The Cardiovascular Translational Science Center is committed to providing innovation training opportunities for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and clinicians. By fostering a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, the center offers hands-on experiences that bridge basic science, engineering, and clinical application. Trainees are immersed in cutting-edge research projects, exposed to advanced technologies, and mentored by leading experts across cardiovascular biology, biomedical engineering, and patient care. Through tailored workshops, collaborative innovation labs, and translational research training programs, the center cultivates a new generation of innovators equipped to transform cardiovascular health through scientific discovery, technological advancement, and clinical impact.
Centre for Cardiovascular Translational Science
Centre for Cardiovascular Translational Science
Providing innovation training opportunities for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and clinicians
“Working in translational science has been central to my training – it has taught me to think beyond the bench and consider how my research can directly contribute to patient care. That perspective has really shaped the way I approach research questions and has helped me grow into a more thoughtful and purpose-driven scientist” — Hacina Gill
Dr. Stephanie Sellers
Dr. Stephanie Sellers is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the University of British Columbia and Director of the Cardiovascular Translational Laboratory. She also leads the Cardiovascular Pathology Core Lab at DCI. Her multidisciplinary research program bridges molecular biology, pathology, imaging, and device evaluation, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of bioprosthetic valve degeneration, transcatheter heart valve durability, and reintervention strategies. Dr. Sellers’ group also leads a global registry and biobank of explanted transcatheter heart valves and partners with industry and academia to advance valve science through benchtop modeling, investigation mechanisms impacting device durability, and creation of educational opportunities to advance cross-interdisciplinary learning for scientists, engineers, allied health team members, and clinicians.
Dr. Sellers is Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar and the recipient of the 2023 UBC Department of Medine Martin M Hoffman Award for Excellence in Research, the 2024 UBC Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award – Excellence in Basic Science Research, and the 2025 St. Paul’s Hospital Department of Medicine Faculty Research Award. The author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications and a recipient of multiple national and international grants, Dr. Sellers She holds editorial board appointments with JACC Case Reports, Cardiovascular Pathology, the Journal of the Heart Valve Society, and Structural Heart.
Bridging bench and beside to advance cardiovascular science and strengthen cardiac care
- Investigation mechanisms of disease and engaging in therapeutic target discovery with a focuses on valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, micro-circulation, and aneurysm.
- Leading bench testing services for development and evaluation of new devices and cardiovascular interventional and surgical techniques
- Creation of innovative, clinical evidence-based models for guiding cardiovascular care, scientific investigation, and clinical skill development
- Validation of new imaging techniques
- Pathological core lab services
Publications, Presentations & News
OPCI Journal Club
Hydrodynamic Assessment of Explanted Q1 Degenerated Transcatheter Aortic Valves.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions
Native Valve and Native Neo-Sinus Remodeling Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions
Initial Experience and Bench Validation of the CLEVE Prosthetic Leaflet Modification Procedure During Aortic and Mitral Valve-in-Valve Procedures
EuroIntervention
Redo-TAVI with the SAPIEN 3 valve in degenerated calcified CoreValve/Evolut explants
Translational Cardiovascular Research Seminar Series
New Interventional Modification Techniques
