MD-PhD Dual Degree Program

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MD-PhD Alumni

Class of 2024

Katheryn Lett

Katheryn Lett (M4)

Undergraduate Degree/Field of Study: B.S. Chemistry

Undergraduate Institution: The University of Alabama

Field of Study/Interests: My research focuses on exploring and identifying novel roles of coilin, the Cajal Body marker protein. My medical specialty interest is pediatric hematology/oncology.

PhD Program: Cell and Molecular Biology

PhD Mentor: Michael Hebert, PhD

National/Local Committee Membership/Leadership Positions: American Physician Scientist Associations Mentor for Undergraduate Students

Published Papers as MD-PhD Student:

  • Lett KE, Logan MK, McLaurin DM, Hebert MD. Coilin enhances phosphorylation and stability of DGCR8 and promotes miRNA biogenesis. Mol Biol Cell. 2021 Oct 1;32(20):br4.
  • Logan MK, Lett KE, Hebert MD. The Cajal body protein coilin is a regulator of the miR-210 hypoxamiR and influences MIR210HG alternative splicing. J Cell Sci. 2021 Jun 15;134(12).
  • Monroe JD, Moolani SA, Irihamye EN, Lett KE, Hebert MD, Gibert Y, Smith ME. Cisplatin and phenanthriplatin modulate long-noncoding RNA expression in A549 and IMR90 cells revealing regulation of microRNAs, Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling. Sci Rep. 2021 May 17;11(1):10408
  • McLaurin DM, Logan MK, Lett KE, Hebert MD. Molecular determinants that govern scaRNA processing by Drosha/DGCR8. Biol Open. 2020 Oct 26;9(10)

Interests/Hobbies: quilting, kayaking, playing volleyball

Class of 2023

 Portrait of Dr. Jacob Pruett

Jacob Pruett, MD, PhD

Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology

Residency: Internal Medicine/Endocrinology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

 Publications with UMMC affiliation:

  • Pruett JE, Torres Fernandez ED, Everman SJ, Vinson RM, Davenport K, Logan MK, Ye SA, Romero DG, Yanes Cardozo LL. Impact of SGLT-2 Inhibition on Cardiometabolic Abnormalities in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(5):2576.
  • Yanes Cardozo LL, Huffman AM, Pruett JE, Romero DG. Androgens and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Sex Hormones. 2021 Mar 2. IntechOpen.
  • Yanes Cardozo LL, Rezq S, Pruett JE, Romero DG. Androgens, Kidney and COVID-19: An Opportunity for Translational Research. American Journal of Physiology – Renal Physiology 2021;320(2):F243-F248
  • Yanes Cardozo LL, Rezq S, Pruett JE, Garla VV, Romero DG. Androgen Excess in Women and the Respiratory System. Sex-Based Differences in Lung Physiology. 2021:405

Class of 2022

Portrait of Dr. Meredith Cobb

Meredith Cobb, MD, PhD

Ph.D. in Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Publications with UMMC affiliation:

  • Showmaker KC, Cobb MB, Johnson AC, Yang W, Garrett MR. Whole genome sequencing and novel candidate genes for CAKUT and altered nephrogenesis in the HSRA rat. Physiol Genomics. 2020 Jan 1;52(1):56-70. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00112.2019. Epub 2019 Dec 16. PMID: 31841396; PMCID: PMC6985787.
  • Cobb MB, Wu W, Attipoe EM, Johnson AC, Garrett MR. Nephron-deficient HSRA rats exhibit renal injury with age but have limited renal damage from streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2021 Jun 1;320(6):F1093-F1105. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00487.2020. Epub 2021 Apr 12. PMID: 33843272; PMCID: PMC8285653.

