Alexandra D. Medcalf
During the past two years, I have been working in Dr. Jennifer Pluznick’s lab investigating the mechanism of a specific receptor and sex differences in blood pressure. Our lab has found that when this receptor is absent in the kidney, anticipated sex differences in blood pressure are gone. My project has found that two sex hormones, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones, do not activate this receptor like hypothesized. The other part of this project has been seeing if there are differences in proteins between male and female mice that have or lack this receptor. Currently, I am still analyzing this data and trying to understand what proteins are worth further investigating and may explain the phenotype we see. This research is important because men and women have the same diagnostic measure for hypertension even though women incur significant cardiovascular risks at lower blood pressures than men. Better understanding of the sex differences in blood pressure would support the need for better sex-specific diagnostic measures and treatments in the clinic.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
I chose to pursue a PREP program at Johns Hopkins because of the potential to get rigorous research experience and support while applying to MSTP programs.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
Personally, this award has shown me that while I may not think I have accomplished enough during my post-bac, the work I have done is important, and others outside of my lab agree. I honestly almost did not apply because I did not think I had enough data, but my PI encouraged me to. I am so glad she
did. Professionally, this is my first award like this for research, so it is a big deal that as a post-bac I can add this to my resume.
What contributed to your project’s success?
The biggest thing that contributed to my project’s success was the support and guidance from my PI, Jen, my labmates and other grad students in the physiology department. This is the first time I have had this level of autonomy over a project. At times that was daunting, but Jen was always there to help and make sure I was prioritizing the right things despite setbacks.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?
I think Young Investigators’ Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the time, dedication and hard work that students and fellows undertake to accomplish high-quality research at Johns Hopkins.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
My most memorable experience at Hopkins has been experiencing the community that I have built with my labmates over the past two years. I was nervous moving so far away from home, not knowing a single soul and being at a huge institution, but my lab has really helped me see that I am capable of building community and thriving in new environments.
What are your plans for the next year or so?
I am currently in the application cycle for MSTP (M.D./Ph.D.) programs, so I will be wrapping up my post-bac soon and matriculating into a physician- scientist program this fall.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I am from a small, rural town in Oklahoma, so moving to Baltimore was a huge accomplishment, especially since I was the first one in my family to move this far away. I also really enjoy fiber crafts like embroidery and crocheting.