Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics
News
Ward Defends Masters
The Cell Physiology Department congratulates Todd Ward, who successfully presented his Masters Thesis Defense February 29, 2008. Todd's thesis title was "Rodent Sodium Potassium-ATPase Alpha-1 and Alpha-3 Catalytic Subunit Regulation Involves Conventional Protein Kinase C Subtypes."
Todd's mentor is Dr. Thomas Pressley.
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SOM Grant Awarded!
Congratulations to Lorenz Lutherer, M.D., Ph.D., recipient of a School of Medicine Seed Grant for FY 2008 for his work titled: “Effect of Low Dose, Orally Administered IFNalpha on Chronic Cough in COPD”
The grant will be funded September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.
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Scholarship Winner!
As part of the TTU/HHMI Student Research Days, the Fellow/Mentor/Partners reception and banquet was held this past Friday night. Trenton Hoffman, HHMI student in the Strahlendorf Lab, received the Richard L. Blanton Endowed Scholarship for Undergraduate Research awarded at the banquet. Trenton, who is heading to Washington University in Missouri for graduate school, presented his poster, titled “Role of SRC-Family Tyrosine Kinases in Excitotoxicity of the Rat Cerebellum,” as part of the Research Days.
Congratulations, Trenton, and we wish you much success in the future!
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TTU Student Research Week Winner!
Congratulations to VelvetLee Finckbone, Medical Research Tech from the Strahlendorf lab, who yesterday was awarded 1st place in the Sixth Annual Graduate Student Research Poster Competition held on the TTU Campus on Thursday, March 22nd.
VelvetLee competed in the Biological Sciences Division with her poster titled: “Regional Differences in the Temporal Expression of Nonapoptotic Caspase-3- Positive Bergmann Glial Cells in the Developing Rat Cerebellum”.
Way to go VelvetLee, and we wish you continued success!
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Student Research Week Winner!
Congratulations to Bobbak Mansouri!
Bobby was awarded 1st place in the Undergraduate category of the Student Research Week poster competition after presenting his work on “Involvement of calpain in AMPA-induced toxicity to rat cerebellar Purkinje neurons.”
Bobby, who was awarded a Goldwater Scholarship last Spring, is an HHMI student in Dr. Jean Strahlendorf’s lab.
Way to go, Bobby!
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We’re in the Money!
Congratulations to Drs. Escobar and Martínez-Zaguilán on their grant funding!
Dr. Ariel Escobar recently received his award notice for his NIH R01 grant to study “Subcellular Origin of T-Wave Alternans in the Beating Mouse Heart.”
Dr. Raul Martínez-Zaguilán just received his notice of an award through the Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center Seed Grant Program to study “Proton ATPases are Molecular Targets for Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer.”
Congratulations to these two fine Physiology scientists!
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Physiology Scholars!
Congratulations to the following Physiology Graduate Students. They each earned Scholarships awarded at the TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Award Reception held November 1.
Dean’s Scholar
Chris Tomingas
Chancellor’s Scholars
Jennifer Attridge
Ryan Downey
Jimmy Fraigne
Lisa Welch
We are very proud of all of you!
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Physiology Welcomes New Graduate Students!
The Physiology Department offers a warm welcome to our 7 new Graduate Students:
Jennifer Attridge
Ryan Downey
Lauren Hightower
Julio Hilario-Vargas
Chris Tomingas
Julie Weathers
Lisa Welch
We are eager to start working with you this semester!
We also give congratulations to our Dean's Scholar Award winner, Chris Tomingas. Way to go Chris!
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Bobby Mansouri a Goldwater Scholar!
Congratulations to Bobby Mansouri from the lab of Dr. Jean Strahlendorf! Bobby was recently chosen as a Barry Goldwater Scholar!
Congress established the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program in 1986. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.
Congratulations Bobby!
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Drs. Escobar and Williams awarded tenure!
Congratulations go out to Dr. Ariel Escobar, Associate Professor of Physiology and to Dr. Jim Williams, Associate Professor at the TTU Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences, Joint Associate Physiology Professor, and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Both faculty members were awarded tenure at the most recent Board of Regents meeting.
Congratulations Dr. Escobar and Dr. Williams on this recognition of your academic and professional accomplishments!
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Student Research Week Winner!
Congratulations to Yimei Du, Postdoctoral Fellow in the lab of Dr. Richard Nathan, for her First Place finish at the Student Research Week Poster Competition!
Yimei won in the Residents and Postdoctoral Fellows category with her poster titled �Mechanisms responsible for ischemia-induced bradycardia in the rabbit sinoatrial node.�
Congratulations Yimei!
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Ferris is Med School Bound!
Congratulations to 5th year PhD student Lee Ferris! Lee has been matched with TTUHSC for Medical School this Fall! Lee�s mentor is Dr. Jim Williams, from TTU�s Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences Department.
Lee will be joined in Med School classes by former Physiology Student Assistant Jenny Chua-Tuan, who worked in the Mart�nez-Zaguil�n Lab.
Good luck, Lee and Jenny!
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Oomman matches in Arkansas!
Sowmini Oomman, who earned her PhD in Dr. Strahlendorf�s lab in May 2005, has been matched for Neurology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences! She will join the program this July. Mini is currently working as a Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Strahlendorf.
Congratulations and Best Wishes, Mini!
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Sennoune Receives AHA Grant!
Congratulations to Dr. Souad Sennoune! Dr. Sennoune was just awarded a 4-yr. Scientist Development Grant through the American Heart Association � National.
This grant will cover her work on: �Vacuolar type H+-ATPases in Angiogenesis�
Great work, Souad!
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Dounine-Barkovski Elected President-Founder of Russian Neural Network Society
Vitali Dounine-Barkovski, Ph.D., Visiting Physiology Professor, was mentioned in the November 2005 issue of StatLine, an e-Newsletter publisher by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. According to the article, Dr. Dounine-Barkovski recently presented in Russia in the Conference- Hall of the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He presented �Episodes of Precise Rhythmicity in Activity of Cortical and Brain Stem Neurons.�
Dr. Dounine-Barkovski has been the Russian Neural Network Society president since 1991. In January at the society�s Annual Congress, he was elected the honorary president with the title President-Founder.
Congratulations on your presentation and election, Vitali!
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New Graduate Student
The Physiology Department welcomes Jimmy Fraigne from La Rochelle, France as a Ph.D. student. Jimmy recently received his Masters from Universit� de Poitiers.
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New Grant Funding
Congratulations to two Physiology researchers who received Federal Grant funding.
Dr. Lorenz Lutherer, for HRSA grant �Center for Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke� (year 2)
Dr. Thomas Pressley, for NIH grant �Physiological Significance of NA, K-pump Diversity�
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Escobar Promotion
Congratulations to Dr. Ariel Escobar on his promotion to Associate Professor. Dr. Escobar has been with Physiology since 2000, and uses state-of-the-art optical and spectroscopic techniques to investigate the basis of excitation-contraction coupling in beating hearts isolated from wild-type and transgenic mice.
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Omidvar Defends Masters
The Physiology Department congratulates Kamran Omidvar, who successfully presented his Masters Thesis Defense August 5. His work was titled: Akt: Its role in the neuronal viability and protection against ischemia in the rat hippocampus.
