Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University chemistry professor Hedeel Evans has received a $562,500 grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further research on how hyaluronan, a naturally occurring sugar molecule, affects disease processes. The study aims to provide new insights into potential treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease by examining the mechanisms that control cell survival.

“Cell survival is at the heart of health and disease,” said Evans. “In cancer, cells survive when they should die, allowing tumors to grow and spread. In Alzheimer’s disease, the opposite happens — cells die when they should survive, leading to memory loss and brain decline. By focusing on the mechanisms that control whether cells live or die, we can better understand these disease processes and identify new ways to intervene.”

Evans’ research will investigate the role of hyaluronan in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, which remains unclear. The project could lead to identifying new drug targets and therapies for protecting brain cells, developing biomarkers for early detection or monitoring disease progression, and creating strategies to slow or treat both Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

The NIH funding also supports Eastern Michigan University’s efforts to provide hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and master’s students in chemistry. Caroline Wozniak, a master’s student involved in the project, said: “What I value most and hope to accomplish is the balance of advancing important research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s while also learning how to run a project as a team. This experience has taught me leadership, collaboration, and adaptability —skills that I will carry with me throughout my career.”

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University serves nearly 13,000 students across more than 300 academic programs in various fields including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering and technology, health and human services. The university is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence and commitment to applied education.