Respiratory Muscle Biology

Swallowing Disorders

Mechanisms of Cough

Mechanisms of Cognitive Aging

Circadian Rhythms

Sepsis

Dr. Barnard’s research is focused on investigating the effects of muscle degeneration and neuromuscular scoliosis on respiratory function in individuals with neuromuscular disease using advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods. Dr. Barnard is now an assistant professor at the University of Florida.

Dr. Varga’s research focuses on the role of opioid-sensitive respiratory neurons in the brain in both normal breathing and under the influence of opioids. As a postdoc in Dr. Erica Levitt’s lab, she is looking for potential therapeutic targets to combat respiratory depression in opioid overdoses.

Malone’s research is focused on developing neuroprostheses to improve respiratory function following cervical spinal cord injury. He is currently investigating the electrical and physiological mechanisms of electrical epidural stimulation within the context of upper cervical spinal cord injury and the neural control of breathing.

Dr. Sutor’s chief interest is improving motor function after severe spinal cord injury. He is currently researching the use of acute intermittent hypoxia to increase breathing and sitting ability for people with chronic spinal cord injury. Dr. Sutor is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center

Dr. Tabor is the co-director of the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute ALS Center in Fort Lauderdale. The mission of her current research is to develop efficacious treatment regimens to improve cough function and airway protection in individuals with ALS, in effort to maintain oral intake and improve quality of life.

Dr. Vose’s research focuses on physiologic mechanisms underlying normal and disordered airway protection. She has 7 years experience as a licensed speech-language pathologist. Dr. Vose is now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida.

Dr. Wollman is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona. Her research is focused on enhancing respiratory neuroplasticity and promoting respiratory motor recovery after spinal cord injury using pharmacological approaches. Dr. Wollman is now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arizona.