Study of Vitamin D and Heart Health Earns National Journal Recognition

A research paper led by Dr. Jessica Reese, associate professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, has been selected as the third-place winner of the 2026 Research Paper of the Year award from Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD), a journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The paper, “Vitamin D Deficiency and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among American Indian Adolescents: The Strong Heart Family Study,” was chosen through a competitive process in which a selection committee reviewed and ranked papers. PCD established the annual award in honor of Lynn Wilcox. The journal plans to recognize the winners on its homepage and in an upcoming editorial.

The study examined vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease risk factors among 307 American Indian adolescents who participated in the Strong Heart Family Study. Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher prevalence of obesity measures, low HDL cholesterol and metabolic syndrome. The findings point to the value of further research into cardiovascular health during adolescence and potential ways to address risk factors early. The authors note that larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to clarify these relationships.

The paper is part of a collection of articles published in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the initiation of the Strong Heart Study (title: Strong Heart Study: 35 Years of Research Collaboration with American Indian Communities). The Strong Heart Study is conducted through the Center for American Indian Health within the Hudson College of Public Health. It is a long-running research collaboration with American Indian communities. Reese works as the director of the Oklahoma Field Center and collaborates with researchers on analyses and publications focused on cardiovascular health in adolescents and young adults.

Reese brings expertise in clinical research, epidemiologic methods and data analysis to her work. Her previous research experience includes clinical trials and studies focused on hematology, child and maternal health, and cardiovascular health. She has been a member of the Hudson College of Public Health faculty since joining the university.

The recognition highlights Reese’s contribution to research that addresses an important gap in knowledge about vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular health among American Indian adolescents.

Read the published paper and learn more about the Strong Heart Study collection and the Strong Heart Study.