William Schrage

William Schrage is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education. He leads the Schrage Lab, which investigates mechanisms of blood flow regulation in health and disease, focusing on obesity, prediabetes, and sex differences in neurovascular control. His lab employs state-of-the-art MRI and invasive/non-invasive human physiology methods.

• BS in Biology, University of Utah
• MS in Exercise Physiology, University of Utah
• PhD in Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Integrative Human Physiology, Mayo Clinic

His research explores vascular adaptations to environmental stressors, with particular emphasis on cerebral and peripheral blood flow mechanisms in metabolic syndrome. Current projects include hyperoxia effects on brain perfusion, neurovascular coupling in adolescents, and sex hormone impacts on cerebrovascular health.

The lab's 2016–2024 publications highlight discoveries about cyclooxygenase in hypoxic vasodilation, beta-adrenergic receptor differences in oral contraceptive users, and impaired blood flow regulation in obesity. Collaborations span Medical Physics, Radiology, and Critical Care Medicine departments.

• Fellow, American Physiological Society
• Gail Patrick Innovation Award (ADA)
• Vilas Research Associate (2015, 2017)
• NIH R21 grant for adolescent brain blood flow studies

Dr. Schrage mentors doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduates while serving on national scientific committees. His lab maintains affiliations with UW Cardiovascular Research Center and ICTR, with medical support from multiple UW Health physicians.