It’s one thing to understand science in the lab but seeing how it translates into patient care has reinforced my belief that translating basic research into clinical practice is crucial for improving outcomes.

Congratulations on winning the first edition of Cardiovascular Diabetology’s Associate Editor Award! How does it feel to win the first edition?

Thank you so much! I am truly honored to receive the first edition of this award. It’s an incredible recognition, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity. Cardiovascular Diabetology is such a respected journal in the field, and this award not only validates the effort I’ve put into my role as Associate Editor, but also highlights the collaborative environment fostered by the editorial team and the brilliant researchers I work with. I want to especially thank Dr. Enrique Fisman, the founding editor and Editor-in-Chief, for providing me with the chance to contribute to this outstanding journal. I look forward to continuing our work together and supporting the journal’s growth.

First, please do introduce yourself!

I’m Natalia Eberhardt, a senior postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health. My research began with infectious cardiovascular diseases during my PhD in Argentina, and now focuses on how conditions like diabetes, infections, and inflammation affect atherosclerosis. I study the role of immune cells in cardiovascular complications, particularly how immune responses to metabolic disorders influence atherosclerosis. I also serve as Associate Editor for Cardiovascular Diabetology, supporting the peer-review process and publishing impactful research in this critical field.

Why did you choose this research area and what would you say to grad students if they ask whether they should consider this field?

I chose to focus my research on the complex interplay between cardiovascular diseases and other diseases such as type 2 diabetes, due to the significant impact these conditions have on each other. Type 2 diabetes is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms connecting the two remain poorly understood. Both conditions share common pathways, including chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances, which exacerbate each other’s progression. I'm particularly interested in exploring the immune changes that occur in both diseases, as these alterations appear to play a crucial role in driving the onset and worsening of cardiovascular issues in diabetic patients.

To graduate students considering this field, I would say that this area of research offers tremendous opportunities to make a real difference. The intersection of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immune response is a rapidly growing field with a significant demand for new insights. If you’re passionate about understanding the underlying mechanisms of complex diseases and using models that closely resemble human conditions to explore these mechanisms, this is a highly rewarding and impactful area to pursue. Your work could directly contribute to better patient care and more effective treatments.

What is your vision for what you’d like to achieve with your research and work?

My ultimate vision is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that link diseases like diabetes, infections, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with the goal of improving clinical outcomes for patients. One of my key objectives is to help develop personalized treatment strategies that account for the unique needs of individuals with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By better stratifying treatments, we can offer more targeted, effective care.

How does a typical working day look like for you?

My typical day is busy but fulfilling, blending research, writing, and editorial work. I spend a lot of time analyzing data, drafting papers, and reviewing information. As Associate Editor for Cardiovascular Diabetology, I oversee manuscript submissions, collaborate with reviewers, and manage the peer-review process. I also stay engaged with the scientific community through peer reviews, meetings with collaborators, and attending conferences. It’s a lot to juggle, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

You have been working as Associate Editor for Cardiovascular Diabetology since August 2023, what do you like about your work as Associate Editor for the journal?

What I enjoy most as Associate Editor is engaging with groundbreaking research and helping authors refine and improve their work to reach their full potential. I appreciate the diversity of topics in cardiovascular diabetology, from novel therapies to disease mechanisms. It’s rewarding to ensure important findings get the attention they deserve. What makes this experience even more enjoyable is the amazing, supportive team I work with. The collaboration has been excellent, and I’m truly grateful for the strong teamwork and the opportunity to contribute to such a dynamic, cooperative effort.

Now that you’ve worked for over a year on the journal, is the work how you expected it before, or did you have any surprises or challenges?

Overall, the work has been very much in line with my expectations, though there have been some surprises and challenges along the way. One of the most unexpected aspects has been how fast-paced the peer-review process is. The speed with which decisions are made, combined with the passion and dedication of the authors, has been both surprising and exciting. That said, balancing the responsibilities of the journal with my own research can be a bit challenging at times—especially when deadlines overlap. However, despite these challenges, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has not only enriched my understanding of the publication process but also helped me grow professionally.

Has the journal work had any impact on your research or views?

Absolutely. Working with the journal has greatly expanded my perspective in many ways. Reviewing a broad range of studies, including topics I hadn’t explored in depth before, has not only deepened my understanding of the field but also inspired new directions for my own research. One of the most valuable aspects has been gaining a deeper clinical insight into how essential basic science is for addressing real-world diseases. It’s one thing to understand science in the lab but seeing how it translates into patient care has reinforced my belief that translating basic research into clinical practice is crucial for improving outcomes. Overall, this experience has been incredibly enriching and has had a lasting impact on both my scientific thinking and clinical perspective.

Is there anything you would like to share with the readers of Cardiovascular Diabetology?

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the entire Cardiovascular Diabetology team, as well as the exceptional administrative staff. It has truly been a pleasure working alongside such a dedicated and supportive group of professionals. To my fellow colleagues and researchers, I encourage you to share the word about Cardiovascular Diabetology—a fantastic platform for high-quality research that continues to make a meaningful impact in our field. I wholeheartedly recommend submitting your work to the journal and contributing to its growing body of knowledge. It’s an honor to be part of this esteemed publication, and I look forward to seeing even more groundbreaking research in the future!

If you are interested in reading more about Cardiovascular Diabetology's Associate Editor Award, visit Cardiovascular Diabetology's homepage,   and if you are interested in becoming Associate Editor, please reach out me as Publisher of Cardiovascular Diabetology.