Muscle Tone Dysfunction Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Michael YeagerView profile

Associate Clinical Professor

University of Colorado, DenverUnited States

Michael Yeager, PhD, serves as an Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver, focusing on cardiopulmonary pathophysiology with emphasis on pulmonary hypertension and heart failure mechanisms. He completed his PhD at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2002, establishing foundational expertise in vascular biology. His research program investigates immunological and molecular drivers of pulmonary vascular disease, particularly the roles of autoantibodies, fibrocytes, and inflammatory cascades in disease progression. Analysis of his 14 publications (2012-2015) reveals consistent exploration of biomarker discovery, vascular remodeling, and immune dysregulation across pediatric and adult pulmonary hypertension. Key methodological approaches include proteomics, animal modeling, and molecular interrogation of cellular stress responses, with significant translational implications for personalized therapeutic strategies. Professional recognitions include: Outstanding Faculty award from Tau Beta Pi (2019) Chancellor's Teaching Recognition Award from the University of Colorado (2016) Dr. Yeager maintains active clinical research collaborations at Children's Hospital Colorado while mentoring within the medical school curriculum. His work bridges basic science discovery with clinical application through ongoing investigations into endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory mediators. Affiliated with the Department of Medicine, he contributes to pulmonary vascular research initiatives and participates in professional societies including the American Thoracic Society, American Heart Association, and T21 Research Society.

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Thomas LongdenView profile

Associate Professor

University of Maryland, BaltimoreUnited States

Thomas Longden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He leads a research group focused on neurovascular interactions in health and disease, with particular emphasis on understanding how blood flows through the brain under normal conditions and how this process is disrupted in diseases like Alzheimer's. Dr. Longden received his B.Sc (Hons) and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Manchester in the UK (2006 and 2010), followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Vermont under Professor Mark Nelson (2011-2015). He was promoted to Assistant Professor at Vermont in 2015 before joining the University of Maryland in February 2019. His research focuses on the control of blood flow in the brain, particularly the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling where neuronal activity triggers changes in blood flow. His lab has made significant discoveries including identifying the brain's capillary network as a 'sensory web' that translates neural activity into vasodilatory electrical signals, and demonstrating how pericytes function as metabolic sentinels that control blood flow through KATP channel-dependent mechanisms. Analysis of Dr. Longden's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pericyte function in neurovascular coupling, electrical signaling in the capillary network, and how these mechanisms are disrupted in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. His work increasingly incorporates advanced imaging techniques, computational approaches, and innovative tools to study vascular plasticity. 2023: Fellow of the American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section 2020: NIH Director's New Innovator Award 2017: American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant Multiple travel awards and postdoctoral fellowships Dr. Longden currently mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the Longden Lab, which is supported by multiple NIH grants including an NINDS New Innovator Award and an NIA R01 grant. His lab develops and employs advanced techniques including multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and molecular biology to study vascular cells in the brain. The lab is particularly focused on understanding vascular signaling plasticity and how pericytes control brain blood flow in health and Alzheimer's disease.

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Russell RichardsonView profile

Professor

University of UtahUnited States

Russell Richardson is a tenured Professor at the University of Utah , holding joint appointments in the Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Geriatrics) and the Department of Exercise and Sport Science . He directs the Utah Vascular Research Laboratory (UVRL) at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. Education: Fellowship (University of California San Diego), Doctoral Training (University of Utah), PhD (Colorado State University), MS (Loughborough University), PGCE (West London Institute of Higher Education) His research focuses on oxygen transport from air to tissue , with a current emphasis on the link between vascular and skeletal muscle function , particularly how oxidative stress regulates skeletal muscle metabolism and vascular control. He has authored numerous studies on aging, vascular dysfunction, and exercise hemodynamics. Recent publications highlight work on mitochondrial respiration, passive limb movement techniques, antioxidant interventions, and age-related vascular decline. His lab employs both in vivo and ex vivo methodologies to investigate these mechanisms. Collaborations span clinical and physiological domains, including studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and breast cancer. His work integrates gerontology , exercise physiology , and vascular biology . Notable affiliations include the Salt Lake VA Medical Center and contributions to understanding the interplay between physical activity, aging, and vascular plasticity.

