T32 Program Faculty

Mike Beckstead, PhD

Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program
Hille Family Foundation Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Beckstead is an expert in the neurophysiology of dopamine systems and their role in behavior, aging, and disease. His research focuses on how dopamine neurons communicate with other brain cells under normal and pathological conditions, with the goal of understanding and improving treatments for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, addiction, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. His work also investigates how aging impacts individual neurons, providing insight into the earliest stages of neurodegenerative diseases.

Sue Bodine, PhD

Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Bodine is an expert in skeletal muscle biology and the neuromuscular system. Her research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate muscle mass, strength, and recovery in response to aging, exercise, injury, and disease. By investigating the pathways that drive age-related muscle loss and impaired muscle regeneration, her laboratory aims to develop therapeutic strategies that preserve muscle function, promote healthy aging, and help older adults maintain mobility and independence.

Julia V. Busik, PhD, FARVO

Professor and Chair, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Busik is a leading expert in the mechanisms underlying diabetic complications, with a particular focus on diabetic retinopathy. Her research explores how dyslipidemia—alongside hyperglycemia—drives retinal damage, emphasizing the roles of sphingolipid metabolism, fatty acid remodeling, and cholesterol dysregulation in disease progression. Through her work, she has identified key molecular pathways involved in retinal vascular pathology and repair, advancing potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat vision loss associated with diabetes.

Ann Chiao, PhD

Assistant Professor, Aging and Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Chiao is an expert in the molecular mechanisms of cardiac aging and age-related heart disease. Her research investigates why heart function declines with age, with a focus on diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Using both in vivo and in vitro models, her lab studies how changes in cellular metabolism—particularly declines in NAD+ and mitochondrial function—contribute to cardiac dysfunction, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies to improve heart health in older adults.

Shannon M. Conley, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Conley is an expert in vascular biology and retinal degeneration, with a focus on how cellular mechanisms contribute to age-related disease. Her research investigates the role of vascular smooth muscle cells in cerebrovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline, particularly how impaired cellular plasticity and reduced IGF-1 signaling drive vascular fragility and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). In addition, her work explores the molecular regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying inherited retinal degenerations, with the goal of identifying pathways that can be targeted to treat debilitating vascular and vision-related diseases.

Michael H. Elliott, PhD, FARVO

Professor of Ophthalmology, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Elliott is an expert in retinal biology and ocular disease, with a focus on how lipid rafts and membrane microdomains organize cellular signaling in the eye. His research investigates the role of caveolin-1 and caveolae in neurovascular inflammation and maintenance of the blood–retinal barrier, particularly in age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, his work explores caveolae as mechanosensors regulating intraocular pressure and contributing to glaucoma pathogenesis, as well as molecular mechanisms of corneal wound healing involving limbal stem cell proliferation. He also studies retinal vascular aging, including age-related changes in vascular smooth muscle cells that contribute to vision loss and neurovascular dysfunction.

Bill Freeman, PhD

Member, Genes and Disease Program
Research Scientist, Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Freeman received his BAs in Chemistry and English and his PhD in Pharmacology from Wake Forest University, followed by postdoctoral training at the Vollum Institute of Oregon Health & Science University and the Yerkes National Primate Center at Emory University before joining the faculty at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on epigenetic and neuroinflammatory mechanisms of brain aging, with particular emphasis on DNA methylation dynamics. His work has shown that non-CpG methylation accounts for the majority of age-associated changes in the central nervous system, that age-related methylation patterns differ between males and females in both mice and humans, and that caloric restriction can prevent age-associated DNA modifications. In addition, his lab develops novel sequencing and computational tools to analyze DNA modifications and epigenetic regulation in aging brain tissue.

