Strong representation from physiology students at Research Day 2026
Research Day 2026 brought together basic scientists, clinicians, and trainees from across the College of Medicine – Tucson to share their work and spark new interdisciplinary collaborations. The day featured a morning session in the HSIB followed by a lively poster session on the UAHS outdoor plaza, creating multiple opportunities for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and engage with the breadth of research happening across the college.
Physiology research had a strong presence at this year’s event, with several students — ranging from undergraduate to doctoral trainees — contributing to the day’s dynamic exchange of ideas. Many took the opportunity to present their work and engage with peers and faculty. Here are some of the students who participated:
Daniel Chrisenberry, PhD student in Physiological Sciences GIDP
Studying a common genetic variant (rs217727) with two forms—one linked to normal blood pressure, and another associated with higher risk of hypertension.
Research Mentor: Mingyu Liang, MB, PhD
https://sites.arizona.edu/liang-lab/
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 10, Allele-specific regulation of vascular smooth muscle gene expression and apoptosis by the blood pressure-associated SNP rs217727
Cameron Bolles, MSTP Year 1
Determining whether interoceptive signaling (body-to-brain communication about physiological state) influences not just decision-making under stress but also reference memory and other cognitive processes.
Research Mentor: Katalin M. Gothard, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 38, How does autonomic arousal mediate memory?
Isabelle Pellot, MS3
Studying a progesterone-blocking drug to safely induce labor, promoting vaginal delivery and reducing the need for C-sections.
Research Mentor: Elise Erickson PhD, CNM
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 76, Improving Induction Outcomes: Progesterone Receptor Antagonists Reduce Cesarean Birth Rates
Rylee Reed, undergrad physiology senior
Identifying the optimal dose of oxytocin (Pitocin) to effectively support labor while preventing reduced response over time, helping lower the risk of prolonged labor and postpartum complications.
Research Mentor: Elise Erickson, PhD, CNM, and Paulo W. Pires, PhD
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 77, High-dose oxytocin attenuates contractile responsiveness in human myometrium
David Umbertus, PhD candidate in Neuroscience GIDP
Examining how reduced dopamine in diabetes disrupts the eye’s ability to adapt to light, with the goal of identifying early changes before vision loss occurs.
Research Mentor: Erika D. Eggers, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 71, D1R and D4R antagonist effects on oscillatory potentials during light adaptation using ex vivo ERGs after six weeks of diabetes
