YSM News and Recognition

Anne Eichmann, PhD, Ensign Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and professor of cellular and molecular physiology (left), has won the Earl P. Bandit Award from the North American Vascular Biology Organization for her numerous contributions to the understanding of tissue patterning during vascular and lymphatic development. The organization also honored Yajaira Suárez, PhD, Anthony N. Brady Professor of Comparative Medicine and professor of pathology (right), with the Judah Folkman Award in Vascular Biology, which recognizes outstanding contributions from mid-career vascular biologists.

The National Cancer Institute has awarded Lisa Fucito, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, a $3.4 million grant to test if varenicline, a medication FDA-approved for smoking cessation, is effective for helping people quit vaping.

Murat Günel, MD, Sterling Professor of Neurosurgery, professor of genetics and neuroscience, and neurosurgeon-in-chief at Yale New Haven Health System, has been elected vice president of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery (AAcNS). Founded in 1937, the AAcNS is the most esteemed academic neurosurgical organization in the United States, dedicated to advancing the field of neurosurgery through groundbreaking research, innovation, and mentorship.

Erica Herzog, MD, PhD, John Slade Ely Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary) and professor of pathology, and Ian Odell, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology, are two of just six investigators to receive 2025 research grants from the National Scleroderma Foundation. Herzog won the Marta Marx Fund for the Eradication of Scleroderma Award for her research on nerve-fibroblast interactions in scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease. Odell won a new investigator award for research into the regulation of fibroblast metabolism in skin fibrosis.

Jihoon Kim, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine, was honored with the Rising Star Award at the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium. This prestigious recognition highlights his groundbreaking research on the genetic and environmental factors influencing Kawasaki Disease—the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children worldwide.

Emre Seli, MD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, has been elected president of the Society for Reproductive Investigation. And Vikki Abrahams, PhD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, has been elected a council member for the society, which aims to advance reproductive health for all.

At its 2025 Night of Hope event, the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut will honor Jillian Warejko-Rossi, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics (nephrology), with its Excellence in Care Award. The award recognizes local leaders who directly support kidney patients and providers in Connecticut.