Veronica Galvan Hart, PhD

Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology
Donald W. Reynolds Endowed Chair of Aging Research
Co-Director, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Galvan Hart’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of brain aging that lead to dementia and neurodegenerative disease, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. Her lab has been a pioneer in defining mechanistic links between aging biology and cognitive decline, including the first evidence implicating mTOR signaling as a key driver of age-related cognitive impairment and dementia, helping to establish a geroscience framework for therapeutic development. Her work also demonstrated that pathogenic tau can induce cellular senescence, identifying senescence as a central contributor to neurodegeneration. In addition, she is a co-investigator in the first geroscience-based clinical trial in Alzheimer’s disease. Her lab integrates primary cell culture systems, in vivo optical and MRI-based brain imaging, single-cell omics approaches, and behavioral analyses to define how mTOR signaling, tau pathology, and cellular senescence can be targeted to develop therapies for aging-related neurological disorders.

Kenneth M. Humphries, PhD

Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology (OUHSC)

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Humphries’ research focuses on how diabetes affects cardiac function and contributes to diabetic cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular disease. His work investigates dysregulation of β-adrenergic signaling pathways, particularly cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling, and how impairments in calcium handling and metabolic regulation contribute to reduced cardiac contractility and increased risk of heart failure and arrhythmias. In addition, his lab studies mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes, with an emphasis on metabolic inflexibility and altered substrate utilization in the heart. His research highlights the role of protein hyper-acetylation in disrupting mitochondrial function and seeks to identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets that can prevent or reverse diabetic cardiac dysfunction.

Matlock Jeffries, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine, Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Jeffries’ research focus is in geroscience and osteoarthritis (OA). His work centers on understanding how non-genetic and environmental factors such as aging, obesity, and joint trauma contribute to the development and progression of OA, the most common cause of disability and a disease for which there are currently no disease-modifying therapies or early diagnostic biomarkers. His laboratory investigates epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression in joint tissues, including cartilage and subchondral bone, and was among the first to report genome-wide epigenetic alterations associated with osteoarthritis. In addition, his research explores blood-based epigenetic signatures as potential predictive biomarkers and has identified a novel cartilage-associated microbiome signature linked to OA, suggesting potentially modifiable disease risk pathways. He integrates clinical practice with translational research aimed at identifying early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets to slow or prevent osteoarthritis progression.

Tommy Lewis Jr., PhD

Assistant Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Lewis is an expert in mitochondrial biology and neuronal function. His research focuses on understanding how mitochondria regulate the structure and function of neurons and how disruptions in these processes contribute to aging and the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced genetic, molecular, and in vivo imaging techniques, his laboratory investigates how mitochondrial organization supports healthy brain function with the long-term goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets to preserve neuronal health and combat neurodegeneration.

Sreemathi Logan, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology and the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Logan is an expert in mitochondrial biology and cognitive aging. Her research focuses on understanding how age-related changes in mitochondrial function, metabolism, and neuroinflammation contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. By investigating the mechanisms that underlie cognitive resilience and impairment, her laboratory aims to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that preserve brain health and promote healthy cognitive aging.

Benjamin Miller, PhD

Professor and Chair, Aging & Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Miller is an expert in the biology of aging, skeletal muscle physiology, and mitochondrial function. His research focuses on understanding how aging disrupts cellular and whole-body physiology, leading to declines in muscle health, metabolism, and resilience. By investigating the dynamic processes that maintain tissue homeostasis, including protein turnover and mitochondrial function, his laboratory aims to translate the basic biology of aging into therapies that extend healthspan and preserve physical function throughout life.

Sarah Ocañas, PhD

Assistant Professor, Genes & Human Disease Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Ocañas is an expert in the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Her research focuses on understanding how biological sex, sex chromosomes, and hormones influence neuroinflammation, microglial function, and disease progression. By identifying the pathways that drive sex-specific risk and resilience in neurodegenerative disease, her laboratory aims to develop targeted therapeutic strategies that improve prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Scott M. Plafker, PhD, R.Ph.

Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Plafker is an expert in the molecular mechanisms of aging, vision loss, and cellular stress responses. His research focuses on understanding how nutrition, metabolism, and oxidative stress influence age-related eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis. By investigating the cellular pathways that protect retinal health and promote resilience to stress, his laboratory aims to develop dietary and therapeutic strategies that preserve vision and improve healthy aging.