Kamran's mentor is Dr. John Fowler.
Great job, Kamran!
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We�re in the Money!
Congratulations to our fine Physiology faculty researchers! The following are recipients of grant funding:
American Heart Association, Texas Affiliate
Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, for his work on �Endosomes � lysoosomes are Ca2+ stores in angiogenesis and diabetes�
School of Medicine Seed Grant Program for FY 2006
Dr. Marie-Jos�e Duran, for her work on �Regulation of the Na,K-ATPase in Prostate Cancer: A Role for PKC�?�
Dr. Souad Sennoune, for her work on �Proton ATPase Modulates Tumor Angiogenesis and Tumor Size in Diabetes�
Cardiovascular Seed Grant Program
Dr. Ariel Escobar
Dr. John Fowler
Dr. Richard Nathan
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Henne Earns Fellowship
Mike Henne from the Strahlendorf Lab has received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRF) that can sponsor his UK studies at Cambridge for up to 4 years.
Congratulations on this recognition of your outstanding work, Mike!
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Duran Promotion
Best wishes to Marie-Jos�e Duran on her promotion to Research Instructor in March 2005! Dr. Duran has been a Post Doc in the Pressley laboratory since January 2001.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your hard work, MarieJo!
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Titus Joining Family Medicine!
Congratulations to Rebin Titus, M.D., who will begin working June 2005 as a resident physician at the TTUHSC Department of Family Medicine. Rebin, who practiced medicine in India, earned his M.S. in Dr. John Fowler�s lab in 2003 and then passed the Step Exams for physician licensure.
Shubhkamna Rebin, and best of luck to you always!
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Attridge Earns MBA!
Congratulations to Jennifer Attridge, of the Strahlendorf Lab, who will receive her MBA in Entrepreneurship Saturday, Dec. 18.
Way to go Jenn, and best of luck in the future!
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Oomman Defends Doctoral Thesis
Sowmini Oomman successfully defended her Doctoral Dissertation on Wednesday, October 20, 2004. Mini�s work was titled, �Non-Apoptotic Role of Active Caspase-3 in the Development of Rat Cerebellum�.
Congratulations, Mini and best wishes for your future endeavors!
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Grant Award for Mart�nez-Zaguil�n!
In Sept 2004, Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n was named as a Neely Treadwell cancer investigator for the Southwest Cancer Center.
Congratulations Dr. Mart�nez-Zaguil�n!
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New Graduate Students
The Department of Physiology welcomes our 1st year Graduate Students, Yelena Dunina-Barkovskaya and Todd Ward. We wish you the best in your studies!
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Fowler Awarded Seed Grant
Congratulations to Dr. John Fowler, who received a 2005 Seed Grant to study "Aging and PKB's role in recovery from ischemia in rat hippocampus".
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2004 Convocation
Congratulations to Andrew Lovering, Ph.D. and Rebin Titus, MS, who were hooded at the GSBS Convocation ceremony on May 21 and received their diplomas at the TTUHSC Graduation ceremony on May 22, both at the United Spirit Arena.
We�re proud of you both and are looking forward to great things!
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Parish Wins Undergraduate Award!
Congratulations to Lauren Parish, HHMI Fellow in the Pressley lab, who won the David S. Bruce Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research during the final competition held at the Experimental Biology 2004 Meeting, held April 17-21 in Washington, DC. Her poster was entitled �Differential regulation of the Na,K-pump in human metastatic prostate cell lines.�Great showing Lauren!
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GSBS Outstanding Graduate Student
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has just announced Andrew Lovering as the winner of the 2004 Outstanding Student award.
Andy graduated in August 2003 with a Ph.D. in Physiology. He worked under the direction of Dr. John Orem and conducted research involving the control of breathing during hypoxia and the effects of hypoxia on sleep. Dr. Lovering is currently a postdoctoral research trainee at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.
All students completing the degree requirements in August 2003, December 2003, and May 2004 were eligible for this award. This honor is no surprise to anyone in Physiology who worked with him.
Congratulations Andy!
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Physiology Baby Arrival!
Congratulations to new parents, Serge and Dina Viatchenko-Karpinski. Their son Alexander arrived yesterday, April 19 at 4:16pm.
Best wishes to the Viatchenko-Karpinski family!!
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Physiology Grand Slam for Student Research Week!
Physiology undergrads in the HHMI program shut out the competition last week at the Student Research Week poster competition, taking 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd place awards!
William (Mike) Henne (Strahlendorf Lab) was the 1st place winner, with his presentation titled: �AMPA-induced excitotoxicity generates unique nuclear degradation and activation of CAD, AIF, and Endonuclease G.�
Jenny Chua-Tuan (Martinez-Zaguil�n Lab) was 2nd place winner with her poster titled: �Vacuolar H+-ATPase in human breast cancer cells with distinct metastatic potential, distribution, and functional activity.�
Lauren Parish (Pressley Lab) came in 3rd with her poster titled: �Differential regulation of the Na,K-pump in human metastatic prostate cell lines.�
Physiology�s 4th winner for the week is Sowmini Oomman, PhD candidate (Strahlendorf Lab), who walked away with a 2nd place award in the �3rd year and up graduate students� category with her presentation of: �Active caspase-3 expression during postnatal developments of rat cerebellum is not systematically or consistently associated with apoptosis.�
Congratulations to all our fantastic students!
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Omidvar Receives Scholarship!
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is awarding scholarships for the Spring 2004 semester. Congratulations to Graduate Student Kamran Omidvar whose hard work was recognized with a scholarship from the Houston Endowment!
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Mike Henne a Goldwater Scholar!
Congratulations to Mike Henne, HHMI student in the Strahlendorf Lab! Mike has been named a Goldwater Scholar. Congress established the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program in 1986. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.
Congratulations Mike, and keep up the good work!
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Lutherer Helps Procure Funding
Physiology Professor Lorenz Lutherer was instrumental in preparing the Red Book submission for a Center for Education, Research and Clinical Service in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke at TTUHSC. The proposal requested $5,000,000 over a three-year period. Congress appropriated approximately $375,000 for the first year as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The first year of such proposals is rarely fully funded, but funding in the first year increases the likelihood of funding for subsequent years. An application for 2.65 million for year two and 2 million for year three has been submitted for inclusion in the next budget bill. The Center should fund internal seed grants for TTUHSC faculty that can be leveraged into extramural sources, provide training for students, residents and health care providers within the regions served by TTUHSC and begin to address health disparities in public education and health care delivery within the region.
A detailed list of Federal appropriations is available in the Avalanche-Journal article.
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SABR Student Success!
Our 2002 and 2003 summer SABR student Jimmy Fraigne has been selected to join the Sleep and Chronobiology Summer Behavioral Sciences Research Apprenticeship program at Brown Medical School in Providence, RI as a William C. Dement Fellow. This prestigious position includes attendance at the Sleep Society meeting in Philadelphia.
During his studies in Lubbock, Jimmy worked in the lab of Professor and Chair John Orem.
Congratulations Jimmy, and best wishes on your work this summer!
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Sarvazyan Grant
Dr. Narine Sarvazyan has been awarded an NIH grant to support her laboratory research on �Origins of non-reentrant arrhythmias: ectopic nexus hypothesis.�
Congratulations Dr. Sarvazyan!
