Erica Wehrwein

Erica Wehrwein serves as a Fixed Term Professor in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University, where she teaches Human Physiology I (PSL 431) and Capstone Lab in Physiology (PSL 475L). Her academic profile centers on cardiovascular physiology research and innovative physiology education initiatives.

Her research interests focus on autonomic nervous system regulation, particularly arterial baroreflex control of blood pressure, carotid body chemoreceptor function during hypoglycemia, and cardiorespiratory coupling mechanisms. She also maintains a robust program in physiology education scholarship, developing national standards for undergraduate physiology degrees, creating hypothesis-driven laboratory curricula, and leading outreach initiatives like PhUn Week events.

Wehrwein's publication analysis reveals dual expertise: 60% of her recent work addresses cardiovascular neurophysiology mechanisms (especially baroreflex and chemoreceptor function in glucose homeostasis), while 40% focuses on educational innovations including kinesthetic teaching methods, undergraduate curriculum development, and national physiology program standards. Her research shows strong collaboration with Michael Joyner's team at Mayo Clinic.

Wehrwein actively builds academic community through the Physiology Majors Interest Group (PMIG), where she co-organizes annual meetings and develops sustainable outreach models that integrate honors college credits with departmental programs. Her leadership extends to creating large-scale science center events and undergraduate quiz competitions that enhance physiology literacy.