WVU researcher elected Fellow of the American Heart Association
Venkatesh Sundararajan, M.Pharm., Ph.D., an associate professor in the West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, has been elected a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA). The fellowship was conferred by the American Heart Association’s Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences.
The FAHA designation recognizes professional members who demonstrate sustained excellence and make significant contributions to cardiovascular research, education, leadership and service to the American Heart Association.
Dr. Sundararajan leads an NIH-funded research program at WVU focused on mitochondrial matrix protein quality control, cardiac metabolism and the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular injury and protection. His laboratory investigates the mitochondrial protease LonP1 and its role in maintaining mitochondrial health, cardiac function, and cellular stress responses.
His research also examines mitochondrial dysfunction in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, particularly heart damage associated with doxorubicin, as well as cardiomyopathy associated with obesity and diabetes. His work aims to identify new therapeutic targets and strategies to prevent or reduce heart disease linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Sundararajan’s contributions to cardiovascular science and professional service have earned several honors, including the Buddha Dawn, M.D., Early Career Investigator Award from the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences-North American Section (IACS-NAS) and the Distinguished Service Award from the Society for South Asian Heart Research (SAHR). The latter recognized his leadership as chair of the SAHR society's Membership Committee from 2023 to 2026, during which he helped expand membership.
He also serves on the Cardiovascular Section Program Committee of the American Physiological Society and the Mid-Career Investigator Committee of the International Society for Heart Research-North American Section.
In addition to his research, Sundararajan contributes to medical, dental and graduate education; mentors emerging scientists; and participates in scientific peer review, editorial work and leadership activities within WVU and national and international cardiovascular research organizations.
He also serves as chair of the WVU Faculty Senate Service Committee, where he coordinates and oversees the evaluation of WVU Community Engagement Grant proposals. The grants support initiatives that strengthen partnerships between the university and communities across West Virginia.
Sundararajan’s election as an FAHA recognizes his contributions to cardiovascular science, education, leadership and professional service and highlights WVU’s work in cardiovascular research, academic leadership and community engagement.