DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):Project Summary Candidate. My long term goal is to secure a tenure track faculty position as an independent investigator in translational cardiovascular research. To achieve this aim, I have devised a multi-faceted career development plan with several strategic short term goals that include i) advanced academic training through upper graduate level courses, ii) develop my writing skills by participating in grant and manuscript related workshops, iii) networking for collaborative research, iv) attend and present at national meetings, and v) work to publish high impact papers. I intend to participate in these activities during the K99 phase so that I can effectively transition to the R0 phase to independently develop and manage my own research program and research proposals to submit independent grants. My training in basic science will focus on acquiring abilities to carry out advanced techniques in the study of integrative cardiac physiology (echocardiography and pressure-volume) and T-cell signaling mechanisms (TNF-TNFR1 axis) with the aim to ultimately integrate these diverse fields to establish a distinct and novel researc paradigm which will lay the foundation for my independent academic career. In the long term, I envision incorporating my multi-disciplinary training in drug delivery, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular diseases to understand pathophysiology of heart failure and devise novel translational strategies. With my unique background and support from this award, I aim to develop effective collaborations between academia and industry to successfully transition my research findings to the clinic. Environment. To support my long term career goals, I have included world renowned clinician scientists; Dr. Sumanth D. Prabhu, MD, and Dr. Louis J. Dell'Italia, MD, actively working in heart failure; Dr. Casey T Weaver, MD, expert in T-cell biology and Dr. Martin E. Young, PhD, expert in cardiac metabolism/circadian rhythms, in my mentoring team. This multi-disciplinary combination of investigators provides me an excellent and unique training environment conducive to creating a successful translational cardiovascular investigator. Dr. Prabhu and Dr. Weaver's laboratories are well equipped with all the resources, equipment, and methodologies required for successful execution of proposed studies. The Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center (CCVC) at UAB consists of several clinician scientists and basic research investigators with expertise in diverse disciplines including physiology, pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging. This multidimensional research environment will significantly facilitate my development as an academic scientist and as a mentor. This excellent research environment, cutting edge core facilities available through UAB will provide crucial support for the successful completion of this proposal and my training. Research. Chronic inflammatory and im...