Savannah Jane Lusk

Savannah Jane Lusk, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She also serves as a Research Analyst for the Harris County Child Fatality Review Team, focusing on epidemiology and community interventions related to infant mortality.

Dr. Lusk's educational background includes:

• BSc in Chemistry and Biology from Longwood University (2015)
• PhD in Experimental and Molecular Medicine from Dartmouth College (2019)

Her research spans multiple critical areas at the intersection of neuroscience, respiratory physiology, and public health. Dr. Lusk specializes in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) epidemiology, death scene investigation, risk and protective factor profiles, and genetic rodent modeling. Her work combines human-informed genetic engineering with environmental exposure studies to develop targeted community interventions. She has made significant contributions to understanding orexin signaling in respiratory and autonomic regulation, as well as developing innovative tools for respiratory data analysis and genetic circuit mapping.

Dr. Lusk's scientific work shows a clear trajectory from basic molecular and genetic research toward translational applications in infant health and safety. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in respiratory physiology, neurogenetics, and data analysis methods, with increasing focus on practical applications for preventing infant mortality.

Dr. Lusk has secured significant research funding including:

• "Interactions of the Noradrenergic and Serotonergic Systems in Autoresuscitation" ($222,978 from NIH, 2022-2025)
• "Promoting Pediatrician Collaboration between CFRT and Communities to Reduce SUID" ($10,000 from AAP and NCFRP, 2024-2025)

She is actively involved in developing training courses for law enforcement to enhance death scene investigations and runs a Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinar series for physicians on safe sleep practices.

Dr. Lusk has established a comprehensive database for infant deaths in Harris County, which serves as a foundation for her epidemiological work. She collaborates with Chief Investigator Danny Brewster on law enforcement training initiatives and works closely with community organizations to provide cribs to families in need as part of her outreach efforts to reduce SUID.