Emelia J. Benjamin, a professor of epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health and a professor of medicine at the BU School of Medicine (MED), has received the 2016 Gold Heart Award from the American Heart Association (AHA).

The Gold Heart Award is the highest honor given by the AHA, recognizing volunteers whose contributions have significantly advanced the objectives of the organization.

Benjamin was selected for her leadership within the AHA. In more than 20 years in the organization, she has propelled its research mission as associate editor of the journal Circulation and as chair of the Functional Genomics Translational Biology council and multiple committees.

A cardiologist at Boston Medical Center and an investigator at the Framingham Heart Study, Benjamin is one of the most highly cited researchers in clinical medicine. Her expertise in the genetic epidemiology of atrial fibrillation has helped elucidate the risk factors and mechanisms that underlie the development of the abnormal heart rhythm.

The AHA has recognized her contributions with the 2015 Paul Dudley White Award, the 2013 Functional Genomics and Translational Biology Council Mentoring Award, and the 2012 Women in Cardiology Mentoring Award. Benjamin, who is vice chair for faculty development and diversity in MED’s department of medicine and assistant provost for faculty development for BU’s Medical Campus, was also the recipient of the Department of Medicine 2011 Excellence in Research Mentoring Award.

Benjamin received the Gold Heart Award at the annual AHA Gold Heart Banquet in Dallas on June 21, 2016.

A version of this article was originally published by the School of Public Health.