Vascular Calcification Therapeutics Lab
Overview
Our lab is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of vascular calcification through innovative, curiosity-driven research and an inclusive scientific environment. We investigate the activation, progression, and potential reversal of arterial calcification, with particular focus on therapeutic strategies involving cell and gene therapy. By uncovering these mechanisms, we aim to develop new approaches that transform how vascular calcification is prevented, treated, and potentially reversed.
Beyond discovery, our work is grounded in a commitment to addressing inequities in cardiovascular health. We focus on individuals affected by vascular calcification and communities facing structural barriers to healthy living. Through scientific research and community education, we strive to improve cardiovascular outcomes and promote disease prevention.
Ultimately, we envision a future where vascular calcification is not only better understood but also treatable and preventable. We are committed to translating these discoveries into improved cardiovascular health by addressing health disparities, supporting communities affected by vascular calcification, and promoting education on low-phosphate dietary practices.
Mission
Our lab seeks to advance scientific understanding of vascular calcification by investigating its activation, progression, and potential reversal. By combining rigorous science with inclusive collaboration and community engagement, our lab seeks to reshape clinical care, challenge health disparities, and help redefine who participates in and leads scientific discovery.
Team
LaShan Hendrix
Assoc Professor, CEAS - Biomedical Eng
201 UCBIOSCI
In addition to her passion for vascular research, Dr. Hendrix is a student advocate and a champion for diversity and inclusion. She has worked to create inclusive spaces for trainee development and success. She has received numerous awards for her efforts including Teacher of the Year, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University, 2018; Academy of Distinguished Teachers, Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University, 2019; and Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning, 2020.
Her pride and joy are the diversity of her research lab and the outstanding accomplishments of her trainees. Dr. Hendrix is the founder of BlackWomenInBME and has hosted sessions for her group at the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual meeting since 2018. She is the recipient of the 2021 Biomedical Engineering Society Diversity Award Lecture.
Graduate Students
Jherni Fisher,
PhD student
Lucia Garcia,
PhD student
Zack Lorton,
PhD student
Undergraduate Students
Ava Barnes
Nora Binkis
Giuliana Romani Cabrera
Josh Hardy
Hasan Syed
UC:
- Briana James
- Sarah Kelley
- Maddie Geeting
- Janyla Greer
- Kavya Chandra
Vascular calcification is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and is particularly prevalent in individuals with chronic kidney disease and metabolic disorders. Once considered a passive process, arterial calcification is now recognized as an active, cell-regulated phenomenon involving complex molecular signaling, mineral imbalance, and phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells. Despite its clinical significance, effective strategies to prevent or reverse vascular calcification remain limited.
Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms driving the initiation and progression of vascular calcification to identify targets for therapeutic intervention. We examine how biological pathways, environmental factors, and dietary influences—such as phosphate intake—interact to regulate calcification risk.
By integrating molecular biology, imaging, and translational approaches, our work aims to develop targeted strategies to prevent and treat vascular calcification while contributing to broader efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease burden.
Research Pillars
Lab News
April:
Lucia passed the qualifying exam
Hasan presents research capstone project and presents at UC Undergraduate Research Symposium
January:
Nora joined the lab as an Undergraduate Co-op Intern
Ava joined the lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
VCTL Holiday Party
December:
- VCTL Holiday Party
November:
- Jherni passes the qualifying exam
October:
- VCTL Pumpkin Carving Party
August:
- Josh wins second place at Protege Symposium Poster Session
- Hasan returns to the lab as a research capstone student
July:
- Zack passes the qualifying exam
June:
- UC BME outing to Cincinnati Reds game
May:
- Josh joins the lab as Protege Undergraduate Research student
April:
- Briana presents at UC Undergraduate Research Symposium
March:
- VCTL Spring Break outing escape room
February:
- Dr. Hendrix wins the Mentor Award from American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
January:
Lucia and Jherni join the lab as Ph.D. students
Sarah and Maddie join the lab as Undergraduate Research Students
September:
- Dr. Hendrix honored as Faculty Member of the Year at STEMmy Awards by the Gaskins Foundation
August:
- Zack joins the lab as a PhD student
- Kavya joins the lab as an Undergraduate Co-op
- Briana and Nyla join the lab as Undergraduate Research Students
May:
- Hasan joins the lab as an Undergraduate Co-op
January:
Dr. Hendrix joins Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of Cincinnati as Associate Professor