Researcher Spotlight: Justin Sprick

What is your professional background?
I completed my doctoral training in integrative physiology at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. I have been a postdoctoral fellow at Emory for the last three and a half years. My research interests and scientific expertise are broadly focused on exercise and vascular physiology in health and disease.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Renal Division under the mentorship of Dr. Jeanie Park.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients experience exercise intolerance and exaggerated blood pressure reactivity during exercise. We seek to understand the mechanisms underlying this to make exercise both safer and more efficient in this population. We use a vast array of experimental techniques including microneurography and ultrasonography to explore how the sympathetic nervous system modulates vascular function and blood pressure responses during exercise. Further, we are exploring how combined exercise and nutritional interventions may improve exercise tolerance and vascular function. Ultimately, we hope to develop novel therapies to improve the safety and efficacy of exercise training in CKD.

What do you like most about Emory? 
I enjoy working alongside a diverse group of individuals comprised of both MD and PhD researchers.

What is your favorite movie or TV show? 
Movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness”

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with my wife and dog.

What is a fun fact about you? 
My scientific journey and interest in applied exercise physiology started 15 years ago when I was a personal fitness trainer.