Steven Poelzing

Steven Poelzing, Ph.D., is the James and Deborah Petrine Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, where he also serves as Associate Director for Faculty Affairs. He holds professorial appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (College of Engineering) and the Department of Internal Medicine (School of Medicine) at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Poelzing’s research centers on the fundamental mechanisms of cardiac conduction and arrhythmogenesis, with a focus on connexin43, ephaptic coupling, and the impact of extracellular environment on heart electrical activity. His lab investigates how inflammation, edema, and ion imbalances contribute to sudden cardiac death, particularly in young individuals and those with genetic disorders such as Long QT syndrome.

His recent publications reveal a trend toward understanding structural microdomains like the perinexus, intercellular sodium dynamics, and novel therapeutic strategies for ischemia-reperfusion injury. His work bridges molecular biology, biophysics, and translational medicine, often employing genetically modified mouse models and advanced electrophysiological techniques.

Dr. Poelzing has received numerous honors, including:

• Fellow, Heart Rhythm Society (2015)
• Fellow, American Heart Association (2014)
• Michael Bilitch Fellowship in Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology (2004)
• Multiple Top Instructor awards at the University of Utah (2008–2011)
• Editorial Board Member, Frontiers in Cardiac Electrophysiology (2010–present)

He mentors graduate students such as Grace Blair, Tristan Raisch, and Carissa James, several of whom have secured prestigious NIH fellowships. His lab has received federal funding, including a $2.1 million grant to study gap junctions and fluid therapy impacts on cardiac recovery. He leads the Center for Vascular and Heart Research and the Poelzing Lab at the Riverside 2 facility (R-2115).