Name: Hana A. Itani, PhD

Institution: American University of Beirut

Grant: Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant (2018)

Project Title: New Immune Mechanisms in Hypertension
 

How would you sum up your research in one sentence?

• By identifying the unique T cell receptors involved in hypertension and defining the molecular mechanisms by which memory T cells contributes to inflammation and hypertension, this project will provide new insight into the pathogenesis of hypertension and lead to novel therapies for this important disease.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

• Hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in western societies. My project seeks to understand how inflammation causes kidney damage in this disease. By identifying the unique T cell receptors involved in hypertension and defining the molecular mechanisms by which memory T cells contributes to inflammation and hypertension, this project will provide new insight into the pathogenesis of hypertension and lead to novel therapies for this important disease.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

• My ultimate goal is to elucidate mechanisms of inflammation in hypertension and its attendant end-organ damage.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

• This project that is highly innovative and will move the field forward and promise to reveal new therapeutic targets for the treatment of this extremely prevalent and devastating disease.

What are your short- and long-term career goals?

• My goal is to advance my academic career and mature as an independent, tenure-track investigator in inflammation-mediated Cardiovascular and Renal disease. This award will assist me in achieving my goals: (1) to establish myself as an academic research scientist, (2) to develop an independent research program, (3) compete for extramural uninterrupted funding (NIH R01 and other funding mechanisms), (4) continue to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, and (5) continue to serve in professional societies.

What has surprised you most about your career?

• I have been fortunate to receive exceptional training by outstanding mentors that provided me with great support and mentoring. Yet, as a woman scientist it has been a challenge to achieve a successful career trajectory while maintaining an ideal work-life balance.

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

• As I have been advised to apply by prior ASN Carl W. Gottschalk Research grant recipients, I encourage others to apply for this award. It’s a great opportunity to get recognition in the field and be able to contribute to the advancement of kidney research.

In my free time I like to…

• During my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteer work, outdoor activities, and traveling.