Six new collaborative research projects focused on advancing cardiometabolic health have been awarded seed funding from Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences. Nineteen applications were received from a range of research areas, including basic, preclinical, clinical, translational, behavioral and population research, which demonstrates the strength of cross-institutional collaboration in addressing complex health challenges.
By investing in exploratory and developmental research, the program helps investigators generate preliminary data, establish research partnerships and pursue future external funding opportunities.
As the projects move forward, awardees will have an opportunity to share their work at the Henry Ford + MSU Cardiometabolic Health Research Symposium on September 25, 2026.
The following six research projects were selected for the 2026 Henry Ford + MSU Cardiometabolic Health Seed Funding program. Each project will receive nearly $60,000 to support early-stage research and foster new collaborations.
- AI tools and Computer Modeling for Risk Predictions of Right Heart Failure in LVAD patients
Principal Investigators: Lik-Chuan Lee, Ph.D. (MSU) and James Lee, M.D. (Henry Ford) - Investigating the Prevalence Of Neurological Disorders in Patients with Pre-Clinical and Clinical Obesity
Principal Investigators: Evan Reynolds, Ph.D. (MSU) and Jamie Roberman, Ph.D. (Henry Ford) - Leveraging Kidney Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles Against Diabetic Kidney Disease
Principal Investigators: Paulo Caceres, Ph.D. (Henry Ford) and Masamitsu Kanada, Ph.D. (MSU) - Cardiometabolic Health: Using Pregnancy Data to Inform Screening and Intervention
Principal Investigators: Jean Kerver, Ph.D. (MSU) and Raminder Khangura, M.D. (Henry Ford) - Evaluation of Metaboreflex Activation Threshold and Strength During Active Exercise in Humans with Obesity
Principal Investigators: Joseph Mannozzi, Ph.D. (Henry Ford) and Chad Wiggins, Ph.D. (MSU) - Cholesterol Crystal Emboli to the Brain as a Risk for Cancer
Principal Investigators: George Abela, M.D. (MSU) and Abeer Tabbarah, M.D. (Henry Ford)