Grande-Allen named American Heart Association fellow

Jane Grande-Allen

Rice University bioengineer Jane Grande-Allen has been named a fellow of the American Heart Association in recognition of her contributions to the field of vascular biology through investigations into heart-valve disease.

She was nominated by the organization’s Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.

Grande-Allen’s Integrative Matrix Mechanics Lab analyzes heart-valve tissue composition and behavior to pinpoint why, how and where cells come together and respond to disease. Experimental methods involve the testing of valve-tissue function, strength and elasticity, growth and abnormalities from nano to macro lengths of scale.

Grande-Allen then applies this knowledge to forecast changes in tissue structure and function over the course of a lifetime. Her results have led to new surgical and medical therapies to treat patients earlier, have shown new alternatives in drug therapies and have contributed to the development of novel biomaterials and tissue-engineered materials for heart valves.

New fellows will be recognized at a reception in Chicago Nov. 16.