Blake Rasmussen, PhD
Professor and Chair
Chair, Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Barshop Institute
Dr. Rasmussen’s research is in the area of muscle physiology and metabolism. Research topics include: 1) molecular mechanisms regulating muscle growth and atrophy in aging and disease; 2) mTORC1 and nutrient signaling in skeletal muscle; 3) molecular transducers of physical activity; and 4) cellular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction. The lab conducts research in both humans and transgenic mouse models. The goal of the lab is to develop new strategies and therapies to counteract muscle loss with aging (Sarcopenia) and to improve metabolic health in older adults.
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Jacquelyn May, MS
Laboratory Manager
Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Barshop Institute
Jacquelyn was born and raised in North Texas and received her bachelors and masters at Stephen F. Austin State University in Biology. After graduating Jacquelyn joined Blake’s lab working in both his clinical and mouse research. In her current role, she oversees daily operations, supports the research team, and ensures efficient and safe lab practices. After work Jacquelyn enjoys crocheting, cooking, and spending time with her friends.
Jun Martini
Mass Spec Technical Director
Barshop Institute
Wenjun (Jun) Martini received her PhD in Physiology at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She has worked for 20 years as an Army civilian scientist, performing pre-clinical and clinical trials following traumatic injury for mechanistic investigation and treatment evaluation. In her current job, she is overseeing the setup, operations, quality control and collaborations of our Mass Spectrometry core facility. Outside work, she enjoys running, dancing, gardening, and cooking for family and friends.
Sean Kilroe, PhD
Post Doc
Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Barshop Institute
Sean completed his doctoral training at the Universities of Exeter and Maastricht in the UK and Netherlands, respectively. His current research focuses on skeletal muscle health and interventions that result in muscle atrophy/hypertrophy.
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Anya Kalenta, MS
Graduate Student
Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Barshop Institute
I am a PhD student in biomedical sciences. My research investigates how exercise impacts muscle metabolism in mice with hyperactive mTORC1, with a primary focus on metabolomics and lipidomics analyses. I am very passionate about using scientific research to help people improve their health!
Erik Marchant, MS
Graduate Student
Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Barshop Institute
Erik is originally from Utah, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nutritional Science from Brigham Young University. He joined the Rasmussen lab because of his interest in skeletal muscle metabolism. After obtaining his PhD, he plans to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship and then start his own lab. When not in the lab, Erik enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with his wife Abby.
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Grant Goodman
Graduate Student
Barshop Institute
Grant is a native Texan with a passion for understanding and improving both himself and the world around him. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Colorado State University in 2021, he decided to return to Texas and pursue his goal of bringing lasting positive change to people’s lives through the dual lens of science and medicine as an MD/PhD student. He is excited to tackle new problems at the intersection of aging and muscle physiology, with a primary focus on understanding and intervening in the processes underlying states of accelerated muscle atrophy. In his free time, Grant enjoys fitness challenges, pursuing novel experiences, and following his curiosity.
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