Within the closely aligned Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont, a powerful multidisciplinary and multidepartmental group of interacting laboratories focuses their research on the molecular basis of cardiovascular muscle function. This group’s research covers critical functions ranging from excitation to intracellular signals to contractile molecules and genetic control of differentiation. The breadth and world-class reputation of this group is nearly unparalleled in this field. The group’s power is evident in its publication record, its success at attracting external funding, the subsequent success of its trainees, and its recognition. The close proximity, and high degree of interaction of such a focused group provides a nearly optimal environment for both the conduct of ground-breaking research, as well as for trainees to quickly climb to the field’s current state of the art. 

This group forms a “dream” environment for working or training at either the pre- or postdoctoral level, with “down-the-hall” access to an unprecedented spectrum of state-of-the-art methodologies and expertise. Ongoing research projects provide an environment for continued research career development at both the pre- and post-doctoral level. Besides our regular graduate courses, we have several ongoing study groups that meet regularly in specifically focused areas. We currently have 11 graduate students and 11 post-doctoral fellows working within the 24 fully established laboratories that constitute this program.