Ayuba Akinpelu, a leading Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Awarded Prestigious AHA Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Science

Ayuba Akinpelu, a graduate student in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University, has recently been honored with a prestigious Research Supplement from the American Heart Association (AHA). This significant recognition highlights Ayuba’s extraordinary dedication to advancing cardiovascular research while championing diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

Ayuba’s groundbreaking research focuses on investigating how pressure forces influence the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases, with a particular emphasis on the role of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vascular health. What distinguishes Ayuba’s work is his innovative approach, which utilizes state-of-the-art microfluidic devices to accurately emulate the in vivo spatial geometry of SMCs’ natural surroundings. By leveraging his expertise in bioengineering, molecular biology, material science, and animal studies, Ayuba aims to identify key molecules governing SMC functionality and uncover the underlying mechanisms driving disease progression. More details can be found here: https://eng.auburn.edu/news/2024/04/chemical-engineering-graduate-student-wins-award-to-promote-diversity-in-science.

Ayuba’s research is instrumental in promoting the development of novel and precise therapeutics. His extraordinary work in the biomedical engineering field has already gained traction, leading to an invitation to #Ginning, an award-winning podcast during a section titled “Cancer research under pressure”, where he shared insights into his groundbreaking research on how physical cues affect cell behaviour https://eng.auburn.edu/news/2022/08/ginning-podcast-ayuba-akinpelu.html.

Ayuba’s remarkable achievements not only underscore his remarkable talent in research but also significantly contribute to shaping a more inclusive landscape in science. His story is a shining example of dedication, innovation, and advocacy that deserves to be shared with the world.