Matthew R. Hodges

Matthew R. Hodges is a Professor and Eminent Scholar in the Physiology Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), serving as Director of Graduate Studies and Director of a NIH T32 Training Grant. His research focuses on neural control of breathing, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and epilepsy-related respiratory dysfunction. He holds a PhD from MCW (2004) and a BA from Carleton College (1998). His lab employs advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and rodent models to study CO2 chemoreception and opioid effects.

Education:

• PhD in Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2004
• BA in Biology, Carleton College, 1998

Research Interests: Genetics/Genomics, Neurophysiology, Respiratory Physiology. Current projects include:

• Mechanisms of CO₂ sensing in brainstem neurons
• SIDS-related serotonin system abnormalities
• Seizure-induced cardiorespiratory failure (SUDEP)
• Opioid-induced respiratory depression
• Neuroplasticity in neonatal lung dysfunction

Methodologies:

• Single-cell RNA sequencing
• Rodent models (rats, goats)
• Electrophysiology and microscopy
• Transcriptomics
• In vivo pharmacological interventions

Awards:

• Parker B. Francis Fellow (2006-2009)
• Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS)

Advising & Grants: Mentor to 8 undergraduates, 2 medical students, and multiple PhD students. NIH-funded since 2009, with additional support from Children's Research Institute and Advancing Healthier Wisconsin Foundation. Collaborations include Universities of Missouri, Oregon, and MCW faculty across departments.

Labs/Teams: The Hodges Lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training, studying breathing control in health/disease. Active projects involve epilepsy, opioid crisis mitigation, and neonatal respiratory adaptation. Collaborates with neurobiologists, neonatologists, and geneticists.