Karen Ball
Title
Charles A. Dana Professor and Chair
Discipline
Integrative Physiology & Health Science
Educational Background
- Ph.D. Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago
- B.A. Exercise and Health Science, Alma College
Rank
Professor
My career at Alma began in
1995
I'm an expert in
Human Physiology
My expertise:
Dr. Ball’s research focuses on the biochemical regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle function. Specifically, her work examines modulation of force production under physiological (organismal development) and pathological (e.g. heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy) conditions. The laboratory also utilizes cell culture models to examine regulation of skeletal muscle growth with broad implications for clinical medicine and human performance. A final area of study is the tissue remodeling that occurs in the hearts of hibernating 13-lined ground squirrels. This information will have important implications in clinical approaches to heart attacks and heart failure.
Signature course(s):
Foundations in Physiology, Pharmacology, First Year Seminar
Other recent accomplishments:
Past President of the Michigan Physiological Society