Alexandra (Bobbie) Garvin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: 252-744-0334
email: garvina22@ecu.edu
Research Interests
The overarching theme of my research program is to examine cell specific – cardiac myocyte and cardiac fibroblast – responses to stress using both cellular and molecular approaches. In the same localized environment, cardiac myocytes become dysfunctional while cardiac fibroblasts proliferate and activate leading to a coordinated induction of heart failure. More than 6 million Americans suffer from heart failure triggered by both acute and chronic disease states. Fibrosis, a primary characteristic of heart failure, is the deposition of extracellular matrix by cardiac fibroblasts that contributes to cardiac stiffening and a decline in cardiac function when produced in excess. My current research direction focuses on cardiac fibroblast phenotype and the molecular mechanisms that govern fibroblast activation and persistence during adverse cardiac remodeling. We utilize animal models of cardiac injury and isolated primary cardiac fibroblasts to identify genetic, proteomic, and metabolic factors that drive and support cardiac fibroblast activation. We are particularly interested in mitochondrial-related mechanisms that support the persistent activation of cardiac fibroblasts. The ultimate goal is to elucidate novel targets for anti-fibrotic therapies to intervene with the progression to heart failure.
Education/Employment
- 2023-present: Assistant Professor
Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine
East Carolina University - 2017-2022: Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Basic Medical Sciences
University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix (mentor: Taben Hale) - 2010-2017: Ph.D. degree and postdoctoral scholar
HUCK Institute for the Life Sciences: Physiology
The Pennsylvania State University (mentor: Donna Korzick) - 2009: B.S. degree in Biology
Clemson University
Publications