Cell Biology and Physiology

Nikki Jernigan, PhD

 

Research Interests

- Chronic hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension

- Ca²⁺ handling/signaling in vascular smooth muscle

- ENaC/ASIC ion channel function in vascular smooth muscle

- Reactive oxygen species effects on vascular reactivity

- RhoA/ROK mediated vascular reactivity

 

Education

2004 - Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences; Cell Biology & Physiology, University of New Mexico

2000 - BS - Biology (Minor: Chemistry), University of New Mexico

 

Professional Experience

2008-present : Research Asst. Professor; Dept. Cell Biology and Physiology; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM

2006-2008 : Postdoctoral Fellow; Dept. Cell Bio and Physiology; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM; Mentor: Thomas C. Resta, Ph.D.

2005-2006 : Instructor; Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics; University of Mississippi Medical Center; Jackson, MS; Mentor: Heather A. Drummond, Ph.D.

2004-2005 : Postdoctoral Fellow; Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics; University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS; Mentor: Heather A. Drummond, Ph.D.

2004 : Postdoctoral Fellow; Dept. Cell Bio and Physiology; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM; Mentor: Thomas C. Resta, Ph.D.

2000- 2004 : Graduate Research Assistant; Dept. Cell Biology and Physiology; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM; Mentor: Thomas C. Resta, Ph.D.

1999 : Research Fellow: Biodiversity of Australia; Dept. of Biology and Generals Honors Program; University of New Mexico/various locations in Australia. Mentor: Ursula Shepherd, Ph.D.

1998-2000 : Undergraduate Research Assistant; Dept. Cell Biology and Physiology; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center; Albuquerque, NM; Mentor: Benjimen R. Walker, Ph.D.

Awards

• Apr 2008 : Respiration Section Young Investigator Research Recognition Award
• Feb 2008 : Parker B. Francis Fellowship in Pulmonary Research
• Apr 2006 : Microcirculatory Society: August Krogh Young Investigator Travel Award
• July 2005 : NIH/NHLBI Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship
• July 2005 : American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, Southeast Affiliate
• 1999-2006 : APS/NIDDK Minority Travel Fellowship Awards – Experimental Biology

Current Lab Personnel

Matt Robinson – Undergraduate Research Assistant