The Post-Comprehensive Research Fellowship is awarded to students in recognition of their distinguished academic achievement and to provide protected and supported time to pursue their research activities. This distinction arises from a combination of outstanding academic performance in coursework and early scholarly research activities. Nastaran Daneshgar, a PhD candidate in the Experimental Pathology program, focuses her dissertation on the limited proliferative capacity of the adult heart, especially its decline with aging. The age-related loss of cardiomyocytes increases the risk of heart failure and complicates recovery post-myocardial infarction. Her research delves into the potential of Klotho, an anti-aging hormone, to regulate cardiomyocyte proliferation via the Klotho-Sirt1-Chk2 pathway. As soluble Klotho (sKL) levels decrease with age, sKL supplementation could potentially enhance cardiac function and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Nastaran's study revolves around two main aims: firstly, exploring how Klotho influences cardiomyocyte cell cycle entry in aging, and secondly, understanding Checkpoint Kinase 2's role in cardiomyogenesis post-myocardial injury. The ultimate goal is to leverage these findings to enhance the heart's regenerative capacity, aiming to prevent or alleviate heart failure in aging and post-injury.

The fellowship provides a $10,700 stipend, tuition scholarship for up to two credits, 50% of mandatory fees, and a contribution towards health and dental insurance.