I have an extensive research background in cardiovascular physiology, focusing most exclusively on myocardial perfusion and reactivity in models of both aging and sex-specific cardiology. My graduate research at WVU focused on the structural and functional microvascular alterations that occur with advancing age and sex differences in the heart.  After I completed my Ph.D., my interest in translational research in cardiac physiology blossomed at the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute (CII) where I was able to learn various tissue-engineering techniques and improve my knowledge of overall cardiac physiology and function. My primary research areas as an independent investigator include: exploring sex differences related to regenerative medicine in the heart, particularly in an aging model, developing cell-based therapies designed to improve the function of the microcirculation, and progressing adipose-derived tissue-engineering technology into pre-clinical research phases. My most recent studies highlight the role of the mitochondria in age-related vascular dysfunction and inflammation. I have significant proficiency in multiple modes of (cardio)vascular reactivity assessment, including ex vivo (pressure myography), in situ (intravital microscopy and dorsal skin fold chamber), and in vivo (echocardiography, pressure-volume loops, laser doppler).