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Cam Ha TranView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Nevada, RenoUnited States

Cam Ha Tran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on neurovascular unit interactions, particularly how blood flow regulation impacts brain function under health and disease conditions such as stroke and dementia. She employs advanced techniques like two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to study astrocyte-endothelial communication and vascular reactivity. Education: PhD in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences from the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary (Canada); Master of Biomedical Technology and Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta (Canada). Research emphasizes understanding how astrocytes and endothelial cells coordinate to maintain cerebral blood flow, with implications for neurological disorders. Her recent work explores TRPA1 channels in neurovascular coupling, astrocyte dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, and seizure-induced vascular changes. Techniques include in vivo imaging and chemogenetic approaches to dissect cellular mechanisms. Key contributions include uncovering astrocyte roles in functional hyperemia and identifying therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Her lab’s findings bridge basic science and clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.

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Xi-Long ZhengView profile

Professor

University of CalgaryCanada

Xi-Long Zheng is a tenured Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He holds additional appointments as a Member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Associate Member of both the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. His research focuses on vascular smooth muscle biology and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Doctor of Medicine, Hunan Medical University (1986) M.S. in Pharmacology, Hunan Medical University (1989) Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology, University of Calgary (1997) Dr. Zheng's research centers on vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, proliferation, and phenotypic switching in vascular diseases. His laboratory investigates mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle dedifferentiation in atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and vascular stiffness. Current work explores ferroptosis, epigenetic regulation (particularly BRD4), and PCSK9 functions in vascular pathologies. His studies integrate molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on cell death mechanisms (ferroptosis, cuproptosis), epigenetic regulation, lipid metabolism, and immune-vascular interactions in atherosclerosis. His work demonstrates increasing focus on translational applications targeting vascular smooth muscle phenotypic switching and plaque stability. Alberta Innovates ‒ Health Solutions Senior Scholar Award (2008-2015) Heart & Stroke Foundation New Investigator Award (2001-2006) CIHR/Hypertension Society Scholarship Award (2001-2004) Heart & Stroke Foundation Fellowship Award (1999-2001) AHFMR Independent Investigator Award (2008) Dr. Zheng serves on grant panels for Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. He is an editorial board member for Biochemical Journal and other scholarly publications. His laboratory receives funding from CIHR and NSERC for projects including smooth muscle PCSK9 in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis, smooth muscle autophagy in vascular aging, and epigenetic regulation of smooth muscle plasticity. The Zheng Lab investigates vascular smooth muscle functions across multiple organ systems including blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and uterus. His research has established critical mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle differentiation and cell cycle regulation, contributing over 100 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including PNAS, ATVB, Diabetologia, JBC, and Hypertension.

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Gregory DickView profile

Research Professor

University of North Texas Health Science CenterUnited States

Gregory Dick, PhD, is a Research Professor in the Department of Physiology & Anatomy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center's College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. His research focuses on ion channel regulation in coronary arteries, particularly how potassium channels control vascular tone under normal and pathological conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes). He has led multiple NIH-funded projects exploring coronary vascular dysfunction and metabolic signaling. Education: Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Oklahoma State University Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology, University of Missouri Research Interests: Electro-metabolic signaling in coronary vasodilation Role of K+ channels in coronary blood flow regulation Impact of metabolic syndrome and obesity on cardiovascular health Vascular smooth muscle plasticity in disease states Key Projects (2024–2026): Role of potassium as a coronary metabolic vasodilator (Principal Investigator) Disentangling the Mechanisms of Coronary Dysfunction (Co-Investigator) Grants & Funding: NIH R01 Grant: Mineralocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Coronary Vascular Dysfunction in Obesity Multiple collaborative grants with University of Michigan and University of Missouri Collaborations: Active partnerships with institutions studying coronary autoregulation, metabolic syndrome, and swine models of cardiovascular disease.

