McMullen's research has heart

October 22, 2004

McMullen's research has heart

by Catherine Young

	Nichole McMullen is a graduate student who conducts research in the Pharmacology Department.

Each year, nearly 3000 Nova Scotians die of heart disease. Nichole McMullen wants to shrink that number.

In August 2004, the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF) gave its John Ruedy Award, The Quest, to the young Dalhousie M.Sc. student. The NSHRF presents the award annually to the student researcher in the province who "demonstrates the greatest promise and potential for excellence in health research." This is the second time in two years that a Dal graduate student has won this award.

McMullen's research focuses on healing damaged hearts. During a heart attack, blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted, causing tissue death and scar tissue. In turn, scar tissues impair heart function. Her research, which is in its earliest stages, aims to replace scar tissue with new healthy heart cells. McMullen's research is personally meaningful. "A number of people in my family have died from heart disease so I have a personal stake in ending it. But the greater reason that I'm working in this area is that the research...is so interesting." (She works in Kishore Pasumarthi's lab at the Pharmacology Department.)

The Quest gives Nichole prestige plus tuition and salary support. It might also attract more support. "The Quest Award will help me in future provincial and national grant competitions".

McMullen plans to complete her PhD at Dalhousie.