Division of Physiology

Division Director
Wayne Mitzner, PhD
410-614-5446; wmitzner@jhsph.edu

Divisional Office
Mary Thomas
Wolfe Street Building, Room E7610
410-955-3612; mmthomas@jhsph.edu

Physiology is the branch of biology dealing with the processes, activities, and dynamics of life and living organisms. The discipline differs from other basic biologic sciences in that its endpoint is on function, rather than on the individual processes that contribute to that function.

Traditional physiologic approaches have emphasized studies in intact animals and organs. Modern physiologic studies extend the living system to the cellular and molecular levels, to the extent that technology allows probing and experimentation. As such, the research spectrum of the division is broadly based with investigators working at the system, organ, cellular and molecular levels.

The division has a primary focus on the physiology of the lung, which is a major target organ for environmental air pollutants. Faculty members investigate the basic mechanisms involved in lung disease and the interactions with toxic gases and airborne particles. Strong collaborations with the Respiratory Division of the Department of Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology help maintain a practical relevance to the basic research.

For additional information, contact Nina Kulacki, Academic Program Manager, at 410-955-2212 or nkulacki@jhsph.edu