Mercer University Doctoral Student Awarded Prestigious AHA Predoctoral Fellowship for Hypertension Research

Emmanuella Ezewudo, a fourth-year doctoral student in the laboratory of Dr. Raquibul Hasan, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy, has received a two-year, $70,676 American Heart Association (AHA) Predoctoral Fellowship for her research project titled “Novel role of a gut-microbiota-derived metabolite in Angiotensin-II induced Hypertension.”

Her research addresses a critical gap in hypertension science. Although researchers recognize the hormone angiotensin II (Ang II) as a central contributor to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, evidence suggests its harmful effects are amplified through excessive production of endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most potent vasoconstrictor identified to date. Ezewudo’s project investigates a previously unrecognized connection between the gut microbiome and the Ang II–ET-1 signaling pathway. Her work examines how gut-derived metabolites influence vascular dysfunction, blood pressure regulation, and kidney injury.

“This fellowship provides Emmanuella with the protected time, mentorship, and resources needed to advance her research and professional development,” said Dr. Hasan. “Her work has the potential to open new directions in how we understand and treat hypertension.”

Ezewudo’s research builds on discoveries from her mentor, Dr. Hasan, whose NIH- and AHA-funded work focuses on developing novel therapies for drug-resistant hypertension, vascular inflammation, and cardiometabolic disease.

“This fellowship allows me to focus deeply on my research and to explore new ideas that could ultimately improve how hypertension is treated,” Ezewudo said. “I am grateful for the continuous support of Mercer and the profound mentorship of Dr. Hasan that makes this work possible. I am equally grateful to my laboratory members, both past and present, for their support. I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to the field in a meaningful way.”

The AHA Predoctoral Fellowship will support Ezewudo’s continued training as she prepares for a career as an independent cardiovascular scientist.