Lisa joined Thurl Harris’s lab where she is analyzing organ specific substrate uptake in response to insulin to investigate metabolic alterations contributing to the development of heart failure. In addition, she is learning hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamping, which is the “gold-standard” for assessing insulin sensitivity. This technique allows one to measure insulin action on glucose utilization for clinical and basic science research.

Felicia is with Gray Owens lab investigating mechanisms for understanding how the hyaluronansynthase 3 influences phenotypic switching and matrix producing behavior of smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic lesions. She is currently establishing cell culture systems with a knockdown of hyaluronansynthase 3 for inducing different phenotypic transition states and will investigate their effects on gene expression and matrix production in smooth muscle cells.

Here is what they have to say about their experience so far: “Half way through [our stay] we can say that we love it! We have had a warm welcome in our partner labs and have been able to continue working on our PhD projects in a highly motivating and inspiring international environment. In addition, from day one we have enjoyed exploring Virginia and the American culture together with our roommates. All the new experiences and challenges make our stay varied and exciting and we are enjoying the opportunity to grow every day. We are glad to get this chance to spend a wonderful time in Charlottesville”.