Two Scientists Win $150K Each for Brain Health Research

Sarah Kettlety and Cali McEntee are about to change what we know about brain health, thanks to scholarships honoring a legendary doctor who dedicated his life to understanding how our hearts and brains work together.

The American Academy of Neurology and American Heart Association announced in April 2026 that each researcher will receive $150,000 over two years through the Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health. The program honors Dr. Ralph Sacco, the only neurologist to lead both organizations before his death in 2023.

Kettlety works at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Her research tackles a problem every parent worries about: what happens after a child gets a concussion.

She's studying how kids' heart rates respond to exercise after head injuries. Different patterns might reveal when the nervous system isn't recovering properly, helping doctors predict which children will struggle with longer-lasting symptoms.

If she's right, doctors could spot at-risk kids early and create personalized treatment plans to speed recovery. No more guessing games about when it's safe to return to sports or school.

Meanwhile, McEntee at the University of Michigan Medical School is chasing a different puzzle: why does exercise make our brains work better as we age? Scientists know it helps, but the "how" remains fuzzy.

She's investigating exerkines, tiny substances released by muscles and fat during movement that might travel to the brain and boost its performance. Understanding which exerkines matter most could lead to treatments for people with diabetes, obesity, or those who can't exercise due to illness.

Both researchers start their projects on July 1, 2026.

Why This Inspires

These scholarships represent more than money. They're proof that one person's legacy can ripple forward for generations.

Dr. Sacco spent decades mentoring young scientists and championing the connection between heart and brain health. His generous bequest ensures his passion for prevention will live on through researchers like Kettlety and McEntee.

Their work addresses problems that touch nearly everyone: childhood injuries that can derail young lives, and the cognitive decline that threatens our independence as we age.

The scholarship program is in its third year, building a growing community of researchers dedicated to protecting our most precious organ.

As both organizations noted, robust research funding turns innovative ideas into scientific breakthroughs that change lives. This partnership does exactly that, supporting cutting-edge work that could one day help everyone maintain sharper minds throughout their entire lives.