Portrait of Dr. Ezekial Gonzalez-Fernandez

Ezekiel Gonzalez-Fernandez, MD, PhD

Ph.D. in Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology

Residency: Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Publications with UMMC affiliation:

  • Shekhar S, Wang S, Mims PN, Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Zhang C, He X, Liu CY, Lv W, Wang Y, Huang J, Fan F. Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation-A Common Neurovascular Pathway in Diabetes may Play a Critical Role in Diabetes-Related Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Res Diabetes Obes J. 2017 Jun;2(3):555587. Epub 2017 Jun 5. PMID: 28825056; PMCID: PMC5559201.
  • Lv W, Fan F, Wang Y, Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Wang C, Yang L, Booz GW, Roman RJ. Therapeutic potential of microRNAs for the treatment of renal fibrosis and CKD. Physiol Genomics. 2018 Jan 1;50(1):20-34. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00039.2017. Epub 2017 Nov 10. PMID: 29127220; PMCID: PMC5866411.
  • Fan L, Wang S, He X, Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Lechene C, Fan F, Roman RJ. Visualization of the intrarenal distribution of capillary blood flow. Physiol Rep. 2019 Apr;7(8):e14065. doi: 10.14814/phy2.14065. PMID: 31008571; PMCID: PMC6475880.
  • Wang S, Zhang H, Liu Y, Li L, Guo Y, Jiao F, Fang X, Jefferson JR, Li M, Gao W, Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Maranon RO, Pabbidi MR, Liu R, Alexander BT, Roman RJ, Fan F. Sex differences in the structure and function of rat middle cerebral arteries. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2020 May 1;318(5):H1219-H1232. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00722.2019. Epub 2020 Mar 27. PMID: 32216612; PMCID: PMC7346534.
  • Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Staursky D, Lucas K, Nguyen BV, Li M, Liu Y, Washington C, Coolen LM, Fan F, Roman RJ. 20-HETE Enzymes and Receptors in the Neurovascular Unit: Implications in Cerebrovascular Disease. Front Neurol. 2020 Sep 4;11:983. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00983. PMID: 33013649; PMCID: PMC7499024.
  • Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Liu Y, Auchus AP, Fan F, Roman RJ. Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia: the emerging role of 20-HETE. Clin Sci (Lond). 2021 Aug 13;135(15):1929-1944. doi: 10.1042/CS20201033. PMID: 34374423; PMCID: PMC8783562.
  • Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Fan L, Wang S, Liu Y, Gao W, Thomas KN, Fan F, Roman RJ. The adducin saga: pleiotropic genomic targets for precision medicine in human hypertension-vascular, renal, and cognitive diseases. Physiol Genomics. 2022 Feb 1;54(2):58-70. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00119.2021. Epub 2021 Dec 3. PMID: 34859687; PMCID: PMC8799388.

Portrait of Dr. Jamarius Waller

Jamarius Waller, MD, PhD

Ph.D. in Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology

Residency: Internal Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Bidwell GL 3rd, Mahdi F, Shao Q, Logue OC, Waller JP, Reese C, Chade AR. A kidney-selective biopolymer for targeted drug delivery. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2017 Jan 1;312(1):F54-F64. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00143.2016. Epub 2016 Oct 26. PMID: 27784692; PMCID: PMC5283886.
  • Kuna M, Waller JP, Logue OC, Bidwell GL 3rd. Polymer size affects biodistribution and placental accumulation of the drug delivery biopolymer elastin-like polypeptide in a rodent pregnancy model. Placenta. 2018 Dec;72-73:20-27. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.10.005. Epub 2018 Oct 20. PMID: 30501877; PMCID: PMC6287274.
  • Waller JP, Burke SP, Engel J, Chade AR, Bidwell GL 3rd. A dose-escalating toxicology study of the candidate biologic ELP-VEGF. Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 18;11(1):6216. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85693-6. PMID: 33737643; PMCID: PMC7973730.
  • Waller JP, Howell JA, Peterson H, George EM, Bidwell GL 3rd. Elastin-Like Polypeptide: VEGF-B Fusion Protein for Treatment of Preeclampsia. Hypertension. 2021 Dec;78(6):1888-1901. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.17713. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34719237; PMCID: PMC8585700.
  • Ashraf UM, Hall DL, Campbell N, Waller JP, Rawls AZ, Solise D, Cockrell K, Bidwell GL 3rd, Romero DG, Ojeda NB, LaMarca B, Alexander BT. Inhibition of the AT1R agonistic autoantibody in a rat model of preeclampsia improves fetal growth in late gestation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2022 Nov 1;323(5):R670-R681. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00122.2022. Epub 2022 Sep 19. PMID: 36121142; PMCID: PMC9602704.
  • Kamimura D, Yimer WK, Shah AM, Mentz RJ, Oshunbade A, Hamid A, Suzuki T, Clark D 3rd, Waller J, Fox ER, Correa A, Butler J, Hall ME. Vitamin D Levels in Black Americans and the Association With Left Ventricular Remodeling and Incident Heart Failure With Preserved Ejectin Fraction: The Jackson Heart Study. J Card Fail. 2023 Feb;29(2):150-157. doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.07.049. Epub 2022 Jul 26. PMID: 35905866.

