Welcome

Welcome to our website! We are two independent Principal Investigators at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Whitacker Cardiovascular Institute who have synergistic expertise in cardiovascular pathophysiology and mitochondrial biology.

Dr. Deepa M. Gopal is a clinician-investigator and advanced heart failure cardiologist with expertise in echocardiographic phenotypes and heart failure. Dr. Gopal’s research focuses on identifying preclinical biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in heart failure and various cardiomyopathies. Additionally, she is the Director of the Heart Failure program at Boston University.

Dr. Jessica L. Fetterman has a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Pathology with post-graduate work in translational and bioinformatic domains. Dr. Fetterman’s research focus is on understanding the role and mechanisms of mitochondrial genetics and biology in cardiovascular physiology using population-level genetics, induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated to cardiovascular cells, and biobanked human samples. She is a Framingham Heart Study Investigator, a Genome Science Institute affiliate, and an ancillary member of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University.

Both Drs. Fetterman and Gopal have been recognized for their mentorship through institutional awards.

We firmly believe that advances in science require multiple perspectives and expertise. As PhD-MD partners, we seek to provide a model of an effective, collaborative team science approach to doing research.

Overall Program Vision & Mission

• Identify preclinical markers, mechanisms, and novel therapeutic approaches to improve the lives of those living with cardiovascular disease
• Advance our understanding of metabolism, particularly, the mitochondrial ecosystem, in cardiovascular health and disease using multidisciplinary, translational approaches with an emphasis on team science
• Train the next generation of scientists and clinicians from diverse backgrounds