Graduate Student Justin Tso Receives Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Justin Tso, a dedicated graduate student in the lab of Dr. Natalia Trayanova, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. This significant award is accompanied by a grant of $37,000 per year for three years, supporting Tso during his doctoral studies in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Justin Tso's research focuses on the innovative concept of "digital twins," a pioneering approach in the study of congenital heart disease. By utilizing computational models that mirror the physical and functional characteristics of individual patients’ hearts, Tso aims to transform the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of congenital heart conditions. This research not only stands to advance our understanding of complex heart diseases but also paves the way for personalized medical therapies.Dr. Natalia Trayanova, whose lab has been at the forefront of biomedical engineering research related to heart diseases, expressed her enthusiasm for Tso's recognition: "Justin’s commitment to advancing medical science through engineering solutions is commendable. This NSF Fellowship acknowledges his potential to make significant contributions to biomedical research and highlights the cutting-edge work being conducted in our lab."

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is one of the most competitive awards available to graduate students and is considered a marker of future success and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Recipients are selected based on their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering.

Dr. Trayanova and her lab extend their congratulations to Justin Tso on this prestigious award. We are excited to see the impact of his work on improving patient outcomes in congenital heart disease through the innovative use of digital twins technology.