EDUCATION

• 2002: B.S., Science and Technology Studies, Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University
• 2012: Ph.D., Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University
• Dissertation Title: “Endothelin-1-induced calcium signaling in arteries and veins”
• 2012-2015: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Vermont

RESEARCH TRAINING

• 2012-2015:   Postdoctoral Associate/Fellow, Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont
  • Explored two aspects of urinary bladder function: (1) the relationship between bladder wall micromotions and sensory nerve outflow; and (2) the regulation of bladder blood flow in health and disease. Mentor: Dr. Mark T. Nelson.
• 2007-2012:   Doctoral Candidate, Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University
  • Investigated endothelin-1-induced calcium signaling in arteries and veins. Mentors: Dr. Stephanie W. Watts and Dr. William F. Jackson.
• 2006-2007   Research Rotations, Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University
  • Researched the role of different calcium channels in regulating responses to endothelin-1 in arteries and veins. Explored intracellular signaling mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle contraction and relaxation in arterioles.Supervisors: Drs. Stephanie W. Watts and William F. Jackson.

POSITIONS

• 2022-Present: Director and Founder (MSU Cubi³C), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University
  • MSU Cubi³C is a core facility specifically geared to help scientists imagine new ideas, invent the tools required, and implement these tools to drive cutting-edge scientific discovery. Cubi³C is capable of all aspects of instrument design, fabrication, and validation. Tools include 3D printing, CNC machining, electronics design/fabrication, microcontroller programming, and data collection interfaces. Responsible for all aspects of production, management, maintenance, design, and intellectual property protection.
• 2019-Present: Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University
  • Investigate the regulation of bladder vascular tone to uncover how changes in bladder blood flow affect micturition under normal and pathological conditions, specifically type 2 diabetes. Explore the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels in the onset and development of progressive, stress-induced bladder dysfunction.
• 2015-2019: Research Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont
  • Investigate the regulation of bladder vascular tone to uncover how changes in bladder blood flow affect micturition under normal and pathological conditions, specifically type 2 diabetes.
• 2013-Present: Webmaster, Leducq Center Against Small Vessel Disease (LCASVD)
  • Design, maintain, develop and implement a comprehensive web presence and technological infrastructure for the LCASVD – a collaboration of more than 20 researchers from three countries – investigating the pathogenesis and treatment of cerebral Small Vessel Disease and related conditions.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

• 2005:Donor Recruitment Representative, American Red Cross
  • Responsible for event coordination and promotion for American Red Cross blood drives in six Mid-Michigan Counties, including recruiting donors and sponsor groups. Included all direct-to-consumer marketing, press releases and media contacts, business-to-business sales, donor telerecruiting, and staff/volunteer management.
• 2004-2005: Admissions Advisor, Baker College of Owosso
  • Responsible for recruitment, enrollment and retention of high school seniors and adults at Baker College’s Owosso campus. Included college presentations to prospective students, direct-to-student marketing, and all enrollment and financial aid services.
• 2002-2004: Professional Sales Representative, Altana Pharma, Inc.
  • Responsible for direct-to-physician sales, route and territory planning, product promotion, sales management and reporting functions for pharmaceutical products to general/family practice physicians, internal medicine specialists, obstetricians and gynecologists.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

• University of Vermont
  • 2016-2019: Lecturer: Toxicology – Drugs of Abuse
  • 2014-2019:Lecturer: Topics in Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology – TRP Channels; IP₃Receptors
  • 2014-2017: Lecturer: Human Physiology and Pharmacology I – Autonomic Nervous System Physiology; Urinary Bladder Physiology

RESEARCH FUNDING

• R0-DK119615: NIH NIDDK Research Project Grant (6/19/2019 – 4/30/2024)
  • The major goal of this project is to investigate how the duration/intensity of social stress causes bladder dysfunction and determine the role TRPV1 channels play in the progression of stress-induced bladder dysfunction. Role: Co-PI (20%).
• K01 DK103840: NIH NIDDK Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (7/1/2015 – 6/30/2020)
  • This project investigates how alterations in urinary bladder blood flow and vascular contractility affect bladder function, both normally and in diabetes. Role: PI (75%)

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