Prof. Richard J.A. Wilson, PhD

B Sc (Hon) Neurobiology University of Sussex England, United Kingdom
PhD - Cellular Neuroscience University of Glasgow,Scotland, United Kingdom
Post Doctoral Fellow - Systems Neuroscience University of California, San Diego United States
Post Doctoral Fellow - Systems Neuroscience New York Medical College New York, United States
Post Doctoral Fellow - Cardiorespiratory Neuroscience Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
Prof Richard JA Wilson

Areas of Research

Neuronal control of the cardiorespiratory system
We are interested in cardiorespiratory diseases including: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, SIDS; Asthma; Sleep apnea; Hypertension; Atherosclerosis; Stroke; Heart disease. These diseases are the leading killers in our society and account for the lion share of the health care costs. We believe that a major and largely overlooked cause of these diseases is an abnormal neuronal cardiorespiratory control system. This system consists of peripheral and central chemoreceptors that detect the internal state of the body (primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide levels), a brainstem rhythm generator that controls the frequency of breathing, and a brainstem and spinal cord processor that modulates the depth of breathing, the diameter of airways, systemic blood pressure and the supply of oxygen to tissues throughout the body. The sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("couch potato') nervous systems feature heavily in this control system. In my lab, we are: 1. Investigating the brainstem rhythm generator that controls the frequency of breathing. This project is funded exclusively by NSERC. 2. Investigating the fundamental mechanisms, interactions and function of chemoreceptors in SIDS, sleep apnea, asthma and hypertension using novel preparations and approaches developed in Calgary. We are currently pursuing novel diagnostic and treatment technologies for precision medicine that will allow tailored therapy for individuals. Major funding for these projects has come from CIHR, AIHS, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary SIDS Society and the Alberta Lung Association.

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We are always looking for trainees that share our passion for science and discovery and want to work on something important! Successful candidates are likely to have the following: a good GPA and/or publication record, some research experience, good communication and writing skills.

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