THE VISION
IMPACT S.C. is my experimental, team-based approach to science. IMPACT or Inflammation Metabolism Physiology for Advanced Cellular Therapeutics reflects the scientific focus and mission of the lab; while S.C. or Science Center is similar to the F.C., or futbol (soccer) clubs around the world and reflects the team approach. While this might be perceived as my answer to the Science Twitter debate of how laboratories should be named, it is actually rooted in my 10+ years of science whereby the principal investigator creates the initial scientific question and provides the financial capital to answer this question and the trainee under the guidance of the principal investigator and with the support of their peers becomes the scientific expert and driving force leading to the answer. Key to this approach is establishing a transparent, collaborative, and stimulating research environment, which takes a team effort to achieve. Of course this perspective is completely crafted while within the trainee shoes and now that shoe is on the other foot or it is an entirely new pair of shoes as principal investigator, this view is likely to evolve. But the goal is to sustain the funds to pursue the ever-growing science below, while doing all in my power to help my trainees achieve their goals.
THE SCIENCE
Inflammatory links between Myocardial Infarction and Vascular Dementia
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, doesn’t just damage the heart—it can also increase the risk of developing vascular dementia later in life. Both conditions share a common thread: inflammation. Studies show that people with higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood often experience worse outcomes after a heart attack and a faster decline in brain health. Following a heart attack, the body mounts a strong inflammatory response that activates immune cells. These include monocytes circulating in the blood, microglia that act as the brain’s resident immune cells, and macrophages that live around blood vessels in the brain. Scientists believe these cells may travel to or become activated in the brain, where they could damage blood vessels and disrupt brain function, setting the stage for dementia. However, we still don’t fully understand how these immune cells link heart injury to long-term cognitive decline. Our research aims to uncover these connections, with the goal of identifying new ways to protect the brain after heart disease.
Contributions of liver metabolism to cardiometabolic heart failure
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common and deadly form of heart disease with few treatment options, and nearly half of patients also have a liver condition called MASLD. Our lab studies how these two diseases are connected. We’ve found that the liver makes protective molecules that can shield the heart, but in MASLD these molecules are broken down into harmful ones that drive inflammation and attract immune cells to the heart. By testing how to block this harmful liver–heart signaling, we aim to uncover new ways to treat HFpEF and improve patient health.
Cardiometabolic disease fuels neuroinflammation leading to Vascular Dementia
Dementia is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, creating enormous challenges for patients, families, and healthcare systems. The two most common types are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (VaD), which can occur separately or together. VaD is especially linked to cardiovascular and metabolic problems, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—a condition that is also growing in prevalence and has no effective treatments. Because HFpEF and VaD often occur together, researchers are concerned that heart disease may worsen or accelerate dementia. Both conditions are fueled by chronic inflammation and damage to blood vessels, which disrupt brain health over time. Emerging studies suggest that changes in immune cells may be a critical piece of this puzzle, offering new clues about how heart and metabolic disease contribute to cognitive decline. Understanding these connections could open the door to new strategies for preventing or slowing dementia.