Class of 2021

Portrait of Dr. Jason Engel

Jason Engel, MD, PhD

PhD in Physiology and Biophysics

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Harvey TW, Engel JE, Chade AR. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Podocyte Protection in Chronic Hypoxia: Effects of Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonism. Am J Nephrol. 2016;43(2):74-84. doi: 10.1159/000444719. Epub 2016 Mar 2. PMID: 26930122; PMCID: PMC4828273.
  • Chade AR, Williams ML, Engel J, Guise E, Harvey TW. A translational model of chronic kidney disease in swine. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2018 Aug 1;315(2):F364-F373. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00063.2018. Epub 2018 Apr 25. PMID: 29693449; PMCID: PMC6442373.
  • Guise E, Engel JE, Williams ML, Mahdi F, Bidwell GL 3rd, Chade AR. Biopolymer-delivered vascular endothelial growth factor improves renal outcomes following revascularization. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2019 May 1;316(5):F1016-F1025. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00607.2018. Epub 2019 Mar 20. PMID: 30892933; PMCID: PMC6580255.
  • Engel JE, Williams E, Williams ML, Bidwell GL 3rd, Chade AR. Targeted VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Therapy Induces Long-Term Renal Recovery in Chronic Kidney Disease via Macrophage Polarization. Hypertension. 2019 Nov;74(5):1113-1123. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13469. Epub 2019 Sep 23. PMID: 31542966; PMCID: PMC6785403.
  • Engel JE, Chade AR. Macrophage polarization in chronic kidney disease: a balancing act between renal recovery and decline? Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2019 Dec 1;317(6):F1409-F1413. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00380.2019. Epub 2019 Sep 30. PMID: 31566432; PMCID: PMC6962510.
  • Chade AR, Williams ML, Engel JE, Williams E, Bidwell GL 3rd. Molecular targeting of renal inflammation using drug delivery technology to inhibit NF-κB improves renal recovery in chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2020 Jul 1;319(1):F139-F148. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00155.2020. Epub 2020 Jun 15. PMID: 32538151; PMCID: PMC7468833.
  • Waller JP, Burke SP, Engel J, Chade AR, Bidwell GL 3rd. A dose-escalating toxicology study of the candidate biologic ELP-VEGF. Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 18;11(1):6216. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85693-6. PMID: 33737643; PMCID: PMC7973730.
  • Chade AR, Engel JE, Hall ME, Eirin A, Bidwell GL 3rd. Intrarenal modulation of NF-κB activity attenuates cardiac injury in a swine model of CKD: a renal-cardio axis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2021 Oct 1;321(4):F411-F423. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00158.2021. Epub 2021 Aug 16. PMID: 34396789; PMCID: PMC8560407.

