Physiology News

With three decades in the department, Karl Olson is now leading Physiology as its permanent chair.

Eunhee Yi is leading research on extrachromosomal DNA to understand how cancer evades treatment. With support from a grant, her lab is developing methods to track these DNA circles to explore new strategies to fight aggressive cancers like melanoma.

Kathryn Irish joins MSU’s Department of Physiology as a new assistant professor, blending her social work background with neuroscience research. In her new role, she will teach NEU 403, the tier II writing course in the university’s revised undergraduate neuroscience curriculum.

Recent graduate Gwendolyn Urbain earned the Grand Prize at the 27th UURAF for her research on how mild stress affects female reproductive cycles in mice.

Hilary Skalski, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Physiology at MSU, was recently recognized with a F31 fellowship and the department’s Jack R. Hoffert Research Award. Her research investigates the adverse cell-specific effects that obesity has on the endometrium that can lead to endometrial hyperplasia disease formation and progression.

Michigan State University senior Joslyn Claypool has been awarded two research fellowships to investigate how adenosine, a chemical influenced by caffeine, affects brain blood flow and inflammation. Her work in Dr. Qingguang Zhang’s lab could provide new insights into conditions like traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. In this Q&A, Claypool discusses her research, academic journey, and the personal motivations behind her passion for science.

Honored with the 2025 President’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Wehrwein’s passion for teaching and mentorship has left an indelible mark on her students and the field, blending innovation with a deep commitment to student success.

Troy High School junior Atul Ganesh won the 13th Annual Michigan Brain Bee at Michigan State University on Feb. 23, 2025, earning him a spot at the National Brain Bee in May. 

AJ Robison and Chris Shaltry were honored at the College of Natural Science's Annual Awards Ceremony on Nov. 15 for their outstanding contributions, with Robison receiving the Postdoctoral Mentoring Award and Shaltry earning the Distinguished Academic Staff Award.

Jennifer Doherty's recent $985,684 NSF grant supports her innovative approach to transforming STEM learning with principle-based reasoning in physiology education. Her work encourages students to connect concepts across biological systems, moving beyond rote memorization.

The 2024 IPSTP Retreat showcased poster presentations by several MCIP graduate students, along with a keynote address by Dr. Richard Neubig.

A former horse trainer, Elzinga aims to leverage her extensive knowledge to advance her research and enhance the Department of Physiology's collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary initiatives.

MCIP graduate student Chiho Sugimoto was recently awarded a F31 NIH fellowship and the 'Jack R. Hoffert Memorial Scholarship' for her research on inclusivity in mental health.

Erica Wehrwein, a professor in the Department of Physiology, has been inducted into the 2024 fellowship class of the American Physiological Society, honoring her leadership in physiology education and her contributions to the field. Wehrwein’s recognition reflects a shift in academic priorities toward valuing educational work alongside research.

Jesus Garcia Lerena, a graduate student in Eran Andrechek's laboratory at the Department of Physiology, was recently awarded a Susan G. Komen fellowship to study breast cancer metastasis, a leading cause of death in women worldwide.

Associate Professor Gina Leinninger and Assistant Professor Geoffroy Laumet, supported by a four-year, $1.36 million Department of Defense grant, are hoping to uncover the intricate relationship between chronic pain and obesity, dual epidemics that disproportionately affect veterans and millions of other Americans.

NIH awards nearly $1.8 million to MSU to explore the cellular basis of visceral pain.

Assistant Professor Valerie Hedges has published an Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook for her introductory neuroscience courses to help address the financial challenges and equitable learning access within her classroom.

Geoffroy Laumet is awarded the 2024 Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor of the Year award during the 2024 UURAF Forum.

Doherty’s innovative teaching approach to conceptual understanding and mechanistic reasoning was recently honored with the Teacher-Scholar award during MSU’s 2024 All-University Awards.

Associated Professor Gina Leinninger is awarded the 2024 Red Cedar Distinguished Professor title for her commitment to mentorship, leadership and advances in research.

The inaugural Immunology Research Symposium garnered record attendance. Organizers expressed the desire to transform it into a biennial event.

Eunhee Yi's innovative methods in cancer treatment and Qingguang Zhang's interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise in brain research aims to the enhance the Department of Physiology's research landscape

The Neuroscience Program welcomes four new graduate students.

Department of Physiology graduate student Tim Dorweiler research on diabetic retinopathy under the mentorship of principal investigator Professor Julia Busik was recently published in the scientific journal Diabetologia. 

Two new neuroscience courses are being offered this summer that will expand on concepts learned in previous introductory neuroscience courses.