The University and Louis Bevier Fellowship is awarded during a doctoral candidate’s final year of dissertation research and writing, to support completion and recognize excellence. Sixth year Ph. D. student Samantha Adams was chosen as the 2026-2027 recipient of this prestigious award.
Samantha’s work investigates the effects of inhaled particulate matter on the maternal heart during pregnancy. Throughout gestation, the cardiovascular system undergoes significant remodeling to accommodate the physiological demands of pregnancy. These changes are essential for maintaining maternal health, supporting a successful pregnancy, and promoting fetal health. Samantha’s research has found that exposure to particulate matter disrupts these pregnancy-induced adaptations. Her current work aims to identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, with a particular emphasis on the role of hormonal changes in cardiovascular dysfunction following particulate matter exposure during pregnancy.
The University and Louis Bevier fellowship will support Samantha’s stipend and allow her to concentrate fully on completing her dissertation.