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Kalyani NairView profile

Professor

Bradley UniversityUnited States

Kalyani Nair is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Bradley University's Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology, based in the Business and Engineering Convergence Center (BEC 3265). She can be contacted at knair@bradley.edu or (309) 677-4562. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Cochin University Dr. Nair's research focuses on biomedical engineering with expertise in biomechanics and tissue engineering . She investigates myofascial tissue mechanics in inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, develops medical devices for spinal pathologies, and creates biomaterial scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Her work bridges engineering principles with clinical applications through techniques like myotonometry, electromyography, and computational modeling. Analysis of her recent publications (2015-2025) reveals persistent themes in musculoskeletal biomechanics, particularly spinal disorders and myofascial tissue properties, alongside tissue engineering for tendon regeneration and cancer models. Key trends include quantification of tissue mechanical properties, medical device innovation for pediatric neurosurgery, and scaffold optimization for regenerative medicine. Within the department, Dr. Nair serves as Coordinator of the Biomedical Concentration and sits on the Committee on the Use of Human Subjects in Research. She teaches courses spanning engineering design (ME 102), biomedical fundamentals (ME 280), CAD applications (ME 448, ME 648), and advanced topics in biomechanics (ME 580) and tissue engineering (ME 591).

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Andrew BraunView profile

Professor

University of CalgaryCanada

Andrew Braun is a Professor at the University of Calgary, affiliated with the Libin, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute. His research focuses on vascular physiology, particularly the role of potassium channels in regulating blood flow and pressure, with applications in diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. He utilizes advanced techniques like patch clamping and arterial pressure myography. His work explores KCa channels , nitric oxide signaling , and calcium dynamics in vascular cells, aiming to develop novel therapies for endothelial dysfunction. He investigates how these channels affect myogenic tone , vasodilation , and coronary circulation in diseased states such as Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's. The 15 most recent publications highlight his focus on pharmacological targeting of KCa channels to treat vascular complications in diabetes, aging, and atherosclerosis. Key subfields include platelet aggregation , genetic mutations in IP3 receptors , glycation effects on vascular function , and sex-dependent cerebrovascular defects . Contact information: Email abraun@ucalgary.ca. Administrative Assistant: Theresea Connolly (tconnoll@ucalgary.ca, 403-220-3018).

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John EberthView profile

Associate Professor

Drexel UniversityUnited States

Dr. John F. Eberth is an Associate Professor at Drexel University's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As a cardiovascular engineer with expertise in mechanical controls, continuum biomechanics, and hydrogel-based extracellular matrix mimetics, he leads the Applied Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Lab (ABML) to investigate vascular behavior under mechanical stimuli. PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University (2008) MS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University (2004) BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University (2001) His research focuses on vascular pathology and mechanobiology, including: Aortopathy and aneurysm mechanics Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening Hydrogel-based vascular grafts Calcification chelation therapy Coronary artery disease Perfusion tissue culture Recent publications demonstrate expertise in vascular imaging techniques, mechanical modeling, and therapeutic interventions. Key themes include drug-coated balloon development, collagen fiber mechanics, and bioreactor systems for vascular conditioning.

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Michael S. WolinView profile

