Lacy Alexander

Lacy Alexander is a Professor of Kinesiology and Research Professor in Charge at The Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Kinesiology, within the College of Health and Human Development. Her research focuses on microvascular dysfunction mechanisms in diseases like hypertension and aging, using the cutaneous circulation as a model. She holds a Ph.D. (2007) and M.S. (2002) in Kinesiology/Human Physiology from Penn State and University of Oregon.

Her work investigates nitric oxide signaling, inflammatory pathways, and pharmacological interventions (e.g., aspirin) in vascular health. Key research areas include thermal regulation, endometriosis-related cardiovascular risks, and preeclampsia aftermaths. She leads NIH-funded projects and has published over 129 peer-reviewed articles. Notable studies address heat stress mitigation in vulnerable populations, estrogen’s role in endothelial function, and holistic endometriosis care.

Affiliations include the Center for Healthy Aging and Integrative and Biomedical Physiology. She co-edits the Journal of Applied Physiology and actively promotes gender equity in science. Her grants total over $5 million, emphasizing translational research in vascular biology and clinical applications.