Barabino Sorts Out Mechanics of Sickle Cell Disease
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
OMS’s Jackson Helps Save Neighbor’s Life
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
New Oversight Coming to Clinical Center, Intramural Research
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Prizes, Challenges Spur Innovation, Tap Global Talent
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Science Gets Closer to Clarity On Genome
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
From Passionate Living to Precision Medicine
Even if he hadn’t been cheating death for the past 29 years, it seems likely that Eric Dishman’s appetite for life would have been oversize.
The Charlotte, N.C., native began life with an advantage: a photographic memory. It was in third grade that he realized “my memory was really different.”
“But 23 years of lotsa, lotsa chemo” have left him with “chemobrain. Not only do I not have a photographic memory any more, but I am horrible with names now,” he said. “My neurologist told me that the fact that my brain works at all is a miracle, in and of itself, and that I shouldn’t be worried about anything.”
But before that loss, Dishman’s acute memory was a boon to his creative life. While a UNC undergrad, he indulged passions for singing, acting and playing the piano in numerous bands. He played the Shakespearean roles one minute and the role of a British pop star in a TV soap opera send-up called General College the next. In such productions, he knew not only his own lines, but also those of the entire cast.
When he sat for his Ph.D. orals at Utah, Dishman had nearly an unfair advantage—in composing his answers, he could literally see the reference pages in his mind and quote them verbatim.
At about the time he realized he had a different kind of memory, Dishman began the habit of daily journaling. It is a discipline he has maintained over the decades, through the cancer and transplant experiences, all the way to PMI.
“I’ve written many unpublished novels and short stories,” he said. “I go where the creative juices go.” He is currently writing two books on the topic of innovation in American health care, but insists, “There is some future in which artist Eric will be back and those novels will see the light of day.”
Dishman’s other passions include snow sports and gardening. An avid snowboarder, back-country skier and sledder, he says he was born with a love of snow. “I want Francis [Collins, NIH director, who hired Dishman] to tell me if I have a gene for it,” he jokes.
He enjoys nothing more than hiking 3,000 or 4,000 feet up, then sledding back down. “It’s the most fun thing adults can possibly do.”
For the past 8 years, before Dishman and his wife Ashley, a communications scholar and social scientist, came east, they lived on a 5-acre farm outside Portland, Ore. “We grew apples, pears, grapes, cherries and plums,” he said. “We had a massive vegetable garden where we had recently reduced our inventory to 60 varieties of tomatoes and 35 varieties of peppers,” most of which was donated to a local food bank.
“Both of us are really focused on reducing hunger,” he said.
While waiting for Ashley to join him at their new home in Kensington, Dishman set out to learn guitar. “But I don’t think I’m going to be good enough to join Francis’s band,” he said.
Nonetheless, rock guitar plays a part in his biography: Paul Allen, for whom Dishman worked as an intern, is the patron of the Jimi Hendrix Experience Museum in Seattle. He had Dishman’s team consult on some aspects of the exhibit.
As Dishman brings his considerable energy to the burgeoning PMI cohort effort, there is only one topic that elicits a different sort of PMI—precision misery index. Do not mention the last-second Tar Heel national championship basketball loss last April. Some memories resist even chemobrain.
Dishman Follows Instincts to Top PMI Cohort Post
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
NIH’ers Bike to Work in Droves, Once Again
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Stimulating the Brain from Without: Therapy and Science
Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health in Rural Areas
An NIH-funded research team uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and factors that likely drive these differences. More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death.
The researchers found adults living in rural areas were more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas.
Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat and owning a home helped explain the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increased inflammation in the body.
Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority.
Insights from this study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
Meet the 2024–2025 Cohort of Climate and Health Scholars
Dr. Sue Anne Bell
Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing
Host: National Institute on Aging
Dr. Daniel Carrión
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Director of Education for Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health
Host: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Dr. José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health
Host: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Dr. Jaime Madrigano
Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Host: NIH Office of Disease Prevention
Dr. Kimberley Miner
Climate Scientist and Program Manager,
NASA Jet Propulsion Labs at the California Institute of Technology
Host: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. Eugene Richardson
Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Dr. Jason Rohr
Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Host: Fogarty International Center
Dr. Patrick Ryan
Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Host: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Soko Setoguchi
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers University
Host: National Cancer Institute
Dr. Christopher Uejio
Professor of Geography and Public Health, Florida State University
Host: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Dr. Leyao Wang
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Clinical Scientist, Institute of Living - Hartford HealthCare; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
Host: National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Jun Wu
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine
Host: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
More information about each individual scholar and their research interests can be found by visiting go.nih.gov/4vxNO4w.
NCI, NCATS Scrimmage to Support CFC

