PhD trainee tackling atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque that restricts blood flow through the body, is a leading cause of death worldwide.  

Despite leading to strokes or heart attacks, along with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness, there are no effective medications to treat atherosclerosis. The cellular mechanisms behind the condition aren’t well understood either, an important step in developing novel therapies. 

Megan Meechem a third-year PhD student supervised by Dr. Vaibhav Patel, PhD, and co-supervised by Dr. Paul Fedak, MD, PhD, is working to change this. 

She is investigating the changes in the mitochondria of the smooth muscle cells of the artery walls in atherosclerosis. Her goal is to find ways to mitigate the condition at the subcellular level by targeting the different types of unhealthy changes (phenotypes). 

“My research focuses on understanding and comparing alterations in the mitochondrial structures and functions in the smooth muscle structure of the lining of the artery in the presence of atherosclerosis,” says Meechem. “My goal is to isolate potential phenotype-specific interventions against the condition.”

Meechem was recently awarded the Heart and Stroke Women’s Personnel Award, which support young scholars invested in women's heart and brain health.

“I am very honoured to have received this scholarship, it will really help me in pursuing my research,” she says. 

Meechem received her undergraduate degree in Biology from McMaster University before pursuing further studies at the University of Calgary in cardiovascular sciences. 

Her interest in cardiovascular disease is personal. 

“Numerous members of my family have suffered with cardiovascular conditions,” says Meechem. “My uncle died of a heart attack in his mid 40s, my grandma suffered from a stroke, and my grandpa was one of the first to receive a triple heart bypass in Canada when he was in his mid 40s.” 

Meechem, who hopes to get her medical degree and become a clinician-researcher, also enjoys the opportunities for impact that conducting research into the cardiovascular sciences provides. 

“There are so many unexplored avenues, so many unknowns, and that appeals to me,” says Meechem. “Science in general offers a lifelong trajectory of learning. Even if you are an expert in a specific area, there is always something you won’t know.” 

Meechem is grateful for the mentorship she has received from her supervisor. 

“Dr. Patel plays an active role in my degree,” she says. “He is very approachable and has provided me with numerous opportunities. I am thankful for his support.” 

Patel says the grant was well deserved. 

“Megan is an extremely well-organized, curious and motivated trainee and a great team player,” he says. “She has made significant progress in achieving her research goals through hard work and dedication. Her research is highly impactful and novel.”