Professor

New York Medical CollegeUnited States

Michael S. Wolin, Ph.D., is a distinguished Professor of Physiology at the School of Medicine, New York Medical College (NYMC). With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Wolin has established himself as a leading researcher in vascular physiology, redox biology, and pulmonary hypertension. His work began with groundbreaking research on nitric oxide signaling as a postdoctoral fellow with Lou Ignarro at Tulane University, contributing to aspects of research that led to Ignarro's 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Dr. Wolin's research interests focus on oxidative stress signaling , pulmonary hypertension , vascular physiology , redox biology , nitric oxide signaling , and mitochondrial function . His NIH-funded laboratory at NYMC has made significant contributions to understanding how cellular regulatory systems—including mitochondrial function, oxidases, ROS metabolizing enzymes, and cellular redox control systems—function in physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. His work has particularly advanced our understanding of oxygen sensing mechanisms, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and the role of hydrogen peroxide as a signaling molecule. Dr. Wolin's recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate continued research productivity with significant contributions to understanding placental development in maternal undernourishment, pulmonary vascular function, oxidative stress mechanisms in hypertension, and the role of various signaling molecules in cardiovascular disease progression. His work shows a consistent focus on the interplay between redox signaling, mitochondrial function, and vascular pathophysiology. Notable awards and honors include: Distinguished Scientist Award – American Chemical Society, Westchester Section (2010) Outstanding Faculty Award – Graduate Student Association of Basic Medical Sciences at NYMC (2009) Robert M. Berne – Distinguished Lectureship Awardee – American Physiological Society (2008) Merit Award – National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, NIH (1995) Dr. Wolin has maintained significant editorial and service roles, including serving as Chair of the Integrative Vascular Physiology Pathology NIH Study Section (2021-2023), Consulting Editor for the American Journal of Physiology: Heart & Circulatory Physiology (2011-2018), and as a Fellow of the American Heart Association since 2001. His teaching responsibilities at NYMC include directing multiple physiology courses and mentoring graduate students through thesis research.

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Harold A. SingerView profile

Professor

Albany Medical CollegeUnited States

Dr. Harold A. Singer is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His research focuses on calcium signaling mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cells, particularly the role of CaMKII isoforms in regulating gene transcription and vascular remodeling. Research spans vascular biology , signal transduction , and cardiovascular pathophysiology Key interests include CREB phosphorylation , CaMKIIδ function , and vessel injury responses His recent work examines CaMKII-endothelium interactions in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis . Grants from the NIH (R01 HL049426, R01 HL092510) support his investigations into vascular remodeling and disease mechanisms .

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Travis W. HeinView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Travis W. Hein, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Medical Physiology at Texas A&M University's School of Medicine. His research focuses on microvascular dysfunction in diabetes, particularly in retinal and coronary microvessels, and its implications for vision loss and heart failure. He also investigates spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) mechanisms in astronauts. Hein holds significant teaching awards, including the 2023 R. Kelly Hester Distinguished Teaching Award and membership in the Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators. Education: BA in Biology from St. Olaf College (1992), PhD in Medical Physiology from Texas A&M Health Science Center (1997). Research interests emphasize molecular mechanisms of vasomotor regulation, diabetes-induced vascular damage, and space health challenges. His work identifies therapeutic targets for microvascular diseases and explores ocular blood flow dynamics in space environments. Key publications highlight breakthroughs in retinal degeneration therapies (e.g., stanniocalcin-1), diabetic microvascular complications, and cardiovascular dysfunction mechanisms. His articles span 20+ years, demonstrating sustained contributions to vascular biology and translational medicine. Scientific awards: 2023 R. Kelly Hester Distinguished Teaching Award 2021 Elected to Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators 2017 Texas A&M Distinguished Teaching Award Grants and mentoring: Extensive NIH-funded research programs and training of graduate students/postdocs in cardiovascular and ocular physiology. Collaborates on space health initiatives through NASA partnerships. Labs/Teams: Directs Texas A&M's Microvascular Physiology Lab, focusing on translational research in diabetes and space health. Active in multidisciplinary teams addressing ocular vascular dysfunction and cardiac microcirculation.

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Lubo ZhangView profile

Professor

Loma Linda UniversityUnited States

Lubo Zhang, PhD, is a Professor in the Pharmacology Division at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, serving as Director of the Center for Perinatal Biology. With over 386 publications and 13 NIH-funded projects, his work focuses on hypoxia adaptation, epigenetic programming, and maternal-fetal cardiovascular interactions. Education: PhD in Biology from Iowa State University (1990) Research Interests: Zhang's research investigates hypoxia-induced vascular dysfunction, microRNA regulatory mechanisms in pulmonary hypertension, and epigenetic modifications from prenatal exposures. His team explores calcium signaling pathways in uterine artery adaptation and mitochondrial oxidative stress in pregnancy complications. Recent Publications: 2024-2025 work highlights hypoxia's role in maternal vascular tone, microRNA-210's regulation of mtROS in pulmonary hypertension, and epigenetic consequences of maternal e-cigarette exposure. Key findings connect prenatal nicotine to adult cardiovascular vulnerability and identify TET2 as a critical mediator of hypoxia responses. Awards: Recipient of the Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center Centennial Vanguard Award (2006) Funding: Research funded by NIH (NICHD, NHLBI), National Science Foundation (MRI acquisition), and institutional grants. Projects include multi-omics approaches to fetal hypoxia adaptation and development of advanced imaging techniques for neonatal brain injury.

