Currently I’m a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Bradley Undem’s lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Overall, I am studying the vagal sensory nerves, in particular nociceptive C-fibers, in the airways. Inappropriate activation of the vagal sensory nerves in the airways can lead to symptoms of airway diseases. These symptoms include severe reflex bronchospasm, excessive secretions, nonproductive coughing, and sensations of breathlessness. Our work focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate the activity of these vagal sensory nerves by unraveling the chemical and ionic mechanisms of airway nerve activation and on identifying the specific aspects of airway inflammation. The findings will increase our understanding of airway biology, and will continue to define new therapeutic targets aimed at reducing the suffering of those with inflammatory airway diseases.

Broadly speaking, my dissertation work under Dr. Marc Kaufman aimed to improve the lives of millions of people living with peripheral artery disease (PAD). When exercising, patients with peripheral artery disease can experience severe muscle pain and excessive increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. These effects are initiated by sensory nerves in exercising muscles that are stimulated by overproduction of specific chemicals. My research focused on autonomic control of cardiovascular system. More specifically, my dissertation focused on the role played by acid sensing ion channels (ASIC) in peripheral artery disease. This work focused on ASIC3 receptors on the sensory nerves that cause both pain and excessive cardiovascular effects when patients with peripheral artery disease exercise.