Personnel
The lab has two full-time registered vascular technologists, and a research lab manager. The technologists are trained and certified in all testing procedures provided by the laboratory. The URL has developed and completed multiple training programs and methods of operation manuals for CIMT and PWV protocols for multiple epidemiological studies across the country. The lab provides both onsite and offsite continuous quality control analysis for active studies within the URL. Additionally, the URL trains both pre- and post-doctoral students within the Graduate School of Public Health in all areas of CIMT, PWV and endothelial testing methods.
Akira Sekikawa, MD, PhD, PhD
Interim Director, Ultrasound Research Laboratory (URL)
Director, NHLBI-funded T32 CVD Epidemiology Training Program
Professor of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Akira Sekikawa is Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh and Interim Director of the Ultrasound Research Laboratory. He is internationally recognized for his work in cardiovascular epidemiology, particularly in subclinical atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, and cross-population studies comparing Japanese, Japanese Americans, and other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.
After earning his MD from Tohoku University in Japan, Dr. Sekikawa practiced clinical medicine and later moved to the U.S. to pursue epidemiological research. He has led multiple NIH- and AHA-funded studies, including the ACE trial (R01 AG074971) on equol and vascular aging, SERA an ancillary to the ACE trial (R01 AG085566) and the IMMEA project (R01 HL169332) on metabolomics and cardiovascular disease in Japan. He also serves as PI of the T32 Cardiovascular Epidemiology Training Program, mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Dr. Sekikawa’s research integrates advanced ultrasound techniques to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque and arterial stiffness. He has longstanding collaborations with institutions in Japan, Central Asia, and across the U.S., contributing significantly to understanding global cardiovascular health disparities.
Mindy L. Coccari, MS, MPH
Associate Director
Mrs. Coccari serves as the Associate Director of the Ultrasound Research Lab in the Department of Epidemiology. She manages the day-to-day operations of the lab and its staff, and provides high-level research and administrative support to the Director of the URL. Mindy has 30+ years of administrative and management experience, and she obtained her MPH from the Department of Epidemiology in 2010. Mindy is experienced in the oversight of data collection, quality control and data management for single and multi-centered population health studies and clinical trials. She is actively involved as a co-author on publications based on subclinical CVD data generated in the URL. Her research interests include subclinical atherosclerosis, obesity and women’s health.
Jody Michalski, RDMS
Ultrasound Technologist
Jody has an Associates Degree in diagnostic medical sonography. She is a registered ultrasound technologist through the America Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). She worked at Sewickley Hospital for 11 years.
Melina Shildt, BSPH
Research Coordinator
Melina serves as the Research Coordinator for the Ultrasound Research Lab (URL). She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, as well as a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, from Coastal Carolina University. Her areas of interests include cognitive neuroscience and its relationship to cardiovascular health, women’s health, and health equity.