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Christopher WoodmanView profile

Associate Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Christopher Woodman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M University and Director of the Vascular Biology Laboratory. He joined Texas A&M in 2006, specializing in vascular aging and exercise physiology. His research focuses on how aging and exercise affect skeletal muscle blood vessels, particularly mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease risk in the elderly. Education: Ph.D., Physiological Sciences, University of Arizona (1995) M.S., Exercise Science, University of Arizona (1989) B.A., Biology, Colgate University (1986) Research Interests: Dr. Woodman investigates aging’s impact on vascular function, including arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, and how exercise mitigates these effects. His lab uses mouse models and human studies to explore integrin signaling, smooth muscle mechanics, and exercise-induced adaptations. Articles Trends: Recent work highlights aging’s effects on integrin-mediated contractility, genetic influences on vasomotor function, and exercise’s role in reversing endothelial dysfunction. Key themes include mechanotransduction, vascular stiffness, and genotype-specific vascular responses. Scientific Awards: Association of Former Students Distinguished Teaching Award (2021) Collins Faculty Fellow (2011) NIH Research Career Development Award (2001) Advising & Grants: Advised five doctoral students since 2010. Active grants include NIH-funded studies on vascular smooth muscle aging (2017–2022) and integrin function in aged arteries (2019–2021). Collaborates on projects exploring exercise’s mechanical benefits and genetic influences on vascular health. Labs/Teams: Leads the Vascular Biology Laboratory, focusing on arterial aging mechanisms and exercise interventions. Collaborates with researchers at the Texas A&M Health Science Center and the American Heart Association.

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Swapnil SonkusareView profile

Professor

University of VirginiaUnited States

Swapnil Sonkusare is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Director of Graduate Studies in Physiology. His research focuses on calcium signaling mechanisms in vascular function and dysfunction, particularly in hypertension, obesity, pulmonary hypertension, and atherosclerosis. He leads the Sonkusare Laboratory at the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center. Key Research Areas: Biophysics, Cardiovascular Biology, Physiology, Calcium Signaling, TRP Channels. Techniques: Transgenic mouse models, high-speed confocal imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology, dSTORM super-resolution imaging. Sonkusare’s lab investigates how TRP ion channels interact with other signaling proteins to regulate blood pressure and vascular tone. His work has identified novel calcium signaling nanodomains in smooth muscle cells and elucidated the role of endothelial TRPV4 channels in pulmonary hypertension and obesity-induced hypertension. His lab’s recent publications highlight discoveries in mechanosensitive signaling , purinergic-TRPV4 pathways , and oxidative stress in vascular dysfunction . Collaborative studies with Dr. Venetia Laubach on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury have been featured in Science Signaling and Circulation . Scientific Awards: Mid-Career Award in Cardiovascular Pharmacology (ASPET, 2022). Dean’s Excellence in Faculty Research Award (UVA, 2022). Grants: Multiple NIH R01 grants (HL167208, HL142808, HL146914, EY034238, HL157407) fund his work on TRPV4 signaling, calcium nanodomains, and vascular inflammation. Labs & Teams: Based at the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, his lab collaborates with institutions like Johns Hopkins, McGill University, and the University of Maryland. Current members include Research Scientists Yen-Lin Chen and Maniselvan Kuppusamy, with former students Matteo Ottolini (now at Bayer Oncology) and Corina Marziano (Analytical Scientist at Medpace).

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