Our Community
Rooted in Houston, connected nationally.
The people, partners, and mission behind our work — from the American Heart Association to our own foundation.
Our Network
Part of the national conversation
Our team contributes to the American Heart Association’s Health Technology Advisory Group and AI Task Force, and presents peer-reviewed work at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions.
The Foundation
The Cena Research Foundation
The Cena Research Foundation develops the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. Through research, community health, and hands-on mentorship, we turn the everyday work of a research institute into an opportunity for students to learn, contribute, and give back — advancing cardiovascular care while building the people who will carry it forward.
“The greatest legacy of a leader is not what they build themselves, but what they inspire others to build for generations to come.”
Programs & Initiatives
Community health & wellness screenings
Large-scale screenings with the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center, powered by student and community volunteers.
CPR & hands-only training
Classes teaching hands-only CPR to the community.
Sudden cardiac death screening advocacy
Students helped advocate in Austin for state legislation on cardiac assessment — a multi-year effort that ultimately passed.
Ibn Sina Community Clinic
Volunteering free cardiovascular care for patients who can't afford insurance.
Lone Star HealthTech AI Summit
Organized and run with student volunteers.
Summer research internships
Including flying interns to present at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions.
Workshops & “meet the leaders” sessions
Students meet CEOs and experts, including Dr. Pat Dunn.
Research on gaps in care
Social determinants of health and “cardiology deserts” work identifying where care is missing.
Student-led trial experience
Interns gain hands-on trial work, such as the Valencell blood-pressure study.
The Wall
Our students, then and now
CRI may run commercial trials, but every one of them is also a training ground. This is the wall of the students who came through — a few of their stories, and the many more still being collected.
More of our students
Imad
CRI Research Intern
Sherry R.
CRI Research Intern
Dylan
CRI Research Intern
Raphael
CRI Research Intern
Danny
CRI Research Intern
Abella
CRI Research Intern
Saman
CRI Research Intern
Marco Romero
CRI Research Intern
Hira Fatima
CRI Research Intern
Kira
CRI Research Intern
Emily Lara
CRI Research Intern
Daphne Canales
CRI Research Intern
~20+ students and counting. Class years, next steps, and photos arrive as our alumni network responds to our intern survey.
