LSU Health New Orleans Receives NIH Grant to advance stroke research

Jul 18

NEW ORLEANS – LSU Health New Orleans has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to propel pioneering research led by Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan. This initiative, titled “Neuroprotective lipid mediators target penumbra in experimental ischemic stroke,” marks a significant step forward in understanding and harnessing neuroprotective mechanisms against ischemic stroke.

Dr. Bazan, renowned for his contributions to neurology and ophthalmology as Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans, will spearhead the research alongside his team. The project also involves collaboration with Dr. Ludmila Belayev, a Professor of Neuroscience and Neurosurgery, who emphasized the significance of their experimental stroke model.

"The model of experimental stroke that we are using recapitulates stroke from the clinic by reproducible generation of ischemic stroke that allows to specifically to uncover disease mechanisms,” said Dr. Belayev. With ischemic stroke ranking among the leading causes of disability worldwide, the focus of their investigation will be on elovanoids (ELVs)—a novel class of lipid mediators discovered by Dr. Bazan.

The grant will facilitate comprehensive studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques, including MRI for precise brain structure assessment and cutting-edge molecular analyses and Spatially Resolved Transcriptomics using Visium and Xenium. These methods will unravel cell-specific responses to ELVs, potentially unveiling novel therapeutic avenues for stroke and other neurodegenerative conditions.

“This grant underscores LSU Health New Orleans’ leadership in neuroscience and Dr. Bazan’s transformative contributions to the field,” stated Dr. Steve Nelson, Chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans. “His pioneering research not only enhances our understanding of stroke pathology but also holds promise for future therapeutic breakthroughs.”

Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Bazan has fostered a legacy of excellence at LSU Health New Orleans through mentorship of young scientists and the establishment of innovative programs like the Summer Undergraduate Neuroscience (SUN) Program. His collaborative efforts with industry have also led to the formation of startup ventures aimed at translating research discoveries into clinical applications, reinforcing his commitment to advancing patient care.

For more information about Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan’s research and LSU Health New Orleans’ visit lsuhsc.edu.

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About LSU Health New Orleans
LSU Health New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's health sciences university leader, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine with campuses in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health and Schools of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research, the LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise generates jobs and enormous annual economic impact. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment   and cure disease.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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