Biology student selected for prestigious cardiovascular research program

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Greg Pederson :

 

 A biology student at The University of Texas at Arlington has been selected to participate in a prestigious summer program focusing on cardiovascular research.

Nishi Modi, who will be a junior in the fall, was one of five students chosen from more than 250 applicants nationwide to participate in the University of Houston’s Houston Experience for Advancing Research and Training (UH-HEART) program. UH-HEART, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA), engages undergraduates from diverse backgrounds in hands-on cardiovascular research and career preparation.

Students receiving UH-HEART fellowships will spend 10 weeks this summer conducting intensive, full-time research under the mentorship of UH faculty. Fellows will engage in interdisciplinary research and enrichment activities, receive a $6,000 stipend, and travel to the AHA Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions, a global conference for cutting-edge cardiovascular research, scheduled for July 13-16 in Boston.

“When I learned I was selected, I felt incredibly honored and excited,” Modi said. “It was very rewarding to know that I was selected from over 250 applicants. It is a valuable opportunity for me to grow as a student researcher and gain exposure to advanced scientific work. Overall, I am very excited for this opportunity.”

Modi said that she applied to participate in the program because it offers hands-on research experience, mentorship, and the chance to work in an environment that encourages cardiovascular research.

“Since I hope to build a career in biological research, I believe that through this program I can learn and explore new experimental techniques,” she said. “I am also excited to participate in the Basic Cardiovascular Sciences conference organized by the American Heart Association, which would help me shape my presentation skills.”

Modi began working in the lab of Loic Fort, UTA assistant professor of biology, in October and learned about the UH-HEART program when Fort mentioned it in the lab.

“Nishi was the first student to express interest and although the application process was highly competitive, she fully committed to it,” Fort said. “Throughout the process she showed focus and professionalism. I am very proud of Nishi’s accomplishment. Her selection as a UH-HEART fellow will open new doors as she continues her scientific training, and it also highlights the strength and promise of UTA students on a national stage."

Modi grew up in Surat, India and said she decided to come to UTA because of its strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, research opportunities, and supportive academic environment.

“I wanted to study at UTA to gain hands-on research experience and opportunities for both personal and professional growth,” she said. "I decided to major in biology because I have always been curious and enjoyed learning more about how the human body works and how even small changes at the cellular level can have a major impact on health and disease. That curiosity led to a strong research interest in biology.”

Modi said that after receiving her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in biology and start a career centered around research.

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