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HESS Promotions
Congratulations to our joint faculty members from Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences (HESS). Jacalyn McComb was recently promoted to Professor, and Jim Williams was promoted to Associate Professor.
Best wishes to you both in this new stage of your careers!
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Excellence in Undergrad Research!
Lauren Parish, HHMI student in the Pressley lab, was chosen as a finalist for the 2004 David S. Bruce Excellence in Undergraduate Research Awards. The winner of this award will be chosen after interviews held in Washington during the annual FASEB meetings in April.
Congratulations, Lauren, and good luck during the interviews!
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Med School Bound!
Congratulations to Dr. Fowler's excellent employees!
Medical Research Technician Jordan Downing has been accepted to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Worth, and Graduate Student Kamran Omidvar has been accepted to TTUHSC School of Medicine!
Way to go and best wishes from Physiology!
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Gy�rke Wins Chancellor's Award
Congratulations once again to Dr. Sandor Gy�rke! Dr. Gy�rke is a recipient of the Chancellor�s Council Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research. He will be among those honored at a Holiday Dinner at the Lubbock Country Club on Dec. 12.
Congratulations, Dr. Gy�rke!
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Finckbone New Masters!
Congratulations to VelvetLee Finckbone, Master's Candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies, who successfully defended her Thesis on Nov. 3rd.
VelvetLee's work is titled: Temporal Expression of Nonapoptotic Caspase 3-Positive Cells in the Developing Rat Cerebellum, and she is currently working in Dr. Jean Strahlendorf's lab.
Great work Velvet!
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Drs. Lutherer and Janssen Earn Dean's Awards!
Congratulations to Dr. Lorenz Lutherer, who was chosen to be this year�s recipient of the Dean�s Educational Innovation Award. Also, congratulations to Dr. Herb Janssen, who was selected to be the recipient of the Dean�s Teaching Award for Basic Sciences. These two awards will be bestowed at the School of Medicine General Faculty meeting on Nov. 18. Physiology is fortunate to have these two educators on our teaching team!
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Dr. Gy�rke is Achievement Award Winner!
On Thursday October 30, Dr. Sandor Gy�rke will be honored for his contributions and achievements at TTUHSC when he receives the President�s Research Achievement Award for the School of Medicine/Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty Awards Convocation.
Congratulations Dr. Gy�rke on this well-deserved honor!
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Congratulations to Graduate Student Rebin T. Titus, who successfully defended his Masters thesis on Wednesday, Sept. 24. His work is titled, �Age-Dependent and Hypoxic-Ischemic Changes in Akt-Protein Kinase B Activation in Rat Hippocampus.� Rebin�s mentor is Dr. John C. Fowler.
Great job, Rebin!
Our Newest Physiologist!
Lee and Lulayne Ferris and big sister Lydia welcomed Nathan James Ferris to their family on July 14.
Congratulations to the Ferris family from your Physiology family!
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Gy�rke Grant Award
Dr. Sandor Gy�rke was recently awarded a grant from the NIH.
This grant will support Dr. Gy�rke�s work on �Ryanodine Receptor Channels in Heart Failure.�
Congratulations, Dr. Gy�rke!
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Weddings Bells
Congratulations to Research Instructor Serge Viatchenko-Karpinski and his bride Dina, who works in the Cell Biology Department! They were married July 3 in Las Vegas.
Best wishes always Serge and Dina!
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Andrew Lovering, New Ph.D.!
Congratulations to Graduate Student Andrew Lovering, who successfully defended his doctoral thesis on Thursday, June 26. His work is titled, �The effect of hypoxia on sleep, breathing and medullary respiratory neurons in the cat.� Andy�s mentor is Dr. John M. Orem.
Way to go, Andy, and best wishes for your future success!
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Orem's Party
Some pictures of the Orem's party are available on the website.
Thanks to the Orems for this fun party!!!!!
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Nathan Grant Award
Dr. Richard Nathan was recently awarded a grant from the American Heart Association, Texas Affiliate. This grant will support Dr. Nathan�s work on �Mechanisms of ischemia-induced bradycardia in the rabbit sinoatrial node.�
Great work, Dr. Nathan!
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Swift Defends Master Thesis!
Congratulations to our new �Master of Biology,� Luke Swift, from Dr. Sarvazyan�s lab!
Luke defended his thesis May 2 at TTU. The focus of his work involved reducing the volume of trans uranic and low level radioactive cotton-based laboratory waste slated for long term storage/disposal at the WIPP site in southern New Mexico. He completed the work at Los Alamos National Lab in 1999, and finished the written thesis and defense this semester. The title of his work is: Enzymatic Degradation of Cellulosic Wastes, and Dr. Caryl Heintz was his major advisor.
Way to go Luke! Why don�t you take some time off to celebrate!
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Student Research Week Winners!
The 15th Annual GSBS Student Research Week was held March 24-28, 2003.
Congratulations to Physiology�s award-winning students:
Rebin Titus (Dr. John Fowler�s lab) was awarded 1st place in the Masters Student category. His presentation title: �Ischemic changes in AKT/protein kinase B activation in young and old rat hippocampus.�
VelvetLee Finckbone (Dr. Jean Strahlendorf�s Lab) was awarded 2nd place in the Masters Student category. Her presentation title: �Spatial and Temporal Expression of Nonapoptotic Caspase 3-Positive Cells in the Developing Rat Cerebellum.�
What a great showing, Students!
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Gonzales Awards
Joaquin Gonzales placed 3rd in the Biological & Life Sciences Category of the TTU/GSPGA Student Research Day with a poster titled, "The effect of heavy exercise on the oxygen cost and muscle activity during moderate exercise." Joaquin will be honored at a formal reception in April.
You�re on a roll Joaquin! Congratulations and keep it coming!
Joaquin has also been selected by a committee at the Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences Department of TTU to receive the Doris Horton Endowed scholarship for the 2003-2004 academic school year. Joaquin will be recognized at a luncheon in April for receiving this prestigious award.
Joaquin Gonzales received two awards during the recent meeting of the Texas Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine:
1) First place in the Doctoral Student category for his presentation/poster entitled, "Effect of prior heavy exercise on oxygen cost and muscle activity during moderate exercise".
2) First place in the Student Research Development Award for his submission entitled, "The role of nitric oxide and exercise training modality on the intracardiac blood velocity profile and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia responses".
Joaquin is studying in our joint Physiology / Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences (HESS) program. What an impressive showing, Joaquin!
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Duran Award
Congratulations to Marie-Jos�e Duran (Pressley Lab). Marie-Jo was chosen to receive a "Young Investigator Award" from the American Physiological Society. She will be honored at a banquet to be held during the Expreimental Biology meeting in San Diego in April.
Way to go, Marie-Jo!
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Gy�rke Promotion
February 28, the Board of Regents approved Dr. Sandor Gy�rke's promotion to full professor.
The promotion will be effective Sept. 1.
Congratulations, Dr. Gy�rke!
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Supporting Student Scholars
Physiology's own Rebin Titus is featured in the 2003 TTUHSC Supporting Student Scholars Campaign brochure. Physiology employees support this campaign through the "Friends of Physiology" fund, which helps provide, in part, for the educational/research training of our fine Graduate Students.
