About Us

Background

Youth today eat more convenience foods and lead lifestyles that are less physically active than previous generations. As a result, cardiovascular disease risk has increased dramatically.

In response to the public health concerns, Youth Take Heart uses an in-depth science curriculum to help young people develop heart healthy habits that they can teach generations to come. In addition, Youth Take Heart wants to inspire students to enter the world of science and research.

Youth Take Heart is a program designed to educate school aged youth and the general public about cardiovascular disease, including how to prevent it and design novel therapies and treatments for heart disease. Our Team

  • Buddy Ratner, Ph.D., Co-Principal Investigator, University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials (UWEB)
  • Mark Nudelman, CEO, The Hope Heart Institute
  • Eric Chudler, UWEB Education and Outreach Director [email]
  • Dr. Tekie Mehary, Youth Take Heart Program Manager, UWEB [email]
  • Christine Wieland, Lead Teacher, Hope Heart [email]

General Contact Information

Tekie Mehary
Program Manager
UWEB, Youth Take Heart
1705 NE Pacific St, Room N361
Box 355061
Seattle, WA 98195
Office: (206) 221-7318
mehary@uweb.engr.washington.edu

Program Partners

  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) are dedicated to teaching future generations about cutting edge research in health and science. To this end, NIH's National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) initiated the Science Education Partnership Award Program (SEPA) in 1991. Through this competitive grants program, SEPA sponsors partnerships among researchers, educators, and community groups to share their knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm about health and science research with K-12 students and the general public. Designed to improve science and health literacy, these grants have funded projects at health science centers, universities, K-12 schools, science museums, and community organizations across the country (NCRR, 2004).

  • The Hope Heart Institute is committed to serving humanity through cardiovascular research and education.

    Our research and education programs improve the physical, emotional and spiritual quality of life for all at risk of - or afflicted with heart and blood vessel disease.

  • UWEB brings together a cross-disciplinary team of scientists, biologists, engineers, researchers and physicians, as well as industry leaders, to exploit specific biological mechanisms in the development of medical innovations.

  • Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement: Our mission is to provide enriching opportunities in mathematics, engineering and science for underrepresented students in grades K-12 using exemplary materials and instructional approaches. We will be a catalyst and model for educational excellence and equity. We will accomplish this through a partnership of higher education, school districts, industry and business, government, community organizations, families, and alumni.