Portrait of Dr. Hannah Turbeville

Hannah Turbeville, MD, PhD

PhD in Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology

Residency: ENT, University of Michigan		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Taylor EB, Barati MT, Powell DW, Turbeville HR, Ryan MJ. Plasma Cell Depletion Attenuates Hypertension in an Experimental Model of Autoimmune Disease. Hypertension. 2018 Apr;71(4):719-728. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.117.10473. Epub 2018 Jan 29. PMID: 29378858; PMCID: PMC5843526.
  • Turbeville HR, Taylor EB, Garrett MR, Didion SP, Ryan MJ, Sasser JM. Superimposed Preeclampsia Exacerbates Postpartum Renal Injury Despite Lack of Long-Term Blood Pressure Difference in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rat. Hypertension. 2019 Mar;73(3):650-658. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.12097. PMID: 30612494; PMCID: PMC6374193.
  • Turbeville HR, Johnson AC, Garrett MR, Sasser JM. Sildenafil Citrate Does Not Reprogram Risk of Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease in Offspring of Preeclamptic Pregnancies in the Dahl SS/Jr Rat. Kidney360. 2020 Apr 17;1(6):510-520. doi: 10.34067/KID.0001062020. PMID: 35368603; PMCID: PMC8809312.
  • Turbeville HR, Sasser JM. Preeclampsia beyond pregnancy: long-term consequences for mother and child. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2020 Jun 1;318(6):F1315-F1326. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00071.2020. Epub 2020 Apr 6. PMID: 32249616; PMCID: PMC7311709.
  • Dent EL, Taylor EB, Turbeville HR, Ryan MJ. Curcumin attenuates autoimmunity and renal injury in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Physiol Rep. 2020 Jul;8(13):e14501. doi: 10.14814/phy2.14501. PMID: 32652896; PMCID: PMC7354090.
  • Turbeville HR, Johnson AC, Garrett MR, Dent EL, Sasser JM. Nitric oxide and oxidative stress pathways do not contribute to sex differences in renal injury and function in Dahl SS/Jr rats. Physiol Rep. 2020 Jul;8(13):e14440. doi: 10.14814/phy2.14440. PMID: 32652814; PMCID: PMC7354091.

Portrait of Dr. Subhi \Younes

Subhi Talal Younes, MD, PhD

PhD in Physiology and Biophysics

Residency: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Younes ST. Shift: A Medical Student's Reflections on the Practice of Medicine and Nursing. Am J Med Sci. 2018 Apr;355(4):402-403. doi: 10.1016/j.amjms.2017.01.013. Epub 2017 Jan 30. PMID: 29661356.
  • Younes ST, Ryan MJ. Pathophysiology of Cerebral Vascular Dysfunction in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2019 May 23;21(7):52. doi: 10.1007/s11906-019-0961-8. PMID: 31123841; PMCID: PMC6533227.
  • Younes ST, Maeda KJ, Sasser J, Ryan MJ. The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide attenuates placental ischemia-induced hypertension. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2020 Jan 1;318(1):H72-H77. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00486.2019. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31729903; PMCID: PMC6985807.
  • Duncan JW, Younes ST, Hildebrandt E, Ryan MJ, Granger JP, Drummond HA. Tumor necrosis factor-α impairs cerebral blood flow in pregnant rats: role of vascular β-epithelial Na+ channel. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2020 Apr 1;318(4):H1018-H1027. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00744.2019. Epub 2020 Mar 13. PMID: 32167780; PMCID: PMC7191490.
  • Younes ST, Herrington B. In silico analysis identifies a putative cell-of-origin for BRAF fusion-positive cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. PLoS One. 2020 Nov 18;15(11):e0242521. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242521. PMID: 33206716; PMCID: PMC7673500.
  • Lee Y, Mehrotra P, Basile D, Ullah M, Singh A, Skill N, Younes ST, Sasser J, Shekhar A, Singh J. Specific Lowering of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine by Pharmacological Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase Improves Endothelial Function, Reduces Blood Pressure and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2021 Feb;376(2):181-189. doi: 10.1124/jpet.120.000212. Epub 2020 Nov 19. Erratum in: J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2021 Mar;376(3):463. PMID: 33214214; PMCID: PMC7816763.
  • Younes ST, Shiflett JM, Weaver K, Smith A, Herrington B, Taylor C, Reddy K. Norrie disease with a spontaneously shrinking choroid plexus abnormality: a case report. Ophthalmic Genet. 2021 Jun;42(3):344-348. doi: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1894459. Epub 2021 Mar 1. PMID: 33641574.
  • Younes ST, Showmaker K, Johnson AC, Garrett MR, Ryan MJ. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals ferritin as a key mediator of autoimmune pre-disposition in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Sci Rep. 2021 Dec 20;11(1):24245. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-03649-2. PMID: 34930978; PMCID: PMC8688484.

