recipient of $50,000
Katelyn M. Caruso Chair of Research
Gary Chudnovsky Chair of Research
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Khalid Malik, PhD
Oakland University
Project
Integrating Federated and Neuro-symbolic AI for Improved Aneurysm Detection and Rupture Prediction
Recipient of $35,000
Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research
NYC Marathon Chair of Research
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Devin McBride, PhD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Neutrophil Phenotype Predicts Delayed Deficits After SAH
Recipient of $30,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Devin McBride, PhD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
NETs as a Biomarker of Delayed Deficits after SAH
Recipient of $35,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
Danielle Guzman Chair of Research
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Abdelsimar T. Omar III, MD
McMaster University
Project
Revisiting the Comparative Effectiveness of Clipping Versus Coiling for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (sSAH) with Big Data: A Population-Based Analysis Using The Target Trial Framework
Recipient of $30,000
Running Against Ruptures Chair of Research
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Tatsat R. Patel, PhD., and Sricharan Veeturi
University at Buffalo
Project
Exploring the Relationship Between Imaging and Blood-Based Biomarkers and the Pathobiology of the Aneurysm Wall
Recipient of $35,000
Carol W. Harvey Chair of Research
Taylor J. Richelson Chair of Research -
Sophia Robertson
Northern Arizona University
Project
Development of a Novel Biocompatible Polymer Coating for Aneurysm Treatment Devices
Recipient of $40,000
New York City Marathon Chair of Research
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research -
Edgar A. Samaniego MD, MS
University of Iowa
Project
Radiomic Characterization of Brain Aneurysms
Recipient of $30,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Scott Simon, MD
Scott Simon, MD
Project
Impact of Genetic Variation in Iron Metabolism on Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Outcomes
Recipient of $35,000
Anne Ellington Powell Chair of Research
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Husain Sodawalla, PhD
Northern Arizona University
Project
Development of an FDA-Approved Benchtop Model for Delayed Aneurysm Rupture (DAR) Studies
Recipient of $30,000
Debbie Feiger Chair of Research
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Sithara Thomas
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Elucidation of Role of HDAC2 in Epigenetic Repression of Blood Barrier Genes During Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) in Mice: Protective Effect of Overexpression of its Target (ZIC3)
Recipient of $50,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Hiroki Uchikawa
Barrow Neurological Institute
Project
Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Intracranial Aneurysms
Recipient of $40,000
Marc Marotta Chair of Research
Christopher C. Getch Chair of Research (Sponsored by the CV Section)
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Omid Amilli, PhD
University of Toledo
Project
A Precise Quantification of the Effect of Blood Rheology on Brain Aneurysm Hedodynamics
Recipient of $30,000
Falmouth Road Race Chair of Research
Nebraska’s Hope for a Better Tomorrow Chair of Research -
Joseph Antonios, MD, PhD
Yale New Haven Hospital
Project
Cellular and Molecular Drivers of Aneurysm Formation and Rupture
Recipient of $45,000
Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
Kristen Shafer Englert Chair of Research
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Umeshkumar Athiraman, MD, MBBS
Washington University
Project
Targeting Microglia to Improve Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $40,000
Boston Marathon Chair of Research
NYC Marathon Chair of Research
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Louis-Philippe Bernier, PhD
University of British Columbia
Project
SAH-Induced Vasospasm: Probing Cerebrospinal Fluid for a Novel P2Y14-Dependent Mechanism
Recipient of $30,000
Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Canada Chair of Research
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Koji Hosaka, PhD
University of Florida – Gainesville
Project
Role of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells in Cerebral Aneurysm Formation and Rupture
Recipient of $40,000
Froggy’s Drive Chair of Research
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Mark D. Johnson, MD
University of Cincinnati
Project
Morphological Analysis Through the Use of Fractal Dimension as a Predictor of Cerebral Aneurysm Behavior
Recipient of $30,000
Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research
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Seungil Kim, PhD
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Project
Evaluation of Healing Progress in the Bioabsorbable Aneurysm Coil Implanted Murine Cerebral Aneurysm Model
Recipient of $50,000
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Melanie Martinez
University of Florida – Gainesville
Project
Neutrophil ROS Role in Aneurysm Healing
Recipient of $30,000
Sharon Epperson Chair of Research
Sarah Hebner Chair of Research
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Devin McBride, PhD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Project
Role of Micro-Clots and NETs after SAH
Recipient of $50,000
Team Suze Chair of Research
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Nicholas Norris
Northern Arizona University
Project
Novel Comprehensive In-Vitro Circle of Willis Aneurysm Models to Improve Device Development and Surgical Confidence
Recipient of $45,000
Cami Clarke Chair of Research
Strode Family Chair of Research
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Tatsat R. Patel, PhD and Sricharan Veeturi, MS
University at Buffalo
Project
Combination Blood and MRI Biomarkers for Rupture Risk Assessment of Brain Aneurysms
Recipient of $50,000
Carol W. Harvey Chair of Research
Elizabeth Ann Irwin Chair of Research
Taylor J. Richelsen Chair of Research
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Edgar A Samaniego MD, MS
University of Iowa
Project
Aneurysm Wall Enhancement
Recipient of $40,000
Renee Joyce Chair of Research
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Alfred Pokmeng See, MD
Boston Children’s Hospital
Project
Correlation of Aneurysm Wall Enhancement on 7T MRI MRA with Treatment Response and Molecular Markers of Inflammation
Recipient of $40,000
Danielle Guzman Chair of Research
Kati Lorge Chair of Research
Thomas J. Tinlin Chair of Research
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Ben Strickland, MD
Emory University
Project
Hyperacute DCE-MR Perfusion Analysis of Blood Brain Barrier Destruction Resulting from Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $40,000
Fight Like Frank Chair of Research
Patrick Fettuccia Chair of Research
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Ananth K. Vellimana, MD
Washington University
Project
Understanding Immune Dysfunction at the CNS borders after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Recipient of $30,000
Debbie Feiger Chair of Research
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Stacey Wolfe, MD
Wake Forest Baptist
Project
Piezo1 Mechanoreceptor Overexpression and Dysregulation as a Novel Mechanism of Intracranial Aneurysm Development
Recipient of $40,000
Austen L. Dunn Chair of Research
Christopher C. Getch Chair of Research (Sponsored by the CV Section)