Schmidt-Nielsen Mentor/Scientist Award Won By Joey P. Granger, Ph.D.

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training;  Hypertension;  Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 18 Nov 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The American Physiological Society (APS; http://www.the-aps.org/) has announced that it has presented its prestigious Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award to Joey P. Granger, Ph.D., of the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The honor, now in its fifth year, is bestowed upon members of the APS who have made outstanding contributions to physiological research and demonstrated the highest level of dedication and commitment to excellence in training the next generation of young physiologists.

Dr. Granger's research involves the investigation into how thin layers of cells inside the blood vessels alter kidney function and induce high blood pressure (hypertension) during a pregnancy related disease called preeclampsia. This form of hypertension affects nearly 5-7 percent of all pregnancies in the U.S. and is one of the leading causes of maternal death and perinatal morbidity. The valuable research Dr. Granger has done on this subject may lead to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of preeclampsia.

As a physiologist Dr. Granger has mentored five visiting scientists, including 13 postdoctoral fellows and 10 pre-doctoral students. He is the founder of a mentoring group for junior faculty, which assists in obtaining departmental funding and has also established a summer research internship program. Since being named dean of the school of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences in 2007, Granger has improved graduate education by providing superior stipend and health insurance support for all graduate students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Granger also participates in his local community by serving as a judge for local science fairs and frequently speaking at area high schools.

Dr. Granger received his Ph. D. from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, while completing his post doctoral work at the Mayo Clinic. He was named the Associate Director of the Center for Excellence in Cardiovascular-Renal Research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, in 1996. Dr. Granger was also honored, in 2004 as the Billy S. Guyton Distinguished Professor. In 2007, Dr. Granger was appointed Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

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About the Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen Award

Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen was elected the first woman president of APS in 1975. She was not only a distinguished physiologist, but also made significant contributions to her field. Her election was a historical moment for APS and representation of the growing importance of women in the field of physiology. She once said, "I think the best way I can represent women in physiology is to do my best possible job as president," a true reflection of her legacy.

As the 2008 Schmidt-Nielsen Awardee, Dr. Granger will be recognized at the APS's 2008 Experimental Biology meeting, and present his remarks on mentoring.

Physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function to create health or disease. The American Physiological Society (APS) has been an integral part of this scientific discovery process since it was established in 1887.

Source: Melinda Lowy
American Physiological Society

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