Dr Emily Plowman

Over the past decade, I have pursued investigations into mechanisms of bulbar and upper aerodigestive tract regulation, dysfunction with the goal of improving outcomes for individuals living with devastating disorders of swallowing. Since commencing my post-doctoral fellowship in 2009, I have held uninterrupted funding across six NIH institutes that include the NIDCD (F32, R03), NICHD (R21), NINDS (R01), NINR (R01), NIA (R01) and most recently the NCI (R01). I established and direct the Aerodigestive Research Core (ARC) laboratory and lead a group of passionate clinician scientists dedicated to studying mechanisms of upper aerodigestive tract functions in health and disease (www.arc.phhp.ufl.edu). The ARC mission is to improve the assessment and clinical management of dysphagia and related upper aerodigestive tract disorders to optimize function, quality of life, and survivorship. I strive to conduct pragmatic, meaningful, and translatable research to ultimately improve patient outcomes. My current research program focuses on three inter-related domains that include 1) increasing knowledge of governing mechanisms of neurogenic dysphagia, 2) identifying clinical dysphagia biomarkers to develop pragmatic screening tools and improve dysphagia detection, and 3) developing mechanistically informed interventions to improve swallowing, breathing, and airway defense (cough) functions. Our work in this area was recognized with the coveted American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders Research Award in 2019.  

In addition to my own research program, I am passionate about training junior scientists, with a particular interest in nurturing the development of underrepresented scholars, namely women and minority scientists. My efforts in this area were honored with the NINDS Landis Outstanding Mentorship Award in 2020 and the Public Health and Health Professions Doctoral Mentor of the Year in 2021 with a proven track record at both a local and national level for providing rigorous training that promotes the highest standards of research and a rich training research environment that is safe, inclusive and supportive to prepare trainees for their transition into the biomedical research workforce. I am therefore well suited to serve as a mentor to MSTP trainees to complete their dual degree in a timely manner.