The American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association have awarded the 2025 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health to Hortense Triniac, Ph.D., of Milwaukee, and Katy Walsh, Ph.D., of Boston, providing each researcher $150,000 to support innovative scientific investigations into brain health and neurological conditions.
Named in honor of Dr. Ralph L. Sacco, the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations before his passing in 2023, the scholarship aims to support early-career researchers addressing critical gaps in understanding brain health and vascular disease.
Triniac, a postdoctoral fellow at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, will investigate how specific protein interactions might reduce stroke risk. Her research will explore the relationship between apolipoprotein B, tissue-type plasminogen activator, and their potential to lower lipid accumulation in blood vessels and improve blood clot breakdown.
Walsh, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, will study cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition causing abnormal protein buildup in brain blood vessels. Her project will examine a rare APOE genetic variant that may improve blood vessel function and protein waste removal in the brain.
Dr. Keith Churchwell from the American Heart Association emphasized the critical need for research exploring how vascular disease impacts cognitive decline and brain health. The scholarships represent a strategic investment in scientific discovery that could potentially develop new therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions.
AAN President Dr. Carlayne E. Jackson highlighted the importance of accelerating research to enhance brain health across all life stages. The Sacco Scholars program supports this mission by providing crucial funding for early-career researchers dedicated to scientific breakthroughs.
Both Triniac and Walsh will commence their two-year research projects on July 1, 2025, continuing Dr. Sacco’s commitment to advancing neurological science and improving patient outcomes.
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