Paul Kerr

Paul Kerr serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Foundations and Science at MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, teaching human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacotherapeutics for healthcare professionals. Previously, he held positions at the University of Alberta's Department of Pharmacology and conducted post-doctoral research in the UK and Calgary.

His academic credentials include:

• B.Sc. (Hons Physiology) from University of Glasgow, UK (1989)
• PhD (Pharmacology) from University of London (Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine), UK (1994)

Dr. Kerr's research centers on vascular physiology, specifically endothelial regulation of blood vessel tone through nitric oxide and other chemical mediators. He investigates how diabetes mellitus impairs these mechanisms, leading to vascular dysfunction. His expertise spans electrophysiology, ion channels, smooth muscle pharmacology, and blood vessel reactivity.

His publication record (2005-2013) reveals consistent focus on vascular signaling pathways, particularly endothelial-smooth muscle communication via myoendothelial projections and ion channels. Key themes include calcium-activated potassium channels' role in nitric oxide availability, microdomain signaling complexes, and Kv1 channels in arterial diameter control—bridging fundamental physiology with clinical implications for vascular disease.