The ASRT Foundation has awarded funding to a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Kathleen A. Stanford, M.A., R.T.(R) RCIS, will use medical imaging techniques to investigate the degree by which venous pooling during prolonged sitting influences arterial stiffness in the central, peripheral and cerebral arteries. Epidemiological evidence has established that prolonged sitting increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. If the mechanism for arterial stiffness due to venous pooling during sitting is better understood, interruption strategies could be developed to target and potentially reduce or delay the deleterious effects of sitting.
Stanford is a clinical research specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She is involved in several hematology studies, including leading a post-hospitalization thrombosis trial in patients with COVID-19 as well as other projects involving treatments for hemophilia and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
The Emerging Researcher Grant is designed to provide up to $4,000 in support of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals aspiring to conduct scientific research in radiologic technology. The award is funded by ASRT members Rebecca Ludwig, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(QM), FAEIRS, FASRT, and Marilyn Sackett, M.Ed., R.T.(R), FASRT, and other contributors. Its goal is to provide early-stage researchers with an opportunity to expand their research capabilities.
“Prolonged sitting has been shown to increase adverse cardiovascular events and is thus a significant public health concern,” said Stanford. “Using two groups of subjects and advanced ultrasound techniques, this randomized crossover trial will offer insight into physiological changes that occur while sedentary.”
The ASRT Foundation, philanthropic arm of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, funds and shares the research and analysis of many issues that affect medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists, helping to cultivate the next generation of researchers. The Foundation offers a continuum of research grant opportunities to support researchers of all experience levels.