Nathan R. Tykocki, PhD

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: Associate Professor (Tenured), 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.

Click here for a complete PDF version of Dr. Tykocki’s Curriculum Vitae