Thanks for the great publicity, Rebin!
Dr. McGrath Pays a Visit
Physiology recently welcomed Dr. James J. McGrath, who happily left the ice and cold of North Carolina behind to come to Lubbock and participate in teaching the Medical Physiology course. We enjoyed the time spent with our Professor Emeritus, and look forward to seeing him next year.
Thanks for your help Dr. McGrath!
Good-Bye Nancy Larson
Nancy Larson retired from the Dept. of Physiology on February 7, 2003 after 20 years working in the Texas Tech System. Nancy's looking forward to traveling and watching movies!
Have fun Nancy. We'll miss you!
Medical Scholars
It's off to TTUHSC Medical School for Callenda Hacker from the lab of Dr. Raul Martinez-Zaguilan!
Also, from the Lutherer laboratory, Ben Harvey was accepted to Medical School at Texas Tech by early admission and Michael Nash (SABR Student last summer) was accepted to UT-Galveston.
Congratulations to all and good luck from everyone in Physiology!
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Welcome Home Pressleys!
Welcome back to Lubbock to Physiology employees Tom and Beth Pressley. Tom and Beth were in Poitiers, France from August through December 2002. Tom was teaching and assisting with summer internship plans at the University of Poitiers.
Bienvenuey'all!
Dr. Fowler Receives Funding
Dr. John Fowler recently received a grant funded by the Administration on Aging through the Institute for Healthy Aging Grants Program. This competitive grant awards almost $50,000 in funding from September 2002 through August 2003, allowing research into Stroke and Neuroprotective Mechanisms in the Aged Brain.
Aiding Principal Investigator Fowler in his research will be co-PIs Jean Strahlendorf, also from Physiology, and Simon Williams and Curt Pharr, both from the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry.
Congratulations, Dr. Fowler!
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Our Newest Physiologist!
Graduate Student Andy Lovering and his wife Sandee welcomed the newest addition to the Lovering family on December 16, 2002.
Congratulations and best wishes to all!
Young Einsteins-Lubbock AJ Paper
Congratulations to Andy Lovering and Ben Harvey, this year's recipients of the ARCS Scholarship.
All the money raised by ARCS goes directly into scholarships, meaning that expenses are handled by the members through dues.
Ben Harvey, who plans to attend medical school, practice medicine and do research, is a senior biology major at Tech. He researches cerebellar control of cardiovascular and respiratory functions and plans methods of confirming heart failure in lab animals. (Lutherer Lab)
Andrew Lovering, a doctoral student in physiology at the Tech Health Sciences Center, plans to enter a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in respiratory neuroscience and eventually become a professor at a major university or medical school. He has researched high altitude physiology. (Orem Lab)
Young Einsteins Article
Cover Article-Circulation Research September 2002 Issue
Congratulations to Dmitry Terentyev, Serge Viatchenko-Karpinski, H�ctor H. Valdivia, Ariel L. Escobar, Sandor Gy�rke! Their article was featured on the cover of Circulation Research (Volume 91, Number 5, September 6, 2002).
Entitled: Luminal Ca2+ Controls Termination and Refractory Behavior of Ca2+-Induced Ca2+ Release in Cardiac Myocytes
Article
Physiology Departmental Library
5A173 (corner office) has been designated as the Departmental Library. Current journals have been placed there for use by faculty, staff and students. Refreshments have been made available, but contributions to maintain them are needed. A jar has been place there for your convenience. Enjoy!
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2002 Distinguished Alumni Award Presented
On Friday, September 13th, Dr. Robert M. Lust was awarded the 2002 TTUHSC Distinguished Alumni Award from GSBS. Dr. Lust is Professor and Chair of the Physiology Dept. at East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC. He received his Ph.D. May 1981 from the Dept. of Physiology and completed his Post Doctoral research in the Dept. of Medicine, Cardiology Division in August 1984.
Congratulations Dr. Lust!
10th International Conference on Na, K-ATPase and Related Cation Pumps
The laboratory of Dr. Thomas Pressley attended the 10th International Conference on Na, K-ATPase and Related Cation Pumps held in Elsinore, Denmark in August 2002. Congratulations to Dr. Sandrine Pierre, who was awarded 1st place "for preparing the best of 145 posters at the Conference in terms of scientific quality, visual display and communication"! Dr. Pierre's poster was titled: Structure/function analysis of Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 and alpha 2 central isoform-specific regions reveals their involvement in regulation by protein kinase C; by Pierre, S, Duran, M-J, Carr, DL, and Pressley, TA.
Way to go Sandrine!
Welcome New Employees
Please welcome the following new employees to our Physiology family.
Jothy Thomas, Volunteer, Undergraduate Student at TTU
Mukundan Desikan, Research Assistant
Jothy and Mukundan will be working with Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n and his staff.
Welcome to the Physiology family.
School of Medicine Seed Grant Awards for FY03
Richard Homan, M.D., Dean, School of Medicine and Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Barbara Pence, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research, announce the recipients of the School of Medicine Seed Grant Program for FY 2003.
Richard Nathan, Ph.D.
�Mechanisms of Ischemia-Induced Bradycardia in Rabbit Sinoatrial Node�
Congratulations, Dr. Nathan!
Welcome, First Year Graduate Students
The Dept. of Physiology welcomes its new first year graduate students.
Richard Bliss
Joaquin Gonzales
Carlo Manno
Kamran Omidvar
Anton Smirnov
Send Off for French Students
The Dept. said good bye to the French SABR Summer Interns. The students returned home to Poitiers, France.
SABR French Summer Interns
Matthieu Chosseler (Pressley Lab)
Jimmy Fraigne (Orem Lab)
Yamina Kebir (Mart�nez-Zaguil�n Lab)
Francois Laharrague (Pressley/Carr Lab)
Christine Le (CBB-Beale Lab)
Welcome Summer Employees
The Dept. of Physiology welcomes its new summer employees.
Lee Franks, Advanced Research Program with Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n
Tobi McMillian, Advanced Technology Program with Dr. Lorenz Lutherer
Steven Hamilton, HHMI Student Assistant with Dr. Ariel Escobar
Bobbak Mansouri, Clark Scholar with Dr. Jean Strahlendorf
Mohammed Attaya, Clark Scholar with Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n
Kamran Omidvar, Medical Research Tech III with Dr. John Fowler
SABR Summer Interns
Matthieu Chosseler (Pressley Lab)
Jimmy Fraigne (Orem Lab)
Yamina Kebir (Mart�nez-Zaguil�n Lab)
Michael Nash (Lutherer Lab)
Francois Laharrague (Pressley/Carr Lab)
Orem Part of Search Committee
Texas Tech University System Chancellor David R. Smith, M.D., announced on June 7 the appointment of an 11-member committee to advise him on the search for a new president for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
John Orem, Chair of Physiology, will participate on this committee, which hopes to receive input from Texas Tech students, staff, faculty and alumni, as well as members of the community.
News Release
Lukyanenko Heading to Baltimore
Good-bye and good luck to Research Assistant Professor Valeriy Lukyanenko and his family. The Lukyanenkos are moving to Baltimore, MD, where Dr. Lukyanenko will be working at the Medical Biotechnology Center, Institute of Molecular Cardiology at University of Maryland (UMBI)
We wish you well in your future endeavors!
