Melissa Witman

Research Interests:

Chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems in the United States. Alterations in blood vessel structure and function are known to play a central role in the development and progression of a broad spectrum of these conditions. Our laboratory is interested in understanding vascular function and blood flow regulation throughout the lifespan and in the face of chronic disease, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease. Our long term goal is to improve the overall health and ultimately quality of life in these people through exercise, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions.

Education:

• B.S. St. Lawrence University, Biology
• M.S. University of New Hampshire, Kinesiology-Exercise Science
• Ph.D. University of Utah, Exercise and Sport Science – Exercise Physiology
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, Internal Medicine-Geriatrics

Courses:

• KAAP 400: Research Methods
• KAAP 430: Exercise Physiology

Current Funding:

NIH/NIGMS – COBRE P20  (Edwards/Witman)

Role: PI on Subproject 09/26/2016-02/28/2020

Vascular Consequences of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
The goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms contributing to cardiomyopathy and the eventual development of heart failure in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and determine if early detection and medical therapies can improve the morbidity and mortality of this disease

University of Delaware Research Foundation – Strategic Initiative, NIH 1R01HLI55764