Class of 2020

Portrait of Dr. Walker Wiggins

Walker Wiggins, MD, PhD

PhD in Neuroscience

Residency: Neurology, University of Texas Houston		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Wiggins JW, Sledd JE, Coolen LM. Spinal Cord Injury Causes Reduction of Galanin and Gastrin Releasing Peptide mRNA Expression in the Spinal Ejaculation Generator of Male Rats. Front Neurol. 2021 Jun 22;12:670536. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.670536. PMID: 34239493; PMCID: PMC8258150.

Class of 2019

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Newsome

Ashley Newsome, MD, PhD

PhD in Physiology and Biophysics

Residency: Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Publications with UMMC affiliation

  • Dasinger JH, Intapad S, Rudsenske BR, Davis GK, Newsome AD, Alexander BT. Chronic Blockade of the Androgen Receptor Abolishes Age-Dependent Increases in Blood Pressure in Female Growth-Restricted Rats. Hypertension. 2016 Jun;67(6):1281-90. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.07548. Epub 2016 Apr 25. PMID: 27113045; PMCID: PMC4865435.
  • Dasinger JH, Davis GK, Newsome AD, Alexander BT. Developmental Programming of Hypertension: Physiological Mechanisms. Hypertension. 2016 Oct;68(4):826-31. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.06603. Epub 2016 Aug 22. PMID: 27550912; PMCID: PMC5016247.
  • Davis GK, Newsome AD, Ojeda NB, Alexander BT. Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Female Sex on Future Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2017 Feb;19(2):13. doi: 10.1007/s11906-017-0712-7. PMID: 28233240; PMCID: PMC5483947.
  • Newsome AD, Davis GK, Ojeda NB, Alexander BT. Complications during pregnancy and fetal development: implications for the occurrence of chronic kidney disease. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2017 Mar;15(3):211-220. doi: 10.1080/14779072.2017.1294066. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28256177; PMCID: PMC5543771.
  • Smith A, Varney E, Zand K, Lewis T, Sirous R, York J, Florez E, Abou Elkassem A, Howard-Claudio CM, Roda M, Parker E, Scortegagna E, Joyner D, Sandlin D, Newsome A, Brewster P, Lirette ST, Griswold M. Precision analysis of a quantitative CT liver surface nodularity score. Abdom Radiol (NY). 2018 Dec;43(12):3307-3316. doi: 10.1007/s00261-018-1617-x. PMID: 29700590.
  • Newsome AD, Davis GK, Adah ON, Ojeda NB, Alexander BT. Renal injury after uninephrectomy in male and female intrauterine growth-restricted aged rats. PLoS One. 2019 Mar 7;14(3):e0213404. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213404. PMID: 30845173; PMCID: PMC6405063.
  • Davis GK, Newsome AD, Cole AB, Ojeda NB, Alexander BT. Chronic Estrogen Supplementation Prevents the Increase in Blood Pressure in Female Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Offspring at 12 Months of Age. Hypertension. 2019 May;73(5):1128-1136. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.12379. PMID: 30929518; PMCID: PMC6458065.
  • Coats LE, Davis GK, Newsome AD, Ojeda NB, Alexander BT. Low Birth Weight, Blood Pressure and Renal Susceptibility. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2019 Jun 21;21(8):62. doi: 10.1007/s11906-019-0969-0. PMID: 31228030; PMCID: PMC8109258.
  • Davis GK, Intapad S, Newsome AD, Coats LE, Bamrick DR, Ojeda NB, Alexander BT. Androgen Receptor Blockade Differentially Regulates Blood Pressure in Growth-Restricted Versus Ovarian Deficient Rats. Hypertension. 2019 Oct;74(4):975-982. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13257. Epub 2019 Aug 5. PMID: 31378101; PMCID: PMC6739128.