Lovering and Harvey Awarded Scholarships
Congratulations to Graduate Student Andrew Lovering and HHMI Student Ben Harvey. Both have received a scholarship from the ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation, which is a national volunteer women's organization dedicated to helping the best and brightest U. S. graduate and undergraduate students by providing scholarships in natural sciences, medicine and engineering.
Recipients must have a university grade point average of 3.5 or above and be part of a department that is in the scientific or technical disciplines.
Way to go Andy and Ben!
Thomas Pressley Outstanding Teacher!
Students in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences program have voted Dr. Thomas Pressley�Outstanding Teacher of the Year�. The award is designed to honor those faculty members considered to possess the following characteristics:
Knowledge of material
Enthusiasm for subject matter
Demonstrated interest in learning
Flexible teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles
Patience and empathy with students
Demonstrated belief that teaching is an active process.
Dr. Pressley will be presented his award at the Annual Awards and Installation Banquet for students and their guests.
This is the third year in a row that a Physiology faculty member has won the award (Dr. John Orem was honored in 2000, and Dr. Narine Sarvazyan in 2001).
Congratulations to HESHAM ATTAYA, a new Barry M. Goldwater Scholar!
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarshipand Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.
According to Julie Isom of the TTU/HHMI Program, this prestigious scholarship is awarded to no more than four students at any individual U.S. university. There were about 300 given nationally in 2000. The Texas Tech record is unparalleled in the state of Texas for the last 6 years. HHMI Fellows continue to dominate the award list from Texas Tech. This scholarship awards the students with up to $7,500.00 for tuition, room and board.
Hesham's name is listed under "Texas" 2002 Scholars.
W e are very proud of you, Hesham!
Lee Gervitz Newest Ph.D.!
Leon M. Gervitz successfully defended his dissertation on Thursday, March 21, 2002. His work is titled: "Adenosine and Blood Flow Regulatory Mechanisms in Hippocampal Ischemia". His mentor is Dr. John Fowler.
The Department congratulates our newest Ph.D.!
Chua-Tuan, HHMI Fellow
Jenny Chua-Tuan, Student Assistant in the laboratory of Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, has been selected to be a recipient of an HHMI fellowship.
Congratulations, Jenny!
Student Research Day Winners!
The 14th Annual Student Research Day was held the week of March 4, 2002.
Congratulations to the following award-winning members of the Department of Physiology:
Sowmini Oomman( Dr. Strahlendorf�s Lab) was awarded 3rd place in the GSBS (Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences) category.
Her presentation title: �Non-Apoptotic Expression of Active Caspase-3 in Developing Rat Cerebellum.�
Hesham Attaya(Dr. Mart�nez-Zaguil�n�s Lab) was awarded 2nd place in the undergraduate category.
His presentation title: �Human Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Cells Express Plasmalemmal Vacuolar Type Proton ATPase (pmV-ATPase).�
William Henne( Dr. Strahlendorf�s Lab) was awarded 3rd place in the undergraduate category.
His presentation title: �A Subcellular Analysis of the Endonuclease CPAN (CAD) in Response to AMPA-Induced Excitotoxicity.�
Sandrine Pierre( Dr. Pressley�s Lab) was awarded 1st place in the Postdoctoral Fellows/Residents category.
Her presentation Title: �Alpha Isoform-Specific Regulation of Na,K-ATPase Transport Activity by Protein Kinase C: Role of the Central Isoform-Specific Region (ISR).�
Dr. John Orem - Murray Professor
At the March meeting of the Board of Regents, Dr. John Orem received the Grover E. Murray Professorship. Murray Professorships, the highest honor the TTU Health Sciences Center may bestow on members of its faculty, are granted to professors in recognition of the attainment of national and/or international distinction for outstanding research or other creative scholarly achievements.
Congratulations to Dr. Orem!
Dr. Narine Sarvazyan Promoted
The Texas Tech Board of Regents voted in favor of Dr. Narine Sarvazyan's tenure (effective immediately) and promotion to Associate Professor (effective Sept 1, 2002).
The Dept. of Physiology sends congratulations to Dr. Sarvazyan for this well deserved recognition of her research and academic achievements!
Dr. Arutunyan Promotion
Dr. Ara Arutunyanh as been promoted to the position of Visiting Professor. Dr. Arutunyan works in the laboratory of Dr. Narine Sarvazyan.
Congratulations, Araik!
Hesham Attaya - Med School Here He Comes!
Hesham Attaya, Student Assistant in Dr. Martinez-Zaguilan's lab, has been accepted to the TTUHSC School of Medicine for the year 2003, through the Honors College early acceptance program.
Congratulations Hesham!
Dr. Khanna Passes Boards
Dr. Apurv Khannahas received his Board Certification in Nephrology. Dr. Khanna practices in the TTUHSC Dept. of Internal Medicine, and is conducting research in the Department of Physiology in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Pressley. Congratulations Dr. Khanna!
Back to TopClark Scholars Featured
During the past eleven summers, outstanding high school students from around the country have come to Texas Tech University to involve themselves in a unique research opportunity. The Clark Scholars program is open to gifted students in almost any area of academe, from the natural sciences and mathematics to the humanities and fine arts. Some of Physiology�s former and current Clark Scholars are featured in the Clark Scholar program published by TTU. Pictured are Michael Henne, whose project, �A subcellular analysis of cell death behavior in Sprague-Dawley rat brain tissue,� has been mentored by Dr. Jean Strahlendorf, and Ben Kahn, whose project, �Preliminary characterization of iodide transport in the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis,� has been mentored by Dr. Tom Pressley and Ms. Debbie Carr (Physiology), and Dr. Jim Carr (TTU Biology).
Congratulations students, and thank you mentors!
Mart�nez-Zaguil�n Wins Chancellor�s Award
On December 8th, Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�nwas recognized at the Chancellor�s Council Annual Dinner. He is the recipient of the prestigious Chancellor�s Council Award for Distinguished Research and Teaching. Avalanche-Journal article
Congratulations, Dr. Mart�nez-Zaguil�n!
Dr. Viatchenko-Karpinski Promotion
Dr. Serge Viatchenko-Karpinskih as been promoted to the position of Research Instructor. Dr. Viatchenko-Karpinski works in the laboratory of Dr. Sandor Gyorke.
Congratulations, Serge!
Defeng Luo successfully Defends Masters Thesis
Defeng Luos uccessfully defended his Masters Thesis in November 2001. His work is titled, "Proton ATPase are involved in metastasis in human breast cancer cells." Defeng worked in the lab of Dr. Raul Martinez-Zaguilan.
Congratulations Defeng!
Dr. McGrath Awarded Emeritus Status
At the November 2, 2001 meeting, the TTUHSC Board of Regents awarded Dr. James J. McGratht he rank of Professor Emeritus.
Congratulations, Dr. McGrath!
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Awards
Congratulations to Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�na nd Dr. Lorenz O. Luthererf or winning Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Awards.
Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, Ph.D. received a 2001 ARP (Advanced Research Program) award in the Biological Sciences � Molecular Biology and Genetics Division for his study on �Proton Pumps at Cell�s Surface are Targets to Halt Angiogenesis and Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cell�.
