Mark Nelson

Professor Mark Nelson holds a primary appointment as Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at The University of Manchester. He also serves as Visiting Professor at the Department of Oxford and holds concurrent roles as Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont (USA), alongside Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics there. His research focuses on ion channel physiology, calcium signaling, and vascular dysfunction in diseases like hypertension and dementia.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Neural Sciences (1980), Washington University, St. Louis, MO
• B.A. in Mathematics & Biology with Honors (1976), Tufts University, Medford, MA

Research Interests:

Dr. Nelson investigates membrane transport mechanisms, ion channel dysfunction in smooth muscle physiology, and neurovascular coupling. His work combines electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and pharmacological approaches to study diseases such as vascular dementia and hypertension. Key areas include BK channel regulation, calcium signaling pathways, and drug effects on vascular function.

Teaching & Service:

• Led courses in Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Vermont
• Served as Chair of Pharmacology at University of Vermont (1996–2018)

Professional Recognition:

• Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences (USA)
• Member, American Physiological Society and Biophysical Society

Collaborations: Active partnerships include Adam Greenstein (British Heart Foundation Fellow at Manchester) and international teams studying cerebral blood flow mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.