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Cardiovascular Research Center

About the Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Research Center

Vision

The Cardiovascular Research Center’s vision is to become the premier integrated basic and translational academic cardiovascular organization in the United States.

Mission

The Cardiovascular Research Center’s mission is to improve cardiovascular health in Southeast Wisconsin and beyond through cutting-edge research, cost efficient and high quality health care delivery, rigorous training of the next generation of proficient cardiovascular scientists and physicians.

Meet Our Director

Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH

From Discovery to Better Cardiovascular Health, Through Research, Innovation, and Education.

Dear Colleagues, Collaborators, and Friends,

Welcome to the Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I invite you to explore the impactful work we are doing. At the heart of our center is a commitment to advancing cutting-edge research that addresses the pressing challenges of cardiovascular disease — a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in our communities and beyond.

MCW’s CVRC is driven by the belief that scientific discovery must not end at the bench. Through strong interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on translational science, we are building vital bridges from the laboratory to clinical practice. By accelerating the journey from breakthrough to bedside, we aim to transform the way cardiovascular diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Our approach not only fosters innovation and ensures our research has a real and lasting impact on patients’ lives.

Equally essential to our mission is the cultivation of future leaders in cardiovascular science. Through robust training programs, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities, we are investing in the next generation of investigators who will continue to shape the future of cardiovascular medicine. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, student, or community partner, we welcome you to join us in our pursuit of better cardiovascular health for all Wisconsinites and beyond.

Warm regards,

Michael E. Widlansky, MD, MPH, FACC, FAHA
Director, Cardiovascular Research Center
Northwestern Mutual Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine
Academic Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology
Medical College of Wisconsin

Associate & Assistant Directors

Basic Science Research

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Ze Zheng, MBBS, PhD

Assistant Professor; Associate Director of Basic Science Research

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Andrew D. Spearman, MD

Associate Professor; Assistant Director of Basic Science Research

Clinical & Translational Research

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Julie Freed, MD, PhD

Associate Professor; Executive Vice Chair; Director of Clinical Research

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William Hughes, PhD

Assistant Professor; Assistant Director of Clinical & Translational Research

Education & Training

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Mary G. Sorci-Thomas, PhD

Professor; Associate Director of Education & Training, Cardiovascular Research Center; Program Director, CVRC T32 Training Program

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Allison DeVan, PhD, MA

Scientific Administrator; Assistant Director of Education & Training

Administrative Team

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Allison DeVan, PhD, MA

Scientific Administrator; Assistant Director of Education & Training

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Erin Theriault, MS

Program Manager I

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Andrew Barr

Research Program Coordinator III

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Christina Gara

Business Operations Coordinator

CVC Pulse Newsletter

CVC research news, education and training opportunities, clinical care and research activities, and philanthropy and community engagement events.

View CVC Pulse Newsletters from 2016-2023

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