Featured Post from Georgia Southern University

Waters College of Health Professions researchers studying racial disparities in cardiovascular disease

Jun 8, 2022

2 min



Lecturer Carol Jordan, left, and student Anna Bryan assist with a vitamin D assay as part of a study on racial disparities and cardiovascular health.


Researchers in the Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP) at Georgia Southern University are studying why Black adults in America are 30% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than white adults through a study on racial disparities and cardiovascular health.


Faculty and graduate students in the University’s Biodynamics and Human Performance Center and Medical Laboratory Sciences program have teamed up to examine the biological basis for these racial differences to aid in the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.


“More than half of this racial disparity may be attributed to substantially greater rates of high blood pressure and vascular dysfunction in Black adults,” said Greg Grosicki, Ph.D., principal investigator on the study and assistant professor in WCHP). The team is examining the difference in skin pigmentation, which can influence cardio preventive vitamin D levels.


Through the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a biochemical test to measure antibodies, antigens, proteins and glycoproteins in biological samples, the team is able to measure vitamin D levels in plasma samples.


By pairing vitamin D values with measures of skin pigmentation and the team’s comprehensive assessments of cardiovascular health, they are able to determine whether low vitamin D levels may be contributing to higher blood pressure and vascular dysfunction in Black adults, which will help inform future interventions and therapeutic strategies seeking to alleviate racial disparities in CVD.


The ELISAs were purchased using a Graduate Student Organization grant awarded to Josiah Frederic, a graduate student studying sports medicine.


The research team consists of both faculty and students from the Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology as well as the Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences.


Team members include the following:


  • Brett Cross, graduate sports medicine student
  • Joe Vondrasek, graduate sports medicine student
  • Josiah Frederic, graduate sports medicine student
  • Zoe Lincoln, undergraduate health science student
  • Peter Gaither, graduate sports medicine student
  • Wesley Blumenburg, graduate sports medicine student
  • Andrew Flatt, Ph.D., assistant professor
  • Greg Grosicki, Ph.D., principal investigator and assistant professor
  • Amy Frazier, lecturer
  • Carol Jordan, clinical coordinator and senior lecturer
  • Anna Bryan, undergraduate medical laboratory sciences student



If you're a reporter looking to know more about this important research - then let us help.


Greg Grosicki, Ph.D., is available to speak with media - simply reach out to Georgia Southern Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.


Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Georgia Southern University

2 min

Georgia Southern professor re-elected to board of world’s largest scientific society

Professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics Will Lynch, Ph.D., has been re-elected to the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) board of directors. This marks his second three-year term on the board. With ACS serving as the largest science organization in the world, Lynch says the society’s work impacts lives every day. “We support the scientific enterprise by advocating for everything from research funding to laboratory safety,” said Lynch. “That work strengthens scientific integrity that ACS champions and ultimately shows up in the things that people rely on daily. Bottled water, medicines, cellphones and computer screens all come from chemistry. Many people do not realize how deeply science shapes their world.” With a budget of nearly $900 million and a global community of over 200,000, planning is essential to the success of ACS. Lynch is proud to have chaired the committee that created the society’s next five-year strategic plan. He hopes that his work will continue to put the society’s vast resources to use helping advocate for scientists around the world. “My focus now is implementing ACS’ strategic plan, which envisions a world built on science and setting up the indicators to measure our success,” said Lynch. “We want to make sure we support chemists whether they are in academia, industry, government labs or retired.” Serving in a leadership role for a world-renowned scientific organization is part of Lynch’s calling to help others. He began his service with ACS over 40 years ago when he volunteered at a regional meeting while pursuing his bachelor’s degree. He started making connections immediately and grew his professional network from the local to the national level. Forming friendships in the scientific community and witnessing the ways their work changed lives inspired Lynch to continue to grow his own knowledge so he could do more for others. “Getting to do research as an undergraduate pulled me in, and I knew that chemistry was where I could make a difference. I realized I had a path to help society through science and I never looked back.” Looking to know more about Georgia Southern University or connect with Will Lynch? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

1 min

“Designing Her Own Future: A Georgia Southern MBA Story”

After earning her Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University, one graduate is charting a path that blends creativity with business discipline. With a background in dressmaking, she entered the MBA program already skilled in her craft, but looking to strengthen the operational side of her work. “So much goes into dressmaking,” she explained. “From developing the pattern to the fabric you use, getting the right measurements, and so on. You have to make sure your stitches are clean, that the zipper is sitting properly.” While her technical skills were well developed, she quickly recognized that sustaining and growing her work required more than creative talent alone. “I didn’t have that business background,” she explained. “So I wanted to find a university program that could teach me how to structure and operate my business efficiently. So I started doing my research.” That search led her to Georgia Southern’s MBA program, where she immersed herself in coursework focused on strategy, leadership, and practical decision-making. Through the program, she gained the tools to think more systematically about her business—learning how to plan, organize, and scale her operations with confidence. Her experience reflects how graduate business education can empower entrepreneurs and creatives alike, transforming passion into sustainable practice and helping graduates design futures that work both artistically and professionally. Want to learn more about Georgia Southern's Master of Business Administration program? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

2 min

Raised to Serve: How Georgia Southern’s Jaden Young Found His Calling to Lead

“Shoot for the stars.” That guiding mindset defines Jaden Young, a recent graduate of Georgia Southern University who has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Young earned his master’s degree in professional communication and leadership at December commencement, carrying forward a lifelong connection to military service shaped by family tradition and constant movement. “If you shoot for the stars, even if you miss, you might land on the moon,” Young said, reflecting the ambition that has guided his academic and leadership journey. Raised in a military family, Young learned early how adaptability and exposure to different communities build resilience. Those lessons carried into his time in Army ROTC, where he credits the program with sharpening his discipline, confidence, and problem-solving skills. “The ROTC program instilled in me discipline, confidence and resilience… When things don’t go your way, it’s all about how you adapt and find a better solution,” he said. Young’s Georgia Southern experience also tested his perseverance beyond the classroom and training field, as he balanced graduate studies and ROTC commitments while supporting his mother through cancer treatments. Those challenges deepened his understanding of leadership as service rooted in trust, communication, and loyalty. As he prepares for the Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Benning, Young says he feels ready to lead soldiers with purpose—bringing together the lessons of his upbringing, education, and commitment to serve. Looking to know more about Georgia Southern University's Professional Communications and Leadership program? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

View all posts
Powered by