Pioneering Cardiac  Recovery: Innovation, Collaboration,
and Patient Care.

Advancing the science of heart failure through research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship.

Revolutionizing Heart Health:

Discovering Novel Therapeutic Targets for Myocardial Recovery

Original work in the field of myocardial recovery generated by our lab led to the founding and establishment of the award winning Utah Cardiac Recovery Program – UCAR.

About Blackwood Lab

Our Research

Blackwood Lab focuses on advancing our understanding of heart disease, exploring innovative treatments, and developing preventive strategies through cutting-edge studies in molecular biology, genetics, and clinical trials.

Molecular Mechanisms in Heart Failure, Reverse Remodeling and Myocardial Recovery

Ischemia-reperfusion and cardiogenic shock

Myocardial and Vascular Metabolism

Graft structure-function and coronary allograft vasculopathy

Featured Publications

Recent publications highlight groundbreaking findings on the genetic mechanisms of heart disease, novel therapeutic approaches for heart failure, and innovative strategies for improving cardiovascular health outcomes.

Enhancing mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism ameliorates myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury.

Distinct Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profile Specifies Patients Who Have Heart Failure With Potential of Myocardial Recovery on Mechanical Unloading and Circulatory Support

Cardiac-specific deletion of voltage dependent anion channel 2 leads to dilated cardiomyopathy by altering calcium homeostasis.

Use of a Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor to Manage Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices (INTELLECT 2-HF Investigators.

Mentorship and Training

Dr. Blackwood has a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and physician-scientists.

More than 100 publications were authored by trainees or junior faculty under his mentorship and many of them were supported by competitive career development training grants. Ten of his mentees have moved on to independent faculty positions.

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