Nicolle Domnik

Dr. Nicolle Domnik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University, affiliated with the School of Medicine under the Faculty of Health Sciences. She holds a cross-appointment with the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) and is part of the Queen’s Laboratory for Molecular Pathology (QLMP). Her research focuses on cardiorespiratory medicine, respiratory physiology, and the mechanisms of exertional dyspnea in chronic diseases like COPD. She also explores autonomic nervous system dynamics, sleep physiology, and medical curriculum development.

Dr. Domnik earned a BScH in Life Sciences (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) (2010) and a PhD in Physiology (2015), both from Queen’s University. She has held visiting roles at institutions such as the University of Western Ontario and SickKids Hospital.

Her research integrates clinical physiology, advanced imaging, and AI-driven tools to address gaps in COPD management and exercise intolerance. Recent work includes developing the DyVe-X software for continuous dyspnea assessment during exercise testing.

Key areas of investigation include:

• Neural and mechanical drivers of dyspnea
• Dynamic respiratory mechanics in COPD
• Sex and age disparities in respiratory function
• Sleep-breathlessness interactions

Her studies often involve collaborations with clinical teams to translate findings into patient-centered interventions and improved diagnostic protocols.