Equine Inspiration

Under the Microscope—Equine Inspiration

This researcher shares how riding horses as a child led to a career in physiology.

Ann Revill, PhD, is associate professor of physiology in the Department of Physiology at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Revill’s research interest focuses on understanding the cellular and synaptic properties that contribute to airway patency during sleep and wakefulness.

HORSE SENSE. I’ve always been fascinated by movement and motor control. Growing up, I rode horses regularly and was always intrigued by how we could change our movement pattern or the horse’s depending on the task at hand. However, I grew up in rural Ontario, Canada, and did not have a university nearby, so I didn’t know about research until I got to university. There, I was lucky enough to start working in a lab that researched equine biomechanics, and that’s what I thought I wanted to do for my graduate degree. However, my fourth-year work physiology professor, Dr. Barclay, with whom I would spend just about every available office hour, speculated that my research interest might not be satiated by biomechanics. After spending some time soul-searching, I realized that neurophysiology might be a good fit for my research interests. During grad school and my postdoc, I came to the conclusion that I really enjoyed the mix of skills needed as an academic and that it would be a great fit as a career.

A WELL-STOCKED LAB. When I first started at Midwestern University, I knew I needed to order some of the basic supplies for running a lab. I expected that Midwestern University operated similarly to my postdoc institution, which meant that, among other things, I ordered a giant box of paper towels. However, I discovered that Midwestern kindly supplies items like paper towels! So, it took us years, but I think we’ve finally run through that giant box. That has inspired me to start a “what I wish I’d known” document to share with new faculty. I think the moral of that story is to ask as many questions as possible of other faculty when you’re starting out.

PLUSSES AND PITFALLS OF TECHNOLOGY. I often mull over with friends and colleagues about how earlier scientists have been able to deduce so much about the world around them with far less technology than we have today. I often wonder what these scientists would be able to accomplish if they had today’s tools, or whether we’re hampered by technology and don’t give ourselves enough time to think and observe what’s right in front of us.

STANDOUT STUDENTS. I really value the energy that students bring to the lab and thrive on their enthusiasm for their research and the creativity they bring. I also thoroughly enjoy supporting each student’s development as a scientist and am very excited to celebrate their successes with them along the way. A favorite memory is the PowerPoint presentation created by a student regarding the similarities of cats and muscular hydrostats (the tongue is a muscular hydrostat, which means that the muscles provide structure, as well as generate force, all while maintaining a constant volume).

DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. My least favorite part of my job is lab administration. I just cannot seem to get excited about making sure that all the packing slips are uploaded in a timely manner. I know that all jobs have some degree of administrative work and that this is the backbone that allows us to keep doing science. However, I’d rather spend that time reading papers, talking science or doing experiments.

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This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of The Physiologist Magazine. Copyright © 2024 by the American Physiological Society.