FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2007
APS Contact
Melinda Lowy
mlowy@the-aps.org
www.The-APS.org
American Physiological Society Presents Fifth Annual Award to Researcher
Investigating Connection between Pregnancy and Hypertension
University
of Mississippi Medical Center Physiologist and Graduate School Dean Honored
with Prestigious Award named after First Woman President of APS, Bodil M.
Schmidt-Nielsen
BETHESDA, Md., November 13, 2007 — The
American Physiological Society (APS;
www.The-APS.org) announced today 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.
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.
NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview with
Dr. Granger, please contact Melinda Lowy at
mlowy@the-aps.org.
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.
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