Paul O'Connor

Paul O'Connor is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. He holds a joint appointment in the Department of Medicine: Experimental Medicine and leads a dynamic research laboratory focused on renal physiology and hypertension. He earned his PhD in Physiology from Monash University, Australia, and completed postdoctoral training at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

• PhD, Physiology, Monash University, 2005
• BSc (Hons), Biomedical Science, Monash University, 2001
• Post-doctoral Fellow, Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2005–2009

Dr. O'Connor’s research centers on the physiological regulation of kidney function, particularly in the context of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). His laboratory investigates mechanisms such as renal oxygenation, vascular congestion, and the role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in kidney protection. A major focus is on how oral sodium bicarbonate ingestion modulates systemic inflammation via the spleen, offering potential low-cost therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. His work also explores the function of voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1) in oxidative stress and salt-sensitive hypertension.

The most recent publications reveal a strong trend toward understanding the interplay between renal microvascular dysfunction, immune regulation, and metabolic interventions. His team frequently uses Dahl salt-sensitive rat models and integrates in vivo physiology with molecular and cellular techniques. The articles span topics from the role of mesothelial cells in splenic signaling to genetic factors protecting against age-related CKD, indicating a highly interdisciplinary and translational research program.

Dr. O'Connor has received numerous honors, including:

• Arthur C. Guyton Award for Excellence in Integrative Physiology (American Physiological Society, 2015)
• Distinguished Faculty Award for Basic Science Teaching (Medical College of Georgia, 2019)
• Excellence in Teaching Award (Augusta University Graduate School, 2018)
• Elected Fellow, American Heart Association (2013)
• Patent Award for compositions involving oral alkaline salts (2022)

He has successfully mentored numerous graduate students, research associates, and undergraduate honors students. His lab receives significant funding from the NIH, including grants from NIDDK and NIAID, supporting projects on mesothelial signaling and red blood cell trapping in kidney injury. Dr. O'Connor is actively involved in institutional service as Co-Director of the Physiology Graduate Program and serves on multiple national grant review panels (NIH, AHA, VA). He is also an editorial board member for American Journal of Physiology-Renal and Physiological Reports, and served as Associate Editor for Molecular Medicine and Comprehensive Physiology. His lab is located in the Health Sciences Campus, with ongoing collaborations with researchers in Australia and across the U.S.