Did you know caffeine can help to prevent kidney failure in pre-term babies with congenital heart disease (CHD)? Montana WWAMI students Courtney Hallock and Annalisa Hawk are driving forward advancements in pediatric medical research that could help save the lives of infants with CHD. The fourth-year students presented their groundbreaking study at the Pediatric Academic Society Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii April 24 – 28, 2025, demonstrating how a correct dose of caffeine before surgery can prevent kidney failure in premature babies with CHD.
Their work began through the STAR (Summer Training in Academic Research) program – a prestigious partnership between Duke University and Montana State University that empowers students to tackle real-world medical challenges. With guidance from Duke faculty, Hallock and Hawk validated a model that helps determine the optimal caffeine dosage for these high-risk infants.
“Our simulations suggested that current caffeine doses might be too low for these babies to protect their kidneys,” said Hawk. “This study provides an exciting method to ensure safer medication use in the future for this vulnerable population,” she said.
Hawk called the experience “invaluable” and urged students to embrace the challenges STAR provides.
“It may feel uncomfortable at times,” she said. “Lean into it and trust the program. The mentors are very skilled, and the experience will benefit your future career.”
Learn more about STAR.