Postdoc Xu Han honored for advancing understanding of blood clotting mechanisms

Xu Han (GRS ’14, biology; GRS ’21, pharmacology), a postdoctoral scholar in the Nieman Lab in the Department of Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has been named one of three global recipients of the 2025 Fundamental Research Career Development Awards by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). The award, announced June 23 during the ISTH Congress in Washington, D.C., recognizes early career investigators conducting high-impact, fundamental research in blood and vascular science.

Han received the award in the category of “Fundamental Mechanisms of Hemostasis” for her project “Elucidate the conformation of activated integrin αIIbβ3 from native platelet membranes.” Her research shows it is now possible to study platelet membrane proteins in their native environment, preserving important details that might be lost in traditional lab preparations. These insights can improve our understanding of how the local environment impacts platelets and how blood clotting is controlled, potentially leading to new treatments for heart attacks and stroke.

“The Fundamental Research Career Development Award is a key milestone in my career,” Han said. “It helps me transition from a postdoctoral trainee to an independent researcher and shapes my unique path combining hematology and structural biology. More than just financial support, this award is a valuable investment in my professional independence and in building a competitive, innovative research program.”

Each award includes up to $50,000 in funding to support research, training or collaboration. The goal is to foster innovative work by early career investigators with strong potential to become leaders in the field.

Han’s project was selected from a competitive international pool of applicants.

“Dr. Han has emerged as one of the international leaders for the next generation. This award is another step towards her vision of defining how platelets sense their environment at the atomic level using high-resolution structural biology. We are fortunate to have her at CWRU” said Marvin Nieman, vice provost and dean for graduate studies, professor of pharmacology and principal investigator of the Nieman Lab.