Lorenz O. Lutherer, MD, Ph.D. received a 2001 ATP (Advanced Technology Program) award jointly with Dr. Cynthia Jumper (TTUHSC Internal Medicine). Their award is in the Biomedicine Division for their study on �Clinical Trial of Oral Interferon Alpha in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis�.
2001 Seed Grant Awards
Witali Dounine-Barkowski, Ph.D., Physiology, has been awarded a School of Medicine Seed Grant for FY 2002. His work will cover �A Minimal Neural Ensemble: Model of the Respiratory Pattern Generator�.
The announcement of recipients was made by Joel Kupersmith, M.D., Dean, School of Medicine, and Vice President for Clinical Affairs, and Barbara Pence, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research. These grants will be funded September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002.
For the complete list of recipients, click here.
Congratulations to Dr. Dounine-Barkowski!
Duran Awarded Fellowship
Post Doctoral Research Associate Marie-Jos�e (Marie-Jo) Duranh as been awarded a fellowship from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Division of Curriculum Outside France. This one-year fellowship for bourse lavoisierwill enable Dr. Duran to continue her studies in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Pressley. Congratulations Marie-Jo!
Back to TopLovering to Study in Uruguay
Congratulations to Graduate Student Andy Lovering, who is headed for South America yet again! Andy has been awarded travel support to the SRS (Sleep Research Society) and NIMH � sponsored Trainee Workshop to be held in Uruguay in October. Andy was in Chile last Fall studying High Altitude Physiology.
Back to TopWelcome New Graduate Students!
The Physiology Department welcomes five new students to our Graduate Program.
Lee Ferrisand Zhi Panjoin our Doctoral Program, Brett McCownand Rebin Titusjoin our Masters program.
Welcome new students!
Lee Gervitz Receives Travel Award!
Double congratulations to Graduate Student Lee Gervitz. He was selected as a recipient of the Society for Neuroscience Chapters / Eli Lily Graduate Student Travel Award. This award will allow Lee to travel with his mentor, John Fowler, to San Diego for the annual Neuroscience meeting in November.
Lee is also the proud papa of new baby Camille, born Aug. 10.
Congratulations, Lee!
Dr. James McGrath Retiring
Dr. James J. McGrath, Professor, retired after 22 years of service to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The Department held a reception in his honor on July 27, 2001.
We wish Dr. McGrath a long and happy retirement!
Amanda Purdom Defends Masters Thesis
Graduate Student Amanda Purdomsuccessfully defended her Masters Thesis July 9, 2001. Amanda was mentored by Dr. Lorenz O. Lutherer. The title of her thesis is "INTERRUPTION OF THE OLIVOCEREBELLAR TRACT TO THE FASTIGIAL NUCLEUS ALTERS CARDIORESPIRATORY REFLEXES."
Congratulations and best of luck to you, Amanda!
Narine Sarvazyan Outstanding Teacher!
Students in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences program have voted Dr. Narine Sarvazyan�Outstanding Teacher of the Year�. The award is designed to honor those faculty members considered to possess the following characteristics:
Knowledge of material
Enthusiasm for subject matter
Demonstrated interest in learning
Flexible teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles
Patience and empathy with students
Demonstrated belief that teaching is an active process.
Dr. Sarvazyan was presented this much-deserved award at the Annual Awards and Installation Banquet for students and their guests.
This is the second year in a row that a Physiology faculty member has won the award (Dr. John Orem was last year's winner).
Department Graduates, Spring 2001
The Department would like to offer its congratulations to members who have graduated this Spring:
Shankar Sanka (Physiology Graduate Student, Resident in Internal Medicine) - Masters in Physiology
Inna Gyorke (Medical Research Asst., Dr. Gyorke�s Lab) - Masters in RHIM (Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management)
Danielle Colorado (Office Assistant) - Monterey High School
Congratulations to all on your accomplishments and best wishes on your future endeavors!
Attaya is Award Winning Student!
Hesham Attaya, an HHMI fellow working in the laboratory of Dr. Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, participated in the ASMBM (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) fifth annual poster competition for undergraduate student research achievement and was among the 5 award winners. This national competition was held at the Experimental Biology meeting held recently in Orlando, FL (March 31-April 4).
His work was entitled: �Human metastatic pancreatic cancer cells express plasmalemmal vacuolar type proton ATPases� by Attaya H, Martinez GM, Gada R, and Mart�nez-Zaguil�n R.
Congratulations on a job well done, Hesham!
Dr. James McGrath earns Silver Star
The EPA is awarding Dr. Jim McGrath a Silver Star for his work on diesel. Dr. McGrath will travel to Washington to receive the award at a ceremony on April 10. The award is for his work on the Health Assessment Document for Diesel Emissions, which provides the scientific database for regulation of diesel engines throughout the United States.
This is the second award Dr. McGrath has received from the EPA. The first was received in 1997 for Superior Scientific Service for work on the Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter document, which provides the basis for regulating all sources of particulate matter (power plants, factories, etc).
Congratulations, Dr. McGrath!
Physiology's Budding Scientist
Congratulations to ANTON LUKYANENKO, High School volunteer in Dr. Escobar�s lab and sometime office assistant. He recently competed in the local South Plains Regional Science and Engineering Fair held at TTU.
Anton came away with multiple awards including:
First Place for 10th Grade in the Biological Division;
The Herbert Hoover Young Engineer Award (given by the Hoover Association to recognize the outstanding work of those just starting out in engineering);
A Health and Medicine Award from the Lubbock / Crosby / Garza County Medical Alliance;
Intel�s Excellence in Computer Science Award;
and the US Navy and Marine Corps Distinguished Achievement Award.
Congratulations Andrew Lovering!
Graduate Student Andrew Lovering has been selected to receive the 2001 Student Senate Phonathon Scholarship � Dean�s Award. He was chosen because of his outstanding commitment to his studies, motivation, high ethical standards, and academic and research abilities. Congratulations, Andy!
This is the second year in a row that a Physiology Graduate Student has won the Dean�s Award Scholarship from the Phonathon.
Congratulations Dr. Pressley and Dr. Mart�nez-Zaguil�n!
The Texas Tech Board of Regents voted in favor of Dr. Thomas Pressley's promotion to Professor, and Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n's tenure and promotion to Associate Professor. The Dept. of Physiology sends congratulations to both faculty members on their well-deserved promotions, which are effective September 1, 2001.
Back to TopWelcome home, Dr. McGrath
Dr. James McGrath, who was on assignment at the EPA in North Carolina,has returned to Lubbock and his office in the Dept. of Physiology. We are pleased to have him back to continue his research and teaching.
Back to TopDr. Lukyanenko Awarded Grant
Dr. Valeriy Lukyanenko was recently awarded a grant from the American Heart Association,Texas Affiliate. He will be studying Mechanisms of Modulation of Ca Uptake and Ca Release.
Back to TopDr. Sarvazyan Awarded Grant
Dr. Narine Sarvazyan received an Established Investigator Award from theAmerican Heart Association. This will enable her to study the cellularmodel of ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias.
Back to TopDr. Pressley a NATO Host
Dr. Thomas Pressley will be a host for a NATO Collaborative LinkageGrant. This grant will allow Dr. Pressley�s colleague, Dr. KarinNazaryan, to travel from Armenia to study enolase, an enzyme responsiblefor glucose metabolism.