Photo: Amy Trenkle
On Nov. 13, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) held their first-ever joint Cornhole Scrimmage at NCI’s Shady Grove campus to engage staff in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) efforts.
This event offered the opportunity for these two institutes to come together for the CFC and for their staff to connect, especially since approximately 100 NCATS staff moved into the Shady Grove building over the summer. Amber Lowery, NCI’s deputy director for management and executive officer, kicked off the event with welcome remarks, and two local charities shared how the CFC supports their impactful work for the community, particularly for furry and feathery friends.

Photo: patricia voysest
Although this was the first event of its kind for NCI, NCATS hosted this annual cornhole event as a key part of their CFC efforts for several years pre-pandemic. With a competitive spirit in the air, NCATS showcased their well-honed skills, claiming both first and second place in the staff rounds. However, Lowery and cornhole partner Dr. Sanya Springfield, NCI acting deputy director for strategic engagement, clinched the coveted Cornhole Scrimmage trophy for NCI in the leadership round. They faced tough competition against Bekah Geiger, NCATS acting executive officer, and Andrew Kelly, NCATS acting deputy executive officer.
This event prepared NCI and NCATS leaders to take on other institutes at the CFC Cornhole Throwdown on November 21. After the scrimmage, Bekah presented the trophy and medals to the winners, capping off a brisk but fantastic afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit. — Kelly Lawhead, Chris Maurer, Megan Moretz, Patricia Voysest

Photo: Kenneth Voritskul
Relay Top 20 Finishers
Place | Time | # | Team Name |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 12:43 | 109 | Fellows Running Club |
2 | 14:37 | 41 | PEP in your stepTIDES |
3 | 14:38 | 24 | K-Space Invaders |
4 | 15:01 | 108 | Running into Debt |
5 | 15:10 | 93 | Calbindin Snap |
6 | 15:18 | 21 | qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS |
7 | 15:33 | 117 | PCR: Postbac Chain Relay |
8 | 16:04 | 84 | CellCyclers |
9 | 16:23 | 60 | Smell you later |
10 | 16:36 | 105 | Host Busters |
11 | 16:38 | 77 | Wurtz Possible Runners |
12 | 16:47 | 79 | Hodgepodge |
13 | 16:49 | 18 | The Lymph Nodes |
14 | 16:56 | 34 | GMB Rocks |
15 | 17:03 | 67 | Ignorance is Blisters |
16 | 17:04 | 56 | CtU Later |
17 | 17:06 | 39 | READY, MarmoSET, GO! |
18 | 17:31 | 25 | Globetrotters |
19 | 17:44 | 44 | No Chasers |
20 | 17:44 | 66 | We’re just here for the ice cream |
NCI Shady Grove Takes a Hike Too

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
More than 125 NIH staffers gathered June 6 at NCI Shady Grove for NIH’s annual Take-a-Hike Day.
NCI Acting Executive Officer Amber Lowery welcomed staff and NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell kicked off the event with inspiring words and a reminder that “physical activity is good for your body but also good for our overall mission…good for our mental well-being and health… and for making connections. Everything that we do here is about the people, and how we work together as a team.”

Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste