The sixth annual Viridis Montis Early-Career Investigator Challenge, organized by the Cardiovascular Research Institute of Vermont (CVRI) Early Career Advisory Committee, was held on February 19, 2025, at the UVM Medical Center’s Davis Auditorium. The competition highlights top cardiovascular research being conducted by early-career investigators at the University of Vermont, the UVM Larner College of Medicine, and the UVM Health Network.

Following review of submitted abstracts and a poster session showcasing clinical and basic science research in such areas as cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, stroke, heart failure, and more, four finalists were selected by an abstract review committee to participate in the oral competition:

• Jake Ayisi, M.S., Class of 2027 Medical Student, Larner College of Medicine, “Type A Personality and Risk of Stroke: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Cohort” (mentor: Timothy Plante, M.D.)
• Ari Kropf, Ph.D. Student, Neuroscience Graduate Program, “Preeclampsia Beyond Pregnancy: History of Preeclampsia Negatively Impacts Stroke Severity Postpartum” (mentor: Marilyn Cipolla, Ph.D., M.S.)
• Vinh Le, Class of 2024 Medical Student, Larner College of Medicine, “Type A Personality and Risk of Stroke: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Cohort” (mentor: Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc.)
• Clemens Probst, Ph.D. Student, Neuroscience Graduate Program, “The Pressurized Retina Preparation: A New and Innovative Tool for Studying the Pathophysiology of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (cSVD)” (mentor: Mark Nelson, Ph.D.)

The finalists were evaluated by CVRI’s expert panel of guest judges on their ability to communicate science to a broad audience, explain the rigor of their scientific plan, discuss the potential significance of their research, and field questions from the judges.

Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc., University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Larner College of Medicine and medical director of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center, commented on the competition. “It was so refreshing to participate and report on a wonderful and positive academic event after a month filled with stress over governmental actions,” she stated. “I’m hoping for a strong future for these talented early-career scientists, and to maintain a positive environment.”

Neuroscience graduate student Ari Kropf was selected as the winner of the 2025 Viridis Montis Early-Career Investigator Challenge. Kropf received $6,000 in research funding. All finalists in the competition received award plaques to commemorate their accomplishments.

Cushman thanked the early-career advisory committee and the judges, who, she noted, “had a very challenging job!”

The guest judges for 2025 were Matthew Caporizzo, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics and vice chair of the CVRI Early Career Advisory Committee; Jonathan Flyer, M.D., division chief of pediatric cardiology, associate professor of pediatrics, and former chair of the CVRI Early Career Advisory Committee; Linda Schadler, Ph.D., University of Vermont acting provost and senior vice president and professor of mechanical engineering; Margaret Vizzard, Ph.D., vice chair for research and education and professor of neurological sciences; and Kramer Wahlberg, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the cardiovascular medicine division and former vice chair and secretary of the CVRI Early Career Advisory Committee. 

The 2025 Viridis Montis Planning Committee included Ryan Hunt, Ph.D. student, Neuroscience Graduate Program; Nick Klug, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmacology; Brittney Palermo, Larner Class of 2025 medical student; Andres Cordova Sanchez, M.D., fellow, Department of Medicine; and Evelyn Thomas, Larner Class of 2027 medical student.