Mission Statement

The mission of the Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory is to conduct novel original research and to provide high quality research training to the next generation of research scientists.

The research of the Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory focuses on:

• Important changes in physiological function with aging, with a particular focus on changes in cardiovascular health involving blood pressure and vascular function;
• Modulation of cardiovascular function by changes in biological factors (e.g., estrogen status) and lifestyle behaviors (e.g., physical activity/inactivity, diet);
• The efficacy of interventions, both lifestyle and pharmacological (including natural compounds), for reversing adverse changes in cardiovascular function with aging;
• The integrative (systemic to molecular) biological mechanisms that mediate changes in cardiovascular health with aging and with effective interventions.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

We promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory. We are committed to creating an environment where students, staff, faculty, and research participants, regardless of background and identities, can feel comfortable, valued, safe and included. We aim to develop scientists who conduct research that advances the health and well-being of all adults. We value diversity when it comes to working in team and collaborative research environments and understand that diversity of opinion, background and thought contributes to more successful research. Discrimination, hateful speech, and racist/exclusionary behavior is not tolerated.

What we have done:

• Our laboratory has completed the Foundations in Equity Certificate.
• Our laboratory has received funding from the NIH to promote diversity in health-related research.
• We offer opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students of underrepresented identities.
• We offer an anonymous DEI-focused post-study evaluation for study participants to provide feedback on their research experience.
• We have implemented mandatory DEI training for new lab members.

What we are working towards:

• Assessing our protocols for barriers to participation and working on minimizing those barriers.
• Increasing the diversity of our clinical trial participants to make our research more generalizable.
• Identifying our internal and external biases and finding solutions to eliminate them.
• Minimizing potential for bias during the hiring process.
• Offering blood pressure screening services (when possible) at events we attend, especially those in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
• Developing relationships with community organizations that serve underrepresented groups.
• Having monthly discussions on DEI principles and how they relate to our research.

University of Colorado Boulder Land Acknowledgement

The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. CU Boulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the University of Colorado Boulder can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.