Daniela Tirziu, PhD, Uses Cardiovascular Research Expertise To Guide Others and Design Impactful Clinical Trials

Daniela Tirziu, PhD, recently received a promotion to senior research scientist (cardiovascular medicine) in July 2024.

Tirziu earned her PhD from the Nicolae Simionescu Cellular Biology and Pathology Institute and completed her postdoctoral fellowship training at Dartmouth Medical School.

Tirziu joined Yale in 2008 and is now the associate director of academic research for the Yale Cardiovascular Research Group (YCRG), where she focuses on the design of clinical trials, the management of reporting and regulatory requirements, and the dissemination of the results of interventional cardiovascular devices. Tirziu started her career in basic science research, where her work advanced the understanding of cellular crosstalk in the heart.

We recently spoke with Tirziu about her career.

How did you become interested in a career in research?

I’ve always been driven by the idea of being a scientist. In high school, when asked about my future aspirations, I said, “I want to be a scientist.” That passion carried me through university and into my PhD.

Since my PhD, I’ve focused on cardiovascular medicine, with my early research concentrated on vascular biology and atherosclerosis. After moving to the United States, I began investigating myocardial biology, focusing on angiogenesis-driven cellular signaling in the heart and its role in regulating myocardial hypertrophy, metabolism, and the heart’s response in disease settings.

While I found basic science fascinating, about eight years ago, I felt drawn to clinical science. I reached out to Alexandra Lansky, MD, director of the YCRG, to explore potential opportunities in her group. Before I knew it, I was deeply involved in evaluating innovative interventional devices, benchmarking event rates, conducting meta-analyses, and developing the scientific rationale and clinical trial protocols for pre-market evaluations.

The transition was a leap of faith, but it gave me a deeper appreciation for patient-centered outcomes and their role in improving care.

Now, I also provide mentorship and guidance to students, fellows, and faculty in creating solid data sets for clinical trial protocols and publishing strong academic papers. I appreciate the opportunity to share my knowledge with them as they navigate the complexities of systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses.

What does your promotion mean to you?

My promotion to senior research scientist represents a significant milestone in my career and reflects my dedication to advancing cardiovascular medicine. It not only validates my contributions to the field but also motivates me to continue pursuing innovative research that can lead to improved patient care and outcomes.

What are you most proud of so far in your career?

I’m proud of the path I’ve taken and the incredible mentors who have guided me along the way. Their support has helped shape my journey and expand my perspective as a scientist.

I take great pride in my work with the YCRG team, knowing that together we make a meaningful difference in patient care.

On a personal note, I’m incredibly proud of my three wonderful grandchildren. Their imagination, energy, and curiosity inspire me every day. Watching them grow feels like witnessing the most fascinating scientific discoveries unfold right in front of me.

What would you tell students considering a research career?

I would encourage them to cultivate a passion for their work and to follow their curiosity. Being open to new possibilities is essential, as it allows you to discover your own path forward.

I’d also remind them not to be discouraged when things don’t go as planned. An experiment might not succeed, but that doesn’t mean the second or third experiment won’t. The key is to keep going; perseverance is everything.

What keeps you motivated in your work?

Curiosity is what drives me. For me, investigation is a personal challenge that goes beyond any individual project or article. Give me a subject, and I will want to understand what has been done before, where we are today, and what can lead us to the next step.

I see myself as a lifelong scholar, eager to know as much as I can. It’s my personal challenge to explore these questions and just keep going.

The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators, educators, and staff in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more, visit Internal Medicine.