Nicholls graduate to speak about research into heart disease


THIBODAUX, La. — A Nicholls Chemistry alum will speak about his team’s efforts to find a method to reduce the development of heart disease.

Dr. William Robichaux (‘10 BS), who works for the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, will host a seminar “Bringin’ on the Heartache” at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in Beauregard 104.

“Dr. Robichaux’s work is an excellent example of how his work in biochemistry is impacting many generations to come,” said Dr. Chad Young, physics professor and department of physical sciences head. “The vision of Nicholls chemistry program is to change the world. We do this by teaching and mentoring our students to be the best chemists in the world. Dr. Robichaux’s success is a great example of how Nicholls chemistry program is changing the world.”

According to the World Health Organization, ischemic heart disease and stroke have been the leading cause of death for the past 15 years. They accounted for 15.2 million deaths in 2016. In 2017, 5.8 percent of Louisianans had heart disease compared to the national rate of 4.1 percent.

The research looks into the roles of a specific protein, EPAC1, in stress-induced cardiovascular disease development. The protein is a plausible target to reduce the development of heart disease, and a future goal would be to expand this research into clinical trials for patients.

“Nicholls Chemistry grads are very successful in their endeavors, whether they are keeping our chemical plants safe, innovating new solutions to energy problems, practicing medicine or pharmacy, or, as Dr. Robichaux is doing, developing new treatments for disease,” Dr. Young said. “His success shows that Nicholls is able to produce world-class researchers and academics.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 29, 2018

CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu

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