Back to TopDr. Williams joins Department
The Physiology Dept. welcomes Dr. James Williams, Assistant Professor,Department of Exercise/Sport Sciences (HPER), TTU Campus, as an AdjunctAsst. Professor.
Back to TopFowler Lab at Neuroscience Meeting
Dr. John Fowler�s lab traveled in Nov. 2000 to New Orleans to attend the 30th Annual Society for Neuroscience meeting. Research Associate Margaret Hamilton presented her work titled: �Hippocampal electrophysiological activity in vivo is altered by intracerebral Adenosine administration in urethane anesthetized rats�. Graduate Student Lee Gervitz presented his work titled: �The role of Adenosine in the early synaptic response to hypoxia in the rat hippocampus in vivo.� Click here to see Lee Gervitz and Dr. Fowlerat the meeting.
Back to Top
Dr. Escobar Wins Award
Congratulations to Dr. Ariel Escobar! He was awarded the �BestScientific Contribution� in the 4th SOBLA (Sociedad de Biof�sicosLatinoamericano) meeting in Alicante, Spain during his recent travel to Europe.
Back to TopDeborah Carr Earns Safety Award
For the second year in a row, our Department Safety Officer, DeborahCarr, received the "Excellence in Safety Training" Award in September.Way to go, Debbie!!
Back to TopDr. Martinez-Zaguilan awarded $1.27 million for Study
Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n has been awarded $1.27 millionby the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.This will enable him to study the proton pump in its relationship to diabetes.The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal highlighted this effort in theirAugust26 issue.
Back to TopThe Interactive Heart
The website "The InteractiveHeart: An Online Discovery" features interviews with Physiology Departmentmembers Dr. Thomas Pressley, Associate Professor, Luke Swift, Medical ResearchTechnician, and Matthew Thigpen, Graduate Student. The site was submittedto the ThinkQuest Internet Challenge, which is an international programfor students ages 12 through 19 that encourages them to use the Internetto create information-rich Web-based educational tools and materials. Studentsform teams with their colleagues from around the world and are mentoredby teachers or other adult coaches. The "The Interactive Heart: An OnlineDiscovery" was made by three high-school students, including Ashot Petrosian,and was coached by Dr. Narine Sarvazyan, Assistant Professor.
Back to TopNational Role Models Conference
Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n represented Texas Tech UniversitySchool Of Medicine at the National Role Models Conference inWashington DC, September 16-18, 2000. The office of SOM Dean Dr. Joel Kupersmithsponsored Dr. Mart�nez' trip.
Back to TopPh.D. Qualifying Exams
Graduate students, Andrew Lovering and Leon Gervitz passed their oraland written qualifier examinations on Thursday, August 10. They have bothbeen recommended to the graduate school for Ph.D. candidacy. Congratulations!
Back to TopDepartment of Physiology Center of Excellence
Dr. David Smith, President of Texas Tech University Medical Center,has announced that a group within the Department of Physiology has beenawarded an institutional Center of Excellence Grant. This grant totals$125,000 to be awarded over the next two years. The grant will enable thegroup to expand their imaging capabilities. The goal of the center is toprovide innovative in vivo visualization techniques to elucidatethe mechanisms underlying specific physiological and pathological statesat the subcellular, cellular, and tissue/organ level. The directors ofthe Center are Dr. John Orem, administrator, and Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n,scientific director.
The Center will foster interactions among interested faculty in thebroad field of imaging cellular events (ion movements, membrane potential,free radicals) in subcellular compartments, single cells, and multicellular(e.g. tissue and organs) complexes in living entities. Towards this goal,five group leaders and their laboratories have joint efforts in the Center:Drs. Escobar, Gy�rke, Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, Nathan andSarvazyan. These laboratories employ fluorescence-based techniques in mostof their studies. The cohesiveness of this group is further enhanced bythe selection of experimental models that deal with the general area ofcardiovascular systems. Although the common area is cardiovascular, eachone of them has created his/her own niche that covers cell imaging studiesfrom subcellular compartments (Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, Gy�rke),single cells (Nathan, Gy�rke, Sarvazyan, Mart�nez-Zaguil�n,Escobar), cell populations (Mart�nez-Zaguil�n, Sarvazyan),tissues (Gy�rke), and organs (Escobar).
Current ongoing projects are involved in the study of smooth muscleand endothelial cells (lining blood vessels), cardiac myocytes and veryspecialized cells in the heart (pacemakers). The Center will involve graduatestudents from our department, as well as from the Department of ChemicalEngineering at TTU. Undergraduate students from TTU will also be involvedin several research projects. The Center will support a seminar seriesin which speakers from other institutions present their work in severalaspects of imaging. The training environment of undergraduate, graduate,postdoctorates and technicians will allow them to use state-of-the-artcell visualization techniques.
Back to TopSanka Successful Thesis Defense
On June 19, 2000, Shankar Sanka defended his Master thesis, �Regulationof Caclium Stores in Normal and Diabetic Microvascular Endothelial Cells."Shankar�s work was approved by his Graduate committee. He will begin hisResidency in Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University HSC shortly. Shankarworked in the laboratory of Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n.
Congratulations Shankar!
Joe Rojas Chosen as Student Marshal
Joe Rojas has been chosen by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciencesto be the Student Marshal for the Graduate School Commencement Ceremonyon May 19th. He was chosen because of his outstanding academic record duringhis doctoral program at TTUHSC. Congratulations Joe!
Back to TopDr. Orem voted Outstanding Teacher
Dr. John Orem was chosen by the students in the Graduate School of BiomedicalSciences as the "Outstanding Teacher of the Year". This award is sponsoredby the HSC Student Senate and is designed to honor those faculty membersconsidered to possess the following characteristics:
Knowledge of materialEnthusiasm for subject matterDemonstrated interest in learningFlexible teaching methods to accommodate different learning stylesPatience and empathy with studentsDemonstrated belief that teaching is an active process
Congratulations Dr. Orem!
Local Teacher to Visit Department for Summer Research
On March 10, the American Physiological Society announced that Sue Diggs, a scienceteacher from Lubbock High School, was selected as an APS Fellow in the Frontiers inPhysiology Science Teacher Summer Research Program. Her research project will focuson the energetics of ion transport in the thyroid gland, and she will be working in thelaboratory of Dr. Thomas A. Pressley
Back to TopFaculty Promotion
The Department congratulates Dr. Jean Strahlendorf, who was recentlypromoted to Professor.
Dr. Strahlendorf studies synaptic receptors and intracellular signal transduction in the cerebellum.
Rojas Successful Dissertation Defense
On March 30, 2000, Jos� D. Rojas defended his Ph.D. thesis, "IntracellularpH Regulation in Microvascular Endothelial Cells." Jos�'s work was approved by his Graduate committee. He will begin his post doc at Yale shortly after his graduation on May 19th. Dr. Rojas worked in the laboratory of Dr. Raul Martinez-Zaguil�n
Back to TopDr. Fowler Awarded Supplement
Dr. John Fowler was awarded an NIH Minority Supplement to help fund his current Ph.D.Graduate Student, Leon Gervitz. Mr. Gervitz is in his second year of study.
