On May 11, 2013, the 27^th Annual Symposium of The Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA)-TX chapter was held at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston.  Renna Luo, a visiting student of XiangYa Outstanding Young Scholars Joint Program between Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (CSU) and University Texas Health Science Center Medical School at Houston (UTHSC), received the third prize of oral presentation among approximately 70 graduate students and post-doctors. Renna joined Dr. Yang Xia’s laboratory at the UTHSC about half year ago. Within a short period of time, her study of hypertensive chronic kidney disease has revealed a novel role of a hypoxia-independent factor. This finding is innovative and significant by revealing new insight of the disease development and identifying a potential therapeutic target for the management of hypertensive chronic kidney disease.
SCBA is a non-profit organization founded by prominent and enthusiastic bioscientists in 1984 at Houston. Currently, SCBA has ~2,500 members from various universities, academies, medical institutions, industrial and biotechnology companies. SCBA has five objectives: 1) to promote research in biosciences. 2) to advance biological and medical knowledge, 3) to improve occupational opportunities of its members, 4) to facilitate professional networking among members, and 5) to establish a spirit of fraternity and international cooperation. 

XYOAA appreciates Dr. Xia's contribution to Xiangya medical students!