As Cupid’s arrow finds its mark this Valentine’s Day, two Ph.D. research students at Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine aim for a heart that beats stronger and healthier through groundbreaking innovations in cardiac care. Enter Jack Wang and David Jiang, students who are passionate about blending engineering with medical expertise, are at the forefront of revolutionizing cardiovascular health just in time for Heart Health Month.
Wang, who has a background in mechanical and biomedical engineering, has embarked on a mission to tackle acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a condition affecting over a million Americans annually. Inspired by the intricate mechanics of the heart, Wang’s research goes deep into the biomechanical properties of arterial lesions, aiming to predict and prevent the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, a leading cause of ACS.
Wang’s journey began with undergraduate studies in mechanical and biomedical engineering, where he honed his skills in problem-solving and innovation. His passion for improving healthcare in low-resource settings led him to a prestigious two-year fellowship post-college, where he developed medical devices to address the needs of underserved communities.
During this time, Wang discovered Dr. Luke Timmins’ Cardiovascular Pathomechanics Lab, where he found the perfect intersection of his engineering background and his desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
“While chocolates and roses symbolize love on Valentine’s Day, my focus is on understanding the mechanics of the heart to save lives,” says Wang, whose work promises critical insights into cardiovascular disease progression. He reflects on his journey: “My undergraduate studies provided me with a solid foundation in engineering, but it was my exposure to Dr. Luke Timmins’ Cardiovascular Pathomechanics Lab that ignited my passion for addressing global health challenges through biomechanics research.”
In Dr. Timmins’s lab, Wang focuses on addressing challenges in cardiovascular diseases. His research aims to establish a novel image-based computational framework for evaluating intact material properties of arterial lesion environments, with the ultimate goal of determining predictive values for plaque rupture risk stratification and prognostication. By bridging the gap between engineering and medicine, Wang’s work promises to revolutionize how we understand and treat cardiovascular diseases, saving countless lives.
“The outcome of the project will provide critical insight and understanding of the role of tissue mechanics in cardiovascular disease progression,” Wang emphasizes, underscoring the profound impact of his research on solving the complexities of cardiovascular diseases.
Meanwhile, David Jiang, fueled by a personal journey witnessing the life-saving impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on his father’s recovery, ignited his passion for engineering medical devices to improve cardiac care. His belief in the transformative power of innovation led him to the Cardiovascular Pathomechanics Laboratory, where he found a supportive environment to pursue his dream of making life-saving medical treatments more accessible and affordable.
“Every heartbeat is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. My goal is to make life-saving medical treatments more accessible and affordable by pushing the boundaries of medical technology,” says Jiang, whose work combines computational modeling with experimental approaches to personalize patient treatment options.
Wang and Jiang thrive in the School of Engineering Medicine’s nurturing environment, dreaming big and turning their innovative concepts into tangible solutions. Their vision of engineering advancements intersecting with medical breakthroughs embodies the essence of Valentine’s Day – a celebration of love, life, and the pursuit of a healthier heart for all.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Heart Health Month, let us take a moment to appreciate and recognize the passion and commitment of those who are shaping the future of cardiac care. Wang and Jiang are working tirelessly towards this goal, emphasizing the importance of a healthy heart and inspiring us all.