Current Research Day
Event Information:
September 18, 2026
Gatton Student Center
160 Avenue of Champions
Lexington, KY 40508
Event Schedule: Coming Soon
Abstract Book: Coming Soon
Gill Award for Outstanding Cardiovascular Research
Alan Remaley, MD, PhD
One focus of Dr. Remaley’s laboratory is on the beneficial role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called “good cholesterol.” Dr. Remaley’s laboratory also investigates “bad cholesterol”, in other words cholesterol that is transported on low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Another focus of the Lipoprotein Metabolism Laboratory is the development of new cardiovascular biomarkers. The lab has pioneered a method for calculating LDL cholesterol, which is now widely used in clinical laboratories worldwide for routine diagnostics of hypercholesterolemia.
Assistant Professor Showcase
Diego Lucero, PhD
The Lucero lab aims to identify new regulators of lipoprotein metabolism and understand their role in modulating lipid levels in blood, with the goal of improving the diagnosis of inherited lipid disorders and uncovering new drug targets to help prevent heart disease.
Xu Xiao, PhD
Lipids provide the structural framework of membranes that enclose the cell and its organelles. Precise temporal movement and spatial localization of lipids are essential for maintaining organelle homeostasis and overall organism health. My research focuses on identifying novel intracellular lipid transport pathways, understanding their cellular functions, and developing strategies to modulate intracellular lipid homeostasis for disease prevention and treatment.
Brooks Lane, PhD
The interplay between mechanical forces or cues and biological responses in blood vessels is essential for maintaining healthy structure and function yet also can serve as a potent driver behind poor clinical outcomes for a wide range of vessel pathologies and interventions. The research in my lab is aimed at integrating biomechanics and mechanobiology using experimental and in vivo models to develop new therapies or devices related to aortopathies, aortic aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and endovascular interventions.
Cheavar Blair, PhD
The Blair Lab investigates genetic mutations and circadian rhythms, utilizing stem cell models to understand how 1) genetic mutations change the size and function of the heart and 2) how disruption to our sleep cycles leads to abnormal heart function.
Trainee Opportunities
Lighting Talks
All trainees can present concise, high-impact overviews of their research with one static slide in 90-seconds or less. An abstract and prior registration is required.
Lighting Talks
All trainees can present concise, high-impact overviews of their research with one static slide in 90-seconds or less. An abstract and prior registration is required.
Trainee Presentations
Selected abstracts (6), submitted by trainees and staff, will be presented in 7-minute oral presentations followed by Q&A from attendees.
Selected from abstracts submitted by July 31.
Trainee Presentations
Selected abstracts (6), submitted by trainees and staff, will be presented in 7-minute oral presentations followed by Q&A from attendees.
Selected from abstracts submitted by July 31.
Poster Presentations
Staff and trainees will present their work in a judged poster session. Cash prizes are awarded for the best presentations by staff, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates.
Posters are judged in 10-minute timed sessions. Presenters should budget five minutes to present their poster with five minutes for the judge's questions. All attendees are assigned a poster to judge, so presenters should be prepared to present their work succinctly and to a broad audience. After the judged sessions, presenters will remain at their posters for the general poster session.
Poster size is recommended at 36in x 48in landscape format.
All abstracts are eligible. Prior registration is required.
Poster Presentations
Staff and trainees will present their work in a judged poster session. Cash prizes are awarded for the best presentations by staff, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates.
Posters are judged in 10-minute timed sessions. Presenters should budget five minutes to present their poster with five minutes for the judge's questions. All attendees are assigned a poster to judge, so presenters should be prepared to present their work succinctly and to a broad audience. After the judged sessions, presenters will remain at their posters for the general poster session.
Poster size is recommended at 36in x 48in landscape format.
All abstracts are eligible. Prior registration is required.
Abstract Requirements
Abstracts should begin with a title followed by authors and their affiliations. The presenting author should be listed first. A succinct description of the research project should follow, concluding with an acknowledgment of the project's funding source. The entire abstract must be in at least 11-point font and fit on one PDF page.
Abstract Requirements
Abstracts should begin with a title followed by authors and their affiliations. The presenting author should be listed first. A succinct description of the research project should follow, concluding with an acknowledgment of the project's funding source. The entire abstract must be in at least 11-point font and fit on one PDF page.
Event Sponsors
