SCORE Team Brings Cardiovascular Health Awareness and Career Inspiration to Local Students

Augusta University’s Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) program recently wrapped up a successful community outreach initiative at AR Johnson Magnet School. In addition to its research efforts, the SCORE program — “Improving Awareness of Women with Hypertension: ROAR (Rural, Obese, At-Risk)” — includes both educational and community-focused initiatives. The program aims to increase awareness of cardiovascular risks and educate the public about the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in cardiovascular research. In partnership with the Richmond County School System, SCORE launched a pilot Lunch and Learn series aimed at educating high school students about hypertension and cardiovascular health. Brittany Pinkerton, Ph.D., from the SCORE educational and community outreach team, coordinated the series, which marked the first program of its kind in the district. Sessions provided students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with researchers from Augusta University, including doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members.

Throughout the series, students participated in hands-on learning activities and attended interactive presentations. In collaboration with the American Heart Association, students were taught proper blood pressure monitoring techniques and learned about the importance of maintaining heart health. Guest speakers from Augusta University’s SCORE team, along with representatives from other graduate health profession programs, shared valuable insights on the science of hypertension, the significance of sex differences in medical research, and advancements in cardiovascular care.

Doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members from Augusta University added personal and professional perspectives to the session by speaking with students about their own experiences in health sciences. These discussions offered high schoolers a closer look at potential career pathways in healthcare and research, while emphasizing the real-world impact of scientific discovery. As a pilot effort, the Lunch and Learn series set a strong foundation for future partnerships between Augusta University and local schools, aiming to inspire the next generation of health professionals and researchers.