Portrait of Dr. David Sandlin

David Sandlin, MD, PhD

PhD in Neuroscience

Residency: Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Sandlin DS, Yu Y, Huang J, Zhang C, Arteaga AA, Lippincott JK, Peeden EOH, Guyton RR, Chen L, Beneke LLS, Allison JC, Zhu H, Zhou W. Autonomic responses to blast overpressure can be elicited by exclusively exposing the ear in rats. J Otol. 2018 Jun;13(2):44-53. doi: 10.1016/j.joto.2018.01.001. Epub 2018 Mar 9. Erratum in: J Otol. 2020 Dec;15(4):178. PMID: 30559764; PMCID: PMC6291641.
  • Smith A, Varney E, Zand K, Lewis T, Sirous R, York J, Florez E, Abou Elkassem A, Howard-Claudio CM, Roda M, Parker E, Scortegagna E, Joyner D, Sandlin D, Newsome A, Brewster P, Lirette ST, Griswold M. Precision analysis of a quantitative CT liver surface nodularity score. Abdom Radiol (NY). 2018 Dec;43(12):3307-3316. doi: 10.1007/s00261-018-1617-x. PMID: 29700590.
  • Yu Y, Huang J, Zhang CM, Chen TW, Sandlin DS, Wang SX, Arteaga AA, Allison J, Ou Y, Warren S, May P, Zhu H, Zhou W. Passive eye movements induced by electromagnetic force (EMF) in rats. Zool Res. 2019 May 18;40(3):211-218. doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2019.024. PMID: 31006766; PMCID: PMC6591162.
  • Yu Y, Huang J, Tang X, Allison J, Sandlin D, Ding D, Pang Y, Zhang C, Chen T, Yin N, Chen L, Mustain W, Zhou W, Zhu H. Exposure to blast shock waves via the ear canal induces deficits in vestibular afferent function in rats. J Otol. 2020 Sep;15(3):77-85. doi: 10.1016/j.joto.2020.01.003. Epub 2020 Jan 22. PMID: 32884557; PMCID: PMC7451608.
  • Ou Y, Clifton BA, Li J, Sandlin D, Li N, Wu L, Zhang C, Chen T, Huang J, Yu Y, Allison J, Fan F, Roman RJ, Shaffery J, Zhou W, Pang Y, Zhu H. Traumatic brain injury induced by exposure to blast overpressure via ear canal. Neural Regen Res. 2022 Jan;17(1):115-121. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.314311. PMID: 34100446; PMCID: PMC8451570.

Class of 2017

Portrait of Dr. Bernadette DeRussy

Bernadette DeRussy, MD, PhD

PhD in Microbiology and Immunology

Residency: Pathology, Stanford University

Publications with UMMC affiliation

  • DeRussy BM, Aylward MA, Fan Z, Ray PC, Tandon R. Inhibition of cytomegalovirus infection and photothermolysis of infected cells using bioconjugated gold nanoparticles. Sci Rep. 2014 Jul 3;4:5550. doi: 10.1038/srep05550. PMID: 24989498; PMCID: PMC4080223.
  • DeRussy BM, Tandon R. Human Cytomegalovirus pUL93 Is Required for Viral Genome Cleavage and Packaging. J Virol. 2015 Dec;89(23):12221-5. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02382-15. Epub 2015 Sep 23. PMID: 26401033; PMCID: PMC4645300.
  • DeRussy BM, Boland MT, Tandon R. Human Cytomegalovirus pUL93 Links Nucleocapsid Maturation and Nuclear Egress. J Virol. 2016 Jul 27;90(16):7109-7117. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00728-16. PMID: 27226374; PMCID: PMC4984640.

