Meet our Associate Editor Pooneh Bagher

Pooneh Bagher
Assistant Professor
Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Pooneh Bagher. I am an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University Health Science Center in Bryan, Texas. When I am not working on science, I love working in the garden, going to art museums and listening to music

2. Your group works to better understand the interplay between endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and perivascular nerves. You also examine how vascular function is altered under extreme physiological conditions like spaceflights. How did you become interested in your field?

My interest in studying the microcirculation started as an undergraduate student. One of my professors introduced me to Robert Furchgott’s Nobel Prize-winning work on nitric oxide. From that point on, I was intrigued by the way cells in the vascular wall communicate with each other to control vasodilation and vasoconstriction. My interest in space dates back to growing up close to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It has been a dream come true to bring together both my fascination with space and my research on vascular function.

3. What attracted you to the position of Associate Editor of the Journal of Vascular Research?

I began reviewing for the Journal of Vascular Research as a post-doctoral fellow. I continued to do so when I transitioned into a faculty position. I liked the diverse vascular-related articles that JVR publishes. When the opportunity to be an Associate Editor arose, I didn’t hesitate to accept. I enjoy contributing to such an pivotal journal in the field of vascular research.

4. What are the papers that you would like to see submitted to the Journal of Vascular Research?

I would like to see papers submitted that focus on all different types and sizes of arterial, venular and/or lymphatic vessels. Sometimes it is the subtle differences between vessels that feed or drain different organ systems that is the most interesting!

5. What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?

Find something that interests you, and pursue it! I think it is important to work on something you care about, it makes the challenges that go along with being a scientist worth it!

Visit the journal home page Journal of Vascular Research