CIP Contacts

Dr. Andrew Braun, PhD

Cardiovascular & Respiratory Sciences Graduate Program
Dr. Andrew Braun completed his doctoral studies in physiology at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and then undertook post-doctoral training in cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Calgary. He then pursued additional post-doctoral studies in the regulation and biophysics of ion channel activity at Stanford University Medical Center. Dr. Braun was recruited back to the University of Calgary where he is a full professor in the Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology and director of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences graduate program. Research in Dr. Braun’s laboratory focuses on the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure by resistance arteries, the vasoactive signaling mechanisms (e.g. nitric oxide release, electrical coupling and membrane hyperpolarization) underlying endothelium-dependent modulation of vascular smooth muscle contractility and how these mechanisms can be exploited to normalize cardiovascular function in vivo. He is particularly interested in calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels expressed in both vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, which are critically involved in these processes. His current research interests include: 1) the regulation of large conductance, BK-type channels in arterial smooth muscle via the endothelial nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway, 2) the regulation of myogenic tone in small resistance arteries by endothelial KCa channels (i.e. KCa2.3 and KCa3.1), and 3) the long-term effects of small molecule, endothelial KCa channel activators and inhibitors on cardiovascular function in animal models of disease, such as type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Carol T. Huang MD, PhD, FRCPC

 Paediatric Endocrinology. Pancreatic beta cells are the sole source of insulin, the hormone required for regulation of glucose utilization and energy metabolism. Any defect in production or action of insulin result in diabetes. Our lab is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate beta-cell mass and function. We use pregnancy as a physiologic model of increased insulin demand to understand how pancreatic beta cells adapt to stress. Using rodent models, we have found that intact prolactin receptor signalling is required for normal glucose homeostasis and beta cell mass expansion during pregnancy. In the absence of prolactin receptor signalling, the pregnant mice developed gestational diabetes, and the female offspring born to diabetic mothers are also at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes themselves. This suggests that prolactin signaling regulates pancreatic beta-cell function and development, and it may contribute to fetal programming of pancreatic islets. Our current research focus is on 1) identification of novel signalling pathways that regulates β-cell function and survival during pregnancy, 2) identification of non-cell autonomous function of prolactin receptor in β-cell function, 3) the role of prolactin receptor signalling in beta cells outside of pregnancy, and 4) mechanism underlying fetal programming of β-cells in the context of prenatal exposure to mild hyperglycemia. We use transgenic mice and cell lines as our model systems, using molecular biology, biochemistry, and in vivo physiologic testing techniques to address these questions

Dr. Zelma Kiss MD, PhD, FRCSC

Dr. Kiss is a clinician-scientist and Professor in Clinical Neurosciences/ Psychiatry at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. She trained in neurosurgery and completed a PhD in neurophysiology at the University of Toronto in thalamic electrophysiology, followed by post-doctoral fellowship in Grenoble, France. Her research encompasses mechanisms of action of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and new neuromodulation therapies (focused ultrasound) in animal models and humans, somatosensory restoration techniques, electrophysiological and imaging markers of neuropsychiatric disease, and clinical trials of novel neuromodulatory techniques and targets.

Dr. Prism Schneider MD, PhD, FRCSC

Orthopaedic trauma surgeon Prism Schneider spends half her time performing surgery and treating orthopaedic trauma cases, and the other half doing research on how inflammation affects fracture healing and an individual’s risk of developing blood clots or excessive bleeding. Some of this work is done in a lab, using a pre-clinical model to study joint injury and inflammation. But most of her research involves leading clinical trials to find better medications and surgical treatments to control inflammation and optimize healing after injury.

Read more about Dr. Schneider and her research here.

Dr. Bonnie Lashewicz, PhD

Community Health Sciences
Bonnie Lashewicz, Professor and Graduate Program Director, is part of Community Rehabilitation & Disability Studies in the Cumming School of Medicine. Bonnie leads a program of qualitative and mixed methods research about responsibilities and identities in relation to an array of disability, mental health disorder and/or chronic disease diagnoses. Bonnie’s program is built on concepts such as resilience, busyness and moral distress. Her projects include studies of workplace mental health with a focus on how gender and culture intersect with work and mental health

Dr. Kara Nerenberg MD, MSc, FRCPC

Internal Medicine
Dr. Kara Nerenberg is an Associate Professor and Clinician-Scientist at the University of Calgary working in the areas of General Internal Medicine and Obstetric Medicine. Dr. Nerenberg’s clinical and research interests focus prevention of cardiovascular diseases in women after common pregnancy complications, mainly the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Her research is supported by CIHR and Heart & Stroke’s Women’s Heart and Brain Health Mid-Career Research Chair through which she founded and leads the Canadian Postpregnancy Clinical Network. 

Dr. Satish Raj MD, MSCI, FRCPC

Cardiac Sciences
Dr. Raj runs an active research program in Human Autonomic Physiology. His primary research interests relate to understanding and better treating postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), vasovagal syncope, and orthostatic hypotension.

Dr. Ganesh Swamy MD, PhD, FRCSC

Department of Surgery. I am a spine surgeon with varied clinical and research interests. I have spent the last ten years developing less-invasive reconstructions for adult spinal deformities along with a team-based approach to these complex reconstructions. We believe that we perform such surgeries as well as any top institution. My research interests are allied with my clinical interests. We have assembled a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, biologists and surgeons to study the science behind common spinal disorders including lumbar disc herniations (sciatica) and degenerative spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis.