The Jovanovic Lab - DTP

We’re thrilled to announce a new grant awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation to study how early trauma and obesity together shape cardiovascular health in Black adults 💙
This project builds on our 35-year longitudinal SchooBE cohort here in Detroit, and will be one of the first to combine arterial stiffness measurement with stress-response testing to catch cardiovascular risk before it becomes disease. Our goal: identify who’s most at risk, early enough to intervene.
Health doesn’t start in the doctor’s office — it’s shaped by the neighborhoods, experiences, and stressors we grow up with. This work aims to translate that understanding into real, actionable prevention strategies for Michigan communities. 🩺❤️
Huge thanks to BCBSM and to our incredible team making this possible.

Congratulations to DTP’s Shaurel Valbrun on presenting her research, “Adolescent Distress Domains as Predictors of Adult Anxiety and Fear Conditioning Responses,” at the MISFN (Michigan Chapter Society For Neuroscience) conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 👏🧠

When she’s not doing science, DTP graduate student Manessa Riser is capturing the world through photography! 📸

We’re excited to celebrate that Manessa’s work is being featured in the Wayne State University Student Gallery’s spring/summer exhibition, “Summer in Michigan.” Her photograph is one of 16 pieces selected from student, staff, and faculty artists across the university.

Congratulations, Manessa, on this wonderful recognition of your creativity and talent! Stop by the lower-level stage of the student center through August 2 to experience the exhibition.

Congratulations to DTP’s Research Assistant, Shaurel Valbrun, MPH, on receiving a prestigious Fulbright Grant to Croatia!

As part of her Fulbright project, Valbrun will continue to work with DTP to analyze EEG data collected in Detroit, to identify potential PTSD-related brain activity patterns and their association with decision-making, anxiety, and depression. She chose Croatia for its strong scientific infrastructure and internationally recognized expertise in PTSD research.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement and the recognition of Shaurel’s dedication to public health, research, and global engagement. Through the Fulbright program, Shaurel will have the opportunity to expand her experiences, build international connections, and contribute her knowledge and passion to a new community.

An article by the Office of International Programs outlining her achievement is linked in our bio. https://oip.wayne.edu/news/public-health-alum-awarded-fulbright-grant-to-croatia-69512

Congratulations to Translational Neuroscience Program (TNP) Doctoral Student, Tate Poplin, for receiving the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI) Predoctoral Fellowship! The MPSI fellowship provides advanced interdisciplinary training for graduate researchers pursuing careers focused on families, children, and community settings. Through mentorship, professional development, and research engagement, the program supports fellows in developing skills in publication, grant writing, community engagement, and collaborative research. Tate continues a strong tradition within the Detroit Trauma Project as the third consecutive graduate student to receive the fellowship.

Congratulations to DTP’s doctoral candidate, Manessa Riser (TNP program), on earning 3rd Place for her poster presentation at the Ben L. Silberstein Institute for Brain Health’s NeuroDay!

NeuroDay brings together researchers across disciplines to share innovative neuroscience research, and we’re proud to see Manessa’s work recognized among an outstanding group of presenters.

DTP was proud to have four of our interns presenting their research at WSU’s Urban Health Research Conference! 👏

It’s always exciting to see students share their work, build confidence as scientists, and engage in conversations about trauma research and mental health. We’re grateful for all of their hard work and dedication this year — and loved seeing them in action presenting their posters.

DTP represented at the Brain, Behavior and Mind Conference 👏

Congratulations to Oluwaseyi Akintoroye, Mohammad Turaani, and Tate Poplin for presenting their research posters at this year’s conference. Special congratulations to Tate Poplin, TNP doctoral candidate, for receiving the Best Clinical Poster Award! 🏆

We’re proud to see our trainees sharing impactful work and representing the lab so well.

The Detroit Trauma Project at ADAA in Chicago ✨ We are so proud of our team — 6 of our students presented their research, showcasing the incredible work happening in our lab. It was a big moment for Dr Jovanovic as well, as she stepped into her role as President-Elect of the organization. We are grateful for the opportunity to share, learn, and connect with this community.

Cameron Bear, Detroit Trauma Project intern, has officially matched in Emergency Medicine at George Washington University!
We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in the ED and beyond. Congratulations—we’re cheering you on every step of the way 🚑💙