Matthew Potthoff, PhD

Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology
Deputy Director, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Potthoff is an expert in metabolism, endocrinology, and the biology of aging. His research focuses on understanding how hormones produced by the liver regulate energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and communication between the body and the brain. By investigating endocrine signaling pathways, including the hormone FGF21, and their roles in metabolism, neurodegeneration, and aging, his laboratory aims to identify novel therapeutic strategies for obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other age-related metabolic disorders.

Raju V. S. Rajala, PhD

McCool Professor of Ophthalmology
Professor of Biochemistry & Physiology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Rajala is an expert in retinal neurobiology, cellular metabolism, and neurodegenerative eye diseases. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and metabolic mechanisms that maintain the health and function of retinal photoreceptor cells and how disruptions in these pathways contribute to vision loss in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related retinal degeneration. By investigating neuroprotective signaling pathways, metabolic reprogramming, and innovative therapeutic approaches, his laboratory aims to develop treatments that preserve vision and prevent retinal neurodegeneration.

Heather Rice, PhD

Assistant Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Rice is an expert in the molecular mechanisms of cellular aging and age-related disease. Her research focuses on understanding how cellular stress responses, protein quality control, and mitochondrial function influence the aging process and contribute to the development of age-associated disorders. By investigating the pathways that maintain cellular resilience and tissue health, her laboratory aims to identify therapeutic strategies that promote healthy aging and reduce the burden of age-related diseases.

Arlan Richardson, PhD

George Lynn Cross Professor of Research
Donald W. Reynolds Chair of Aging Research
Founding Director, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Richardson is an internationally recognized expert in the biology of aging. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive aging, including oxidative stress, inflammation, necroptosis, cellular senescence, and dietary interventions that influence lifespan and healthspan. By using innovative animal models to uncover the biological processes underlying aging and age-related diseases, his laboratory aims to identify interventions that extend healthy lifespan and improve resilience in older adults.

Deepa Sathyaseelan, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology
Member, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Sathyaseelan is an expert in liver aging, metabolism, and inflammation. Her research focuses on understanding how aging and obesity drive chronic liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver cancer, through inflammatory cell death pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence. By investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related metabolic decline, her laboratory aims to identify therapeutic strategies that reduce inflammation, preserve metabolic health, and extend healthspan.

William E. Sonntag, PhD

Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Founding Director, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging
George Lynn Cross Professor of Research
Donald W. Reynolds Chair of Aging Research

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Sonntag is a leading expert in the neurobiology of aging and brain health. His research focuses on the mechanisms underlying age-related changes in brain function, including neuroendocrine signaling and cognitive decline, with the goal of promoting healthy brain aging and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Sonntag earned his BS in Psychology and Chemistry from Tufts University and his PhD in Physiological Psychology from Tulane University. Following postdoctoral training in molecular neuroendocrinology at Michigan State University, he held faculty and leadership roles in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest University before joining OUHSC. He has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and has served on numerous NIH study sections.

Michael B. Stout, PhD

Associate Professor, Aging & Metabolism Research Program

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Dr. Stout is an expert in metabolism, reproductive biology, and geroscience. His research focuses on understanding how metabolic dysfunction and sex hormones influence aging and the development of age-related chronic diseases, with particular emphasis on sex differences in healthspan, inflammation, and reproductive aging. By investigating the molecular mechanisms that link metabolism, ovarian aging, and systemic aging, his laboratory aims to identify therapeutic strategies that delay age-related disease, improve metabolic health, and extend healthy lifespan.

Andriy Yabluchanskiy, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Yabluchanskiy is an expert in cerebrovascular aging, microvascular biology, and vascular cognitive impairment. His research focuses on understanding how age-related changes in the brain's microvasculature contribute to cognitive decline and dementia by disrupting cerebral blood flow and neurovascular function. Using advanced translational approaches that combine preclinical models with clinical studies, his laboratory investigates the mechanisms underlying vascular cognitive impairment with the goal of identifying biomarkers and developing interventions that preserve brain health and cognitive function during aging.