The scholarship is a joint award between the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and the College of Pharmacy, and is awarded based on academic merit to deserving PhD students in these schools who are performing research in the areas of cardiovascular devices, implantable biomaterials design, drug-delivery systems, or biochemical sensors.

Acuña is advised by Sarah Calve and Craig Goergen, assistant professors of biomedical engineering. Nguyen is advised by Hugh Lee, assistant professor of biomedical engineering. In addition to Acuña and Nguyen, two pharmacy students received the award: Monika Lavan, advised by Gregory Knipp, associate professor of industrial and physical pharmacy; and Jun Xu, advised by Yoon Yeo, associate department head, associate professor of industrial and physical pharmacy and biomedical engineering.

The Guidant Foundation established the scholarship in late 2005 to honor Mr. Ronald Dollens, a Purdue alumnus, in recognition of his leadership and professional ingenuity. Over the course of his career, Dollens' leadership in industry and the life sciences served as a catalyst for many advances in cardiovascular research and development.