Presenting Author
VA San Diego Healthcare
Justina P. Nguyen began working in laboratory research at Dr. Francisco Villarreal’s lab in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) due to her interest in cardiovascular diseases. Her research focused on understanding the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling and fibrosis in animal models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Justina is currently working in clinical research at Dr. Pam Taub’s lab in the Division on Cardiology at UCSD. She was given the opportunity to transition from laboratory research into clinical research and was drawn to Dr. Taub’s focus on improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle interventions. The clinical studies she conducts focuses on preventive cardiology in different populations such as those with prediabetes and diabetes.
Justina has a paper published in the Journal of Medicinal Food that examined the cardioprotective effects of the cacao flavonol, epicatechin.
In her free time, Justina likes to read in a relaxing environment as well as perform outdoor activities such as hiking, tennis, and volleyball.