We are pleased to announce that Rachel Crawford, a PhD student in FOEDRC member, Ethan Anderson’s lab has been awarded a NIH National Research Service Award (NRSA) F31 Predoctoral Fellowship from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Her project, “Cardiotoxicity of catecholamine metabolism by monoamine oxidase with obesity”, will investigate how obesity and diabetes interact with specific biochemical pathways to damage the heart. 

The F31 fellowship is a highly competitive award designed to support promising predoctoral researchers as they complete their dissertation training and develop into independent scientists. Rachel’s project focuses on how catecholamines—chemicals such as adrenaline—are metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This process can produce harmful byproducts that may contribute to heart muscle injury. By studying this mechanism in the context of obesity, her work could reveal new insights into why individuals with obesity and diabetes are at higher risk for cardiomyopathy and may open avenues for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Rachel brings a strong background in biochemistry and toxicology to her research. She earned her BS in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology from Clarke University, where she gained extensive laboratory experience in independent research projects ranging from fluorescence quenching studies to analyzing caffeine content in kombucha. Her passion for toxicology research grew from early coursework and hands-on projects and ultimately led her to join the University of Iowa’s Interdisciplinary Human Toxicology Program, where she also contributes to the Iowa Superfund Research Program.

The two-year fellowship will provide $35,626 annually in stipend and research support, enabling Rachel to focus on her dissertation research and professional development. This recognition from NIH underscores both the significance of her project and her potential as a future leader in cardiovascular and metabolic disease research.

We congratulate Rachel on this outstanding achievement and look forward to the discoveries her work will bring.