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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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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Dominique Campos, M.S.
Laboratory Technician-Senior
Barshop Institute
Dominique was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Texas Lutheran University and her master’s degree in biology from University of Texas at San Antonio. Dominique assists in research focused on injury and the effects of GLP-1s on the body while also developing expertise in mass spectrometry processing techniques. Outside of the lab, she enjoys exercising, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.