Contact: Nicole Napoli, nnapoli@acc.org, 202-375-6523

WASHINGTON (Mar 11, 2019) -

The American College of Cardiology is launching the Young Scholars Program during its 68^th Annual Scientific Session taking place March 16-18 in New Orleans. In the program’s inaugural year, ACC selected outstanding high school and college students in the state where ACC is holding its Annual Scientific Session to participate in the one-year program that will introduce them to the world of cardiology and research.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, engineers and scientists, and it is of utmost importance that we cultivate and encourage young students who show early passion in these fields,” said ACC President C. Michael Valentine, MD, FACC. “Congratulations to each of these students who have proven to be among the very brightest at their respective schools. We are very excited to welcome them to the ACC.”

To start the program, students will be paired with an ACC Fellow in Training or Early Career Fellow at the ACC Annual Scientific Session, where they will be introduced to the full conference schedule of activities. Students will witness science in action, hearing for the first time the groundbreaking results of late-breaking clinical trials. They will also have the opportunity to attend research presentations, allowing them to witness young scientists report on their own research results, as well as explore exhibits, attend lectures and take advantage of networking opportunities.

Following the ACC Annual Scientific Session, each student will be paired with a Fellow of the College to help mentor them over the next year. The program curriculum will include online webinars tailored directly to young scientists beginning their journey into research, periodic meetings with their faculty mentor, an opportunity to be part of one of their mentor's research projects and opportunities for shadowing to allow for direct observations of the clinical world of cardiology.

This year’s Young Scholars Program recipients are:

• Isabel Collins, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans
• Sonjay Henry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans
• Loren Higginbotham, Jennings High School, Jennings, Louisiana
• De’Hasia Hopkins, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans
• Olivia Howard, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Westwego, Louisiana
• Allyson Judge, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans
• Kelsey Lain, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans
• Marley Lee, Dillard University, New Orleans
• Kennedy Mallett, Welsh High School, Welsh, Louisiana
• Isabella Mariano, Cedar Creek High School, Ruston, Louisiana
• Lily Markus, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans
• Thanda Myo Win, Tulane University, New Orleans
• Najah Nicholas, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, Kenner, Louisiana
• Mikayla Perkins, Dillard University, New Orleans
• Annie Thai, Tulane University, New Orleans
• Ty Theriot, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Donovan Turpin, Cedar Creek High School, Ruston, Louisiana
• Marise Wilson, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, Kenner, Louisiana
• Jordan Wise, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans
• Keyana Zahiri, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

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