Brain Aneurysm Foundation Research Grant Awards
Since launching its research grant program in 2007, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation has invested more than $6.5 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, bringing the Foundation’s total research investment to more than $7 million.
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600,000
To be awarded by BAF in 2026 -
16 Projects
funded in 2026 -
Over $7 million
total research funding since 2007
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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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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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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
-
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
-
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)