Dr. Stephen Schaffer, professor of pharmacology at the University of South Alabama, was recently elected a fellow with the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences (IACS).

Founded in 1996, the IACS provides the organizational structure for the world-wide sharing of research and education of heart health. Members of the organization include cardiovascular scientists, surgeons and cardiologists. “All fellows have outstanding achievements in cardiovascular education and research and have made significant contributions to the health of people around the world,” Dr. Stephen Vatner, president of IACS said.

Schaffer received his PhD. in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn., and earned his postdoctoral at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa. His research interests focus on the effects of osmotic stress and diabetes on the heart. Additionally, Schaffer is a member of the review board of the American Heart Association, Southeast Affiliate.

Schaffer has published more than 100 peer reviewed papers. He is presently on the editorial board of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and serves as section editor of Amino Acids, the forum for amino acid and protein research.