Celebrating a Record-Breaking 2026 NAA Conference

The North American Artery Society extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended the 14th Annual NAA Conference. We hope you enjoyed a meaningful and memorable conference and had safe, uneventful travels home.

The 2026 conference was truly a record-breaking year filled with innovation, collaboration, and outstanding science. Together, we welcomed:

• 135 NAA conference attendees

• 80 CVI/IOA attendees

• 64 abstract submissions

These accomplishments reflect the continued growth of the NAA community and our shared commitment to advancing research, education, and collaboration in vascular aging.

Celebrating Our 2026 Award Recipients

Please join us in congratulating the exceptional individuals recognized during this year’s conference:

2026 Lifetime Achievement Award
Julio Chirinos, MD, was honored for his outstanding work, leadership, and contributions to the field.

Career Development Award Winner
Vienna Brunt, PhD

Poster Presentation Award Winners

• First Place: Gisele Bentley

• Second Place: Junyeon Won

Oral Presentation Award Winners

• First Place: Samuel Zercher

• Second Place: Franchesca Porter

Trainee Travel Award Recipients

• Hailey Kowzan

• Emma Schlaht

• Franchesca Porter

• Jigar Gosalia

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and presenters. Your research, dedication, and enthusiasm helped make NAA2026 an outstanding scientific meeting.

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

The NAA gratefully recognizes the organizations whose generous support made this conference possible.

Diamond Sponsors
Medtronic and MitoQ

Gold Sponsors
ALF, CONNEQT Health, Fujifilm, Quipu, and Ventric Health

Academic Sponsors

• Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder

• Iowa State University Department of Kinesiology and Health

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital

We sincerely appreciate your partnership and commitment to the North American Artery Society. Your support helps us bring together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and industry partners to advance the study of vascular aging.

Stay tuned as we prepare to announce the dates, location, and details for the 2027 NAA Conference. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2027!

See you soon!

Gary Pierce, PhD

Elizabeth Lefferts, PhD

Zac Clayton, PhD