Principal Investigator
Dr. Damien Callahan –Originally from Kinderhook, NY Damien completed his Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2011 where he studied age-related differences in muscle activation, metabolism and fatigue. Thereafter, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Mike Toth at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He started at the University of Oregon in 2017, starting the Muscle Cellular Biology Laboratory shortly after. Dr. Callahan is interested in the role of muscle plasticity on clinical rehabilitation outcomes and the links between intracellular metabolic function and muscle contractile performance. When Damien’s not in the lab, he stays busy pedaling his bike up and down the hills of Eugene, often towing his triplet daughters and chasing his dynomo of a son.
Graduate Students
Grace Privett – A native of Southern California, Grace earned her M.S. degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Biomechanics at Cal Poly, SLO before arriving at the University of Oregon in 2018. Now a Ph.D. candidate in the Muscle Cellular Biology Laboratory, Grace is currently interested in the effects of human aging, disuse, and fatigue on skeletal muscle contractile function and mechanical properties. Ultimately, she hopes to conduct research aimed at improving rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with impaired physical mobility. When Grace is not in the lab, she explores beautiful Oregon by bicycle, foot, or paddleboard with her partner and their large canine companions.
Austin Ricci – Austin is originally from Santa Barbara, CA but has called Eugene home since 2015. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in the Human Physiology department at the UO, while volunteering in the Muscle Cellular Biology Lab. That experience led him to pursue a graduate degree in the same department. Currently in his 4th year, Austin is interested in the effects of fatigue on the inherent contractile performance in single muscle fibers. Within the context of fatigue, Austin also hopes to pursue questions related to performance, age, and sex differences. When not in the lab, Austin prefers to spend his time outdoors, preferably near some water when the weather is warm. Year ’round however, he enjoys watching his favorite sports teams (Dodgers, Lakers, Dolphins, and Ducks)!
Laboratory Manager
Karen Wiedenfeld Needham – Karen is originally from Ambler, PA. Before joining MCBL, she participated in a wide variety of research projects, including whether the Yucca Mountain environment will corrode proposed nuclear waste cannisters, the structures and binding kinetics of cytoskeletal proteins, the etiology and potential interventions for preeclampsia, the role of histamine in post-exercise hypotension, and the cardiovascular benefits of heat therapy. A true master of all trades, she also spent four years operating a bed and breakfast in the El Yunque rainforest in Puerto Rico. In her spare time, she enjoys working in the yard, baking, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Undergraduate/Post-Bacc Research Assistants
Alex Batrouny – Originally from Overland Park, KS, Alex moved to Oregon two years ago and is a junior at the University of Oregon working toward a B.S. in Biology. Alex is interested in sports–related sciences and his primary ambition is medical school. When he’s not helping in the lab, Alex loves to do anything outdoors or related to physical activity. He’s a competitive triathlete and loves to rock climb and play soccer and tennis.
Jordan Cooper – Originally from Issaquah, Washington, Jordan moved to Oregon 3 years ago and is a senior at the University of Oregon. Jordan is working towards a B.S. in Biology and Human Physiology. He is interested in sports medicine and hopes to become a physical therapist. When he isn’t working in the lab, Jordan enjoys exploring and any physical activity. He is also an avid soccer player and enjoys watching the Seattle Sounders.
Hannah Grunwald – coming Fall 2022!
Daniel Shlesinger – bio in progress
If you’re interested in learning more about joining the Muscle Cellular Biology Laboratory, send Dr. Callahan an e-mail. Potential graduate students can apply to the Human Physiology major at the University of Oregon.
