Steven Medarev Receives 2025 Esther & Del Grosser Scholarship for Research in Aging and Heart Health

Congratulations to Steven Medarev, Ph.D. candidate at Florida State University College of Medicine, for being named the recipient of the 2025 Esther & Del Grosser Scholarship. Steven was also recently honored with 2nd place at ISL’s Student Poster Day, recognizing his impactful research and presentation skills.

Steven’s scientific journey began in high school, where he first discovered a passion for biomedical research through the Biotechnology and Medical Research Academy at Ponte Vedra High. This early spark led him to pursue a B.S. in Biological Science at Florida State University, where he joined Dr. Judy Muller-Delp’s lab to study how NRF-2 affects cardiovascular adaptations in aging. His dedication resulted in multiple coauthored abstracts and a national conference presentation before graduating.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Steven continued his scientific pursuits at Tulane University School of Medicine, working with Dr. Wu-Min Deng on oncogenic research in Drosophila. He later returned to FSU, first as a research technician and now as a Ph.D. candidate under the mentorship of Drs. Jose Pinto and Judy Muller-Delp.

His current research focuses on adiponectin signaling and its role in cardiac and microvascular adaptations to aging and exercise. Through this work, Steven seeks to uncover how declining adiponectin levels may contribute to age-related cardiovascular dysfunction — insights that may one day support new interventions for age-related heart conditions.

In addition to his research, Steven is actively engaged in graduate student leadership, currently serving as the Vice Chair of Internal Affairs for the 32nd FSU Congress of Graduate Students. His involvement reflects his commitment to both scientific progress and the well-being of the graduate student community.

Steven hopes to one day lead his own lab as an independent principal investigator, focused on advancing open science and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

We are proud to recognize Steven’s accomplishments and excited to see where his passion and dedication will take him next.