RESEARCH PROGRAM
Research
My research uses vascular function, and endothelial dysfunction in particular, as a lens for understanding disease. I focus on RAAS–eNOS signaling in Long COVID and obstructive sleep apnea, and on exercise-based interventions that may improve vascular health.
AREA 01
Endothelial dysfunction and RAAS–eNOS signaling
The endothelium regulates vascular tone, in part through nitric oxide produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This work examines how signaling through the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and eNOS relates to impaired endothelial function, and how these pathways differ across disease states.
AREA 02
Long COVID
Through the NIH RECOVER initiative, I contribute to research on the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an emphasis on vascular function and the biological pathways that may underlie persistent symptoms.
AREA 03
Obstructive sleep apnea and vascular health
Obstructive sleep apnea is closely linked to hypertension and cardiovascular risk. My work investigates endothelial dysfunction in people with sleep apnea, including the CHART clinical trial of inspiratory muscle training in adults with above-normal blood pressure and sleep apnea.
AREA 04
Inspiratory muscle strength training
Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) is a brief, high-resistance, low-volume breathing exercise. I study its effects on blood pressure, endothelial function, and cerebrovascular function, including trials in sleep apnea (CHART) and type 2 diabetes (DIT), and the dose needed to maintain its benefits.
Selected funding
2025–27
NIH Loan Repayment Program (2L30HL170346-02), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
PASC RECOVER Adult. Role: Principal Investigator.
2023–25
American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (23POST1019151)
Maintenance dose of inspiratory muscle strength training to preserve cardiovascular adaptations. Role: Principal Investigator.
2023–24
Novel Research Project Award, Sarver Heart Center
Can inspiratory resistance training improve cerebrovascular and cognitive functions in patients with above-normal blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction? Role: Principal Investigator.
2019–21
American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship (19PRE34380496)
Cycle high-intensity interval training to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular function in older adults: The DART Study. Role: Principal Investigator.
Collaborations
As Clinical Trials Program Lead in the Department of Medicine, I work with investigators on study design and clinical research operations. I serve on the RECOVER Cycle 2 Adult Operations Committee and previously served on the RECOVER Cycle 2 Biospecimens Working Group, and I was Clinical Operations Manager for the Aegis Consortium. If you are interested in collaborating, please get in touch.