Jump to Main Content

Congenital heart disease institute inspires future innovators

By Vahid Serpooshan, PhD, and Roman Petrowski
A new generation of scientists took its first steps toward advancing congenital heart disease research this summer as students from across the country explored leading-edge science, engineered living tissues, and gained hands-on laboratory experience through the inaugural Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Summer Institute. The monthlong program brought together 32 exceptional high school and undergraduate students for an immersive curriculum spanning cardiovascular science, regenerative medicine, and biomedical engineering. The institute was delivered in two phases: a two-week virtual lecture series from June 15-26 that included 27 students, followed by a two-week, hands-on research experience for 13 students from July 1-15 at UTHealth Houston. Participants attended lectures, participated in laboratory workshops, engaged in leading-edge research, and collaborated on team projects under the mentorship of center faculty, trainees, and staff. “It was truly inspiring to see these young scholars immerse themselves in cardiovascular science, 3D bioprinting, and translational research with remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity,” said Vahid Serpooshan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease. “Beyond the scientific knowledge they gained, the program fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and lasting mentorships.” This year’s institute finished with a research symposium and poster presentation, where participants showcased the innovative projects they developed during the program. Their presentations reflected not only scientific curiosity and creativity, but also the significant growth they achieved throughout the month. “We are incredibly proud of what this year’s scholars accomplished,” Serpooshan said. “Most importantly, these students will continue their journey with our center as Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Scholars, remaining engaged with our research and educational activities for years to come. In fact, several have already returned to UTHealth Houston as volunteers and visiting student researchers, underscoring the lasting impact of this program and the vibrant community it continues to build.” The Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease’s inaugural institute came to a close in July, capping a month of scientific exploration, mentorship, and hands-on discovery for participants.

A new generation of scientists took its first steps toward advancing congenital heart disease research this summer as students from across the country explored leading-edge science, engineered living tissues, and gained hands-on laboratory experience through the inaugural Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Summer Institute.

The monthlong program brought together 32 exceptional high school and undergraduate students for an immersive curriculum spanning cardiovascular science, regenerative medicine, and biomedical engineering.

The institute was delivered in two phases: a two-week virtual lecture series from June 15-26 that included 27 students, followed by a two-week, hands-on research experience for 13 students from July 1-15 at UTHealth Houston.

Participants attended lectures, participated in laboratory workshops, engaged in leading-edge research, and collaborated on team projects under the mentorship of center faculty, trainees, and staff.

“It was truly inspiring to see these young scholars immerse themselves in cardiovascular science, 3D bioprinting, and translational research with remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity,” said Vahid Serpooshan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease. “Beyond the scientific knowledge they gained, the program fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and lasting mentorships.”

This year’s institute finished with a research symposium and poster presentation, where participants showcased the innovative projects they developed during the program. Their presentations reflected not only scientific curiosity and creativity, but also the significant growth they achieved throughout the month.

“We are incredibly proud of what this year’s scholars accomplished,” Serpooshan said. “Most importantly, these students will continue their journey with our center as Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Scholars, remaining engaged with our research and educational activities for years to come. In fact, several have already returned to UTHealth Houston as volunteers and visiting student researchers, underscoring the lasting impact of this program and the vibrant community it continues to build.”

The Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease’s inaugural institute came to a close in July, capping a month of scientific exploration, mentorship, and hands-on discovery for participants.