Class of 2016

Portrait of Dr. Emily Gilbert

Emily Gilbert, MD, PhD

PhD in Physiology and Biophysics

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham

Publications with UMMC affiliation

  • Gilbert EL, Ryan MJ. High dietary fat promotes visceral obesity and impaired endothelial function in female mice with systemic lupus erythematosus. Gend Med. 2011 Apr;8(2):150-5. doi: 10.1016/j.genm.2011.03.006. PMID: 21536233; PMCID: PMC3229028.
  • Ryan MJ, Gilbert EL, Glover PH, George EM, Masterson CW, McLemore GR Jr, LaMarca B, Granger JP, Drummond HA. Placental ischemia impairs middle cerebral artery myogenic responses in the pregnant rat. Hypertension. 2011 Dec;58(6):1126-31. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.181453. Epub 2011 Nov 7. PMID: 22068864; PMCID: PMC3488858.
  • Maric-Bilkan C, Gilbert EL, Ryan MJ. Impact of ovarian function on cardiovascular health in women: focus on hypertension. Int J Womens Health. 2014 Jan 24;6:131-9. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S38084. PMID: 24493934; PMCID: PMC3908909.
  • Gilbert EL, Mathis KW, Ryan MJ. 17β-Estradiol protects against the progression of hypertension during adulthood in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Hypertension. 2014 Mar;63(3):616-23. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.02385. Epub 2013 Dec 23. PMID: 24366082; PMCID: PMC4365871.
  • Gilbert EL, Ryan MJ. Impact of early life ovariectomy on blood pressure and body composition in a female mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2014 Oct 15;307(8):R990-7. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00038.2014. Epub 2014 Aug 20. PMID: 25324553; PMCID: PMC4200381.
  • Gilbert EL, Ryan MJ. Estrogen in cardiovascular disease during systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Ther. 2014 Dec 1;36(12):1901-1912. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.07.021. Epub 2014 Sep 4. PMID: 25194860; PMCID: PMC4354874.

