Reuben Howden

Reuben Howden is a Professor in the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). He holds a B.Sc. (hons) in Sports Science from Anglia Ruskin University (1999) and a Ph.D. in human blood pressure regulation from De Montfort University (2002). His research focuses on genetic influences on cardiopulmonary function and mechanisms of blood pressure regulation through isometric training. He directs the Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory and collaborates with researchers across disciplines, including biology and environmental health sciences.

Dr. Howden’s academic career includes six years of post-doctoral work at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2002–2008) before joining UNC Charlotte in 2008. His work explores genetic markers (QTLs) associated with heart rate variability and cardiopulmonary responses under environmental stressors like hyperoxia. He is a member of the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine, reviewing for seven peer-reviewed journals.

His publications span topics including genetic predictors of lung injury, cytokine roles in pulmonary inflammation, and pharmacogenomic impacts on cardiac function. Research trends emphasize translational physiology bridging genetics, exercise science, and environmental health.

Dr. Howden engages in interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers such as Dr. Susan Arthur (Kinesiology), Dr. Yvette Huet (Biology), and Dr. Steven Kleeberger (NIEHS). He actively contributes to university committees and maintains an active research lab focused on advancing cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology understanding.