Paulo W. Pires, PhD. I am native from Brazil, where I got a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Master of Science degree in Cell and Structural Biology. I moved to the USA in 2007, and received my Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University in 2013. Upon completion of the doctoral degree, I proceeded to do Post-Doctoral training at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2019, I moved to the University to Arizona as an Assistant Professor to start the Laboratory of Neurovascular Physiology and Disease in the Department of Physiology. I am very passionate about science in general, but I am particularly passionate about understand the mechanisms by which cerebral vascular disease lead to cognitive decline, which is the current focus of the laboratory. In my free-time I enjoy playing with my kids, reading books and watching sci-fi movies and TV shows.
Graduate Students
Felipe D. Polk. My name is Felipe, I am a PhD candidate in the Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program. I moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2014 from the small town of San Carlos, Mexico located off the coast of the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Since then, I have found my passion for biomedical research in the field of cardiovascular physiology. Specifically, I am interested in investigating molecular processes important for vasodilation of cerebral arterioles, and how neurodegenerative diseases can lead to impairment of these important molecular processes. I have been part of the Pires’ laboratory since December 2019, where I have gained significant experience in pressure myography of cerebral arterioles, patch clamp electrophysiology, cell culture, and molecular biology. In addition to performing experiments, I enjoy my time doing outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and snowboarding.
Paige Martin. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. I received Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology and am currently a second-year Master’s student in the Physiological Sciences GIDP. After completing my Master’s degree, I plan to attend medical school. I am interested in all things physiology and biochemistry, but have a special interest in the physiological changes associated with aging and disease progression that comes along with it. Outside of the lab you can find me at a coffee shop, hanging out with my friends, or at a pool.
Undergraduate Students
Marlie Nochomovitz. I’m from Phoenix, Arizona. I’m a sophomore majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences, with minors in Biochemistry and Religious Studies. I have been a part of the Pires lab since the start of Fall 2023, and currently work on projects concerning the genotyping of mice and analysis of isolated blood vessels. After my undergraduate career, I plan on going on to medical school. Outside of school and the lab, I enjoy reading, competitive board games, baking, and exploring Tucson.