Portrait of Dr. Peter Mittwede

Peter Mittwede, MD, PhD

PhD in Physiology and Biophysics

Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA		Publications with UMMC affiliation:
  • Xiang L, Hester RL, Fuller WL, Sebai ME, Mittwede PN, Jones EK, Aneja A, Russell GV. Orthopedic trauma-induced pulmonary injury in the obese Zucker rat. Microcirculation. 2010 Nov;17(8):650-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2010.00061.x. PMID: 21044219; PMCID: PMC3270564.
  • Xiang L, Clemmer JS, Lu S, Mittwede PN. Impaired blood pressure compensation following hemorrhage in conscious obese Zucker rats. Life Sci. 2013 Aug 14;93(5-6):214-219. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.06.006. Epub 2013 Jun 16. PMID: 23782999; PMCID: PMC4059392.
  • Lu S, Xiang L, Clemmer JS, Gowdey AR, Mittwede PN, Hester RL. Impaired vascular KATP function attenuates exercise capacity in obese zucker rats. Microcirculation. 2013 Oct;20(7):662-9. doi: 10.1111/micc.12065. PMID: 23647569; PMCID: PMC3778059.
  • Mittwede PN, Xiang L, Lu S, Clemmer JS, Hester RL. A novel experimental model of orthopedic trauma with acute kidney injury in obese Zucker rats. Physiol Rep. 2013 Oct;1(5):e00097. doi: 10.1002/phy2.97. Epub 2013 Oct 2. PMID: 24303169; PMCID: PMC3841033.
  • Xiang L, Lu S, Mittwede PN, Clemmer JS, Hester RL. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase prevents acute lung injury in obese rats following severe trauma. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2014 Mar 1;306(5):H684-9. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00868.2013. Epub 2014 Jan 10. PMID: 24414071; PMCID: PMC3949061.
  • Mittwede PN, Noch EK, Guo MH. A closer look at attrition in MD–PhD programs. Acad Med. 2014 Jul;89(7):958-9. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000300. PMID: 24979156.
  • Xiang L, Lu S, Mittwede PN, Clemmer JS, Husband GW, Hester RL. β(2)-Adrenoreceptor blockade improves early posttrauma hyperglycemia and pulmonary injury in obese rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2014 Aug 15;307(4):H621-7. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00208.2014. Epub 2014 Jun 13. PMID: 24929860; PMCID: PMC4137123.
  • Lu S, Xiang L, Clemmer JS, Mittwede PN, Hester RL. Oxidative stress increases pulmonary vascular permeability in diabetic rats through activation of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 channels. Microcirculation. 2014 Nov;21(8):754-60. doi: 10.1111/micc.12158. PMID: 25059284; PMCID: PMC4229396.
  • Xiang L, Mittwede PN, Hester RL. Comment on Sato et al. Improving type 2 diabetes through a distinct adrenergic signaling pathway involving mTORC2 that mediates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Diabetes 2014;63:4115-4129. Diabetes. 2014 Dec;63(12):e20-1. doi: 10.2337/db14-1187. PMID: 25414023; PMCID: PMC4237998.
  • Clemmer JS, Xiang L, Lu S, Mittwede PN, Hester RL. β2-adrenergic regulation of stress hyperglycemia following hemorrhage in the obese Zucker rat. Physiol Rep. 2014 Dec 3;2(12):e12215. doi: 10.14814/phy2.12215. PMID: 25472607; PMCID: PMC4332203.
  • Mittwede PN, Xiang L, Lu S, Clemmer JS, Hester RL. Oxidative stress contributes to orthopedic trauma-induced acute kidney injury in obese rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2015 Jan 15;308(2):F157-63. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00537.2014. Epub 2014 Nov 26. PMID: 25428128; PMCID: PMC4338927.
  • Mittwede PN. On leadership and service during medical training. Acad Med. 2015 Apr;90(4):399. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000667. PMID: 25803415.
  • Mittwede PN. Young Investigator Perspectives. A delicate balance: career development activities and laboratory research. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2015 May 15;308(10):G805-6. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00090.2015. Epub 2015 Mar 26. PMID: 25813055.
  • Mittwede PN, Bergin PF, Clemmer JS, Xiang L. Obesity, Malnutrition, and the Response to Critical Illness. Crit Care Med. 2015 Aug;43(8):e321. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000000996. PMID: 26181126; PMCID: PMC4507436.
  • Xiang L, Mittwede PN, Clemmer JS. Glucose Homeostasis and Cardiovascular Alterations in Diabetes. Compr Physiol. 2015 Sep 20;5(4):1815-39. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c150001. PMID: 26426468.
  • Mittwede PN, Clemmer JS, Bergin PF, Xiang L. OBESITY AND CRITICAL ILLNESS: INSIGHTS FROM ANIMAL MODELS. Shock. 2016 Apr;45(4):349-58. doi: 10.1097/SHK.0000000000000512. PMID: 26513706; PMCID: PMC4792709.
  • Clemmer JS, Xiang L, Lu S, Mittwede PN, Hester RL. Hyperglycemia-Mediated Oxidative Stress Increases Pulmonary Vascular Permeability. Microcirculation. 2016 Apr;23(3):221-9. doi: 10.1111/micc.12267. PMID: 26749564; PMCID: PMC4818684.
  • Xiang L, Thompson MS, Clemmer JS, Mittwede PN, Khan T, Hester RL. Early treatment with GLP-1 after severe trauma preserves renal function in obese Zucker rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2019 May 1;316(5):R621-R627. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00312.2018. Epub 2019 Feb 27. PMID: 30811247; PMCID: PMC6589595.
  • Mittwede PN, Gibbs CM, Ahn J, Bergin PF, Tarkin IS. Is Obesity Associated With an Increased Risk of Complications After Surgical Management of Acetabulum and Pelvis Fractures? A Systematic Review. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2021 Apr 19;5(4):e21.00058. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-21-00058. PMID: 33872226; PMCID: PMC8057757.