Back to TopBeth Pressley Receives Award
Congratulations to Beth Pressley, Clerical Specialist IV, for being selected to receive a Texas Tech Quality Service Award. This award is given for making �a significant contribution to Tech�s quality improvement effort by exhibiting an exemplary daily commitment to quality service and by encouraging and involving others in providing quality service by example and mentoring. A selection committee chose the top nominations from submissions across the TTUHSC.�
Back to TopPhysiology Student takes the Prize
Congratulations to Leon Gervitz for placing 3rd in the annual StudentResearch Day competition sponsored by the Graduate School of BiomedicalSciences. Lee's poster is entitled: "The Development of an in vivoRat Model to Study the Effects of Moderate Hypoxia on Hippocampal Electrophysiology." Lee is a Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. John Fowler.
Back to TopMart�nez-Zaguil�n Lab News
Dr. Raul Mart�nez-Zaguil�n was highlighted in the Dec. 30, 1999 LubbockAvalanche-Journal. The article "Proton Pumps: Cancer's Ally" featured Dr. Martínez-Zaguilán's research on breast cancer.
Back to TopNew Graduate Student
The department would like to welcome our newest Graduate Student,Sowmini Oomman. We look forward to working with her.
Back to TopDr. Lutherer Honored
Dr. Lorenz Lutherer, Professor of Physiology, was recently selected to receivethe 1999 School of Medicine Distinguished Faculty Award. He received the awardduring a Faculty Honors Convocation Ceremony in early November. The Departmentoffers Dr. Lutherer its congratulations!
Back to TopDeborah Carr Earns Award
Deborah Carr, Department Safety Officer, was awarded the "Excellencein Safety Training" Award in September. Way to go, Debbie!
Back to TopDr. Orem Wins Biomedical Research Award
Dr. John Orem, Department Chairman, has been chosen to receive the 1999 Texas Society for BiomedicalResearch Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations, Dr. Orem!
Back to TopDr. Wesson honored
More than 200 people attended a recent dinner honoring the University Medical CenterEndowed Chairs. Honoree Donald Wesson, MD, Professorof Internal Medicine and Physiology was among those congratulated for their achievements.
Back to TopWelcome to Our New Graduate Students
The Department of Physiology welcomes our new students, Pradeep Dinakar,Amanda Purdom, and Matthew Thigpen! We look foward helping each of these students through their challenging degree work.
Back to TopJose Rojas Brings the Honors Home Again!
Congratulations to Jose Rojas, who was recently selected as a poster winner from the FASEB Summer Research Conference on Transporting ATPases that he attended at Snowmass Village, Colorado July 3-8. He received the recognition for his work on "Vacuolar type proton ATPase in angiogenesis and cancer."Great job Joe!
Back to TopA New Arrival
Congratulations to proud parents Lee and Laurel Gervitz on the birth of their daughter,Jordan Ashley, on July 27, 1999!
Back to TopDonald Wesson Named Chairman of Internal Medicine
Dr. Donald Wesson, Professor of Physiology and Internal Medicine, was named Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine on July 22, 1999. Dr. Wesson, who has been with Texas Tech HSC for 5 years, will be a great asset to this important School of Medicine department.
Back to TopNancy Larson to Receive Award
Congratulations to Nancy Larson, Senior Medical Secretary, for being selected to receive a Texas Tech Quality Service Award. This award is given for making �a significant contribution to Tech�s quality improvement effort by exhibiting an exemplary daily commitment to quality service and by encouraging and involving others in providing quality service by example and mentoring. A selection committee chose the top nominations from submissions across the TTUHSC.�
Back to TopDrs. McGrath and Pressley Earn School of Medicine Academic Awards
Two members of the Department of Physiology were presented Academic Awards during the School of Medicine graduation ceremony in May 1999.Dr. James McGrath was presented the "President's Academic Achievement Award".This was presented to a faculty member who demonstrated accomplishment in several areas of academic endeavor, including: teaching; research; clinical practice; institutional or public service; and professional service.
Dr. Thomas Pressley was presented the "Excellence in Teaching Award".The criteria for this award included: having several years of sustained excellencein teaching as demonstrated in peer and student evaluations; evidence of a strong commitment to the educational process; and innovation or originality in teaching.
Back to Top1999 Summer Research Teachers Named
The American Physiological Society Council has approved 17 teams of teachersand researchers to participate in the 1999 Frontiers in Physiology ScienceTeacher Summer Research (SRT) Program.Our Physiology Department welcomes Mary Catherine Box, from Tahoka High School inTahoka, TX. Ms. Box is working in the laboratory of Dr. Jean Strahlendorf, conducting physiology research for a seven- to nine- week period. SRT teachers also attenda one-week summer retreat to learn how to develop hands-on, inquiry-based activitiesfor their classrooms for publication by APS.
Back to TopJose Rojas Wins Travel Award
Jose D. Rojas, graduate student in the Dept. of Physiology, has been awarded a "Travel Award" from the North American Vascular Biology Organization at the recent Experimental Biology meeting held in Washington DC from April 16-22. This award was for his work entitled �Vacuolar type Proton ATPases in Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Its role on pH regulation, Invasion and Angiogenesis�. Please join his mentor, Dr. Raul Martinez-Zaguilan, and the Department of Physiology in congratulating Mr. Rojas on this achievement.
Back to TopDr. Sabatini Elected President of Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
Sandra Sabatini, Ph.D., M.D., Professor of Physiology and Internal Medicine at TTUHSC since 1985, was elected president of the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation at its annual meeting in New Orleans February 17-20, 1999. She will serve as President-Elect this year and assume the office of President at the February 2000 Annual Meeting. She is the first woman president in the 53-year history of the organization. The Society elects members from the southeastern region of the United States. It showcases biochemical research at its annual meeting and publishes the American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Previous presidents have included such medical luminaries as Tinsley Harrison, Eugene Stead, Arthur Guyton, and Donald Seldin.
Back to TopJose Rojas Wins Student Research Day Award
Congratulations to Jose Rojas for placing 3rd in the annual StudentResearch Day competition sponsored by the Graduate School of BiomedicalSciences. Jose's poster is entitled: "Plasmalemmal VacuolarType H+ ATPases (pm V-ATPases) Are Involved in Angiogenesis in MicrovascularEndothelial Cells." Jose is a Research Assistant in the laboratoryof Dr. Raul Martinez-Zaguilan.
Back to TopBaby Physiologist!
Congratulations to Paul Barenberg and his wife, Dawn, on the birth of their son, Zachary, on Feb. 10 1999.
Back to TopTwo New Masters
On Nov. 5, 1998 Paul Barenberg defended his Master's thesis, "DevelopmentalDifference in the Expression of Neuronal Damage Following Simulated Hypoxiawithin Cerebellar Purkinje Cells." The following day Anthony LeGrowdefended his Master's thesis, "Effects of Thyrotropin on Sodium Potassium-ATPasein Rat Thyroid." Both were approved by their Graduate committees. Mr. Barenberg worked in the laboratory of Dr. Jean Strahlendorf and Mr.LeGrow worked with Dr. Thomas Pressley.
Back to Top| See the pictures |
| Contact Information: |
| Cindy Hutson, Administrator |
| Department of Cell Physiology |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
| 3601 4th Street at Indiana Avenue |
| Lubbock, TX 79430-6551 |
| 1-(806)-743-2520 |