Melissa Ann Whidden
Postdoctoral Fellow (Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
University of Florida
MS, Applied Physiology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
BS, Exercise Science, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Student Profile:
Melissa Whidden received her BS in Exercise Science and MS in Applied Physiology from the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. She was accepted to the University of Florida in 2003 and was mentored by Dr. Scott K. Powers, UAA Endowed Professor and Distinguished Professor, in the department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. Melissa joined the NMPT program during her fourth year at UF. Her research focused on diaphragmatic dysfunction during mechanical ventilation. Melissa contributed to eleven peer reviewed publications and numerous abstracts as a graduate student at UF. She also received the B.K. and Betty Stevens Graduate Scholarship from the department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow (NIA T32 Training Grant; AG000196) in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Florida. Melissa joined Dr. Nihal Tümer’s laboratory and is examining the role of oxidative stress in age-related sympathetic nervous activation and blood pressure elevation.

Research Project Description:
Melissa’s dissertation focused on diaphragm dysfunction following mechanical ventilation (MV). MV is used to sustain pulmonary gas exchange in patients that are incapable of maintaining adequate alveolar ventilation. The withdrawal of MV from patients is referred to as “weaning” and a large proportion of patients experience challenges in weaning. Numerous reports indicate that diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction is an important contributor to weaning difficulties. Importantly, animal studies reveal that prolonged MV results in diaphragmatic atrophy and reduced diaphragmatic specific force generation. MV-induced diaphragmatic weakness has been associated with oxidative damage to both cellular lipids and proteins. During her graduate studies, Melissa investigated the oxidant pathways responsible for MV-induced oxidative injury in the diaphragm. For her dissertation, she showed that the xanthine oxidase pathway plays a role in oxidant production in the diaphragm during MV.

Awards and Honors
2003 University of Florida, Applied Physiology and Kinesiology Departmental Scholarship
2007 University of Florida, B.K. and Betty Stevens Graduate Scholarship

Quote from Melissa Whidden on how she benefited from participation in the Training Program:
“My experience with the T32 Training Grant was great and it exceeded all of my expectations. As a trainee, I was able to interact with other trainees at weekly meetings to discuss relevant topics such as grant writing, the application process for a post doctoral position, and how to balance life and a career in science. On top of weekly meetings, I was able to attend seminars given by established investigators and actively participate in the Neuromuscular Plasticity Symposium. Furthermore, I was selected to attend the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine conference to present my work and network with other young investigators. Coming from a basic science background it was great to have the opportunity to intermingle with rehabilitation scientists. The experiences I learned from the T32 training program have already impacted my professional career and will continue to do so”.

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