Two scientists to receive 2026 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health

DALLAS and MINNEAPOLIS, April 17, 2026 - The American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association have awarded the 2026 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health to two neuroscientists, Sarah Kettlety, Ph.D., of Baltimore, Maryland, and Cali McEntee, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Each will receive a $150,000 two-year scholarship to support continuing scientific research in brain health . This is the third year this scholarship has been awarded.

The Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health, also known as the Sacco Scholars program, are made possible by a generous bequest to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, and the American Heart Association , a global force changing the future of health for all, from the late Ralph L. Sacco, M.D., M.S., FAAN, FAHA. Sacco was the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations. He passed away in 2023 from a brain tumor.

"As we learn more about the importance of the cognitive and physical aspects of the heart-brain connection, it's critical to grow the body of evidence that can help us reduce risk and improve health," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health and senior vice president of women's health at Northwell Health in New York City. "We look forward to seeing the work of these two scholars as these research projects build upon Dr. Sacco's decades of work in saving and improving lives."

"Dr. Ralph Sacco inspired many physicians and researchers through his remarkable career, and his legacy lives on through the Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health," said American Academy of Neurology President Natalia S. Rost, M.D., M.P.H., FAAN, FAHA. "This program that supports talented researchers in advancing preventive neurology is a testament to his generosity in mentorship and passion for science. We are thrilled to welcome two new researchers to the Sacco Scholars community - a growing group of researchers whose valuable work brings us closer to achieving the future of brain health for all."

Kettlety is a postdoctoral researcher at Kennedy Krieger Institute and at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She is being awarded the scholarship to study the impact of childhood concussions on long-term health. Specifically, she will look at how a child's heart rate changes when they exercise after a concussion. These heart‑rate responses can follow different patterns, and those patterns may give clues about whether the nervous system - which controls things like heart rate and breathing - isn't working quite right after the injury. One of the patterns researchers see may signal a problem with this automatic nervous system. Kids who show this pattern could be more likely to have concussion symptoms that last longer than usual. The goal of Kettlety's study is to find out whether these heart‑rate patterns can help doctors predict which young patients will have a slower recovery. If doctors can identify those patients early, they may be able to offer more customized treatments to help them recover more quickly and fully.

McEntee is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. Her research project will look at the connection between exercise and brain health. As people get older, it's common for the brain to change, which can make learning and memory harder. Scientists know that exercise helps keep the brain healthy and can improve memory, but they don't fully understand why it works. McEntee is looking at small substances that the body releases during exercise, called exerkines. These tiny messengers are released from muscles and fat when we move, and they may travel to the brain and help it work better. She wants to determine which of these substances are most important and how they help the brain stay sharp as we age. By understanding this, McEntee hopes to find new ways to protect and improve brain health - not only for older adults, but also for people with conditions like diabetes or obesity, and even for people who can't exercise due to illness or disability. The goal is to help everyone maintain better brain health throughout their lives.

"Robust research funding is critically important to support innovative ideas that can lead to scientific breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatments for a variety of conditions," said American Academy of Neurology Chief Executive Officer Mary E. Post, M.B.A., CAE. "With this collaborative partnership through the Sacco Scholars program, and the American Academy of Neurology's Brain Health Initiative, we are committed to improving lives and making a meaningful impact on the landscape of brain health."

"Dr. Ralph Sacco was the first neurologist to ever serve as the volunteer president of the American Heart Association and he was a dedicated volunteer for more than 20 years as a champion for our work in recognizing the importance of brain health," said Nancy Brown, the American Heart Association's chief executive officer. "He spent much of his life mentoring young scientists just like the recipients of this year's scholarships. More importantly, he was a dear friend and I am so proud to see his lifesaving legacy live on to continue influencing the growing body of scientific research into the connection of heart and brain health."

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine. Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook , X , Instagram , LinkedIn , and YouTube .

Cali McEntee, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor

Sarah Kettlety, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at Kennedy Krieger Institute and at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore