Ken D. O’Halloran PhD, FTPS

Professor of Physiology

I am an integrative physiologist with interests in cardiorespiratory physiology, as well as other organ systems. My primary research interest is the control of breathing in health and disease, with a current focus on respiratory muscle physiology and neural control of respiratory behaviour in models of neuromuscular disease. I have been an invited speaker and I have organised and chaired symposia at international conferences in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. I was Meetings Secretary of The Physiological Society (2014-2017) responsible for the scientific meetings portfolio of The Society. I have served on several international conference programme committees, including the International Union of Physiological Sciences (2017), International Society for Arterial Chemoreception (2025) and the Oxford Conference on the Control of Breathing (2027). I was an executive Trustee of The Physiological Society and was elected fellow in 2017. I was General Secretary of The Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (2011-2019) and served concurrently as Secretary of the Biomedical Sciences Section. I am a fellow of the Academy. I am senior editor of The Journal of Physiology. I have served as expert reviewer for several international funding agencies including the Medical Research Council (UK), British Heart Foundation (UK), BBSRC (UK), ANR (French National Research Agency), Vici Awards (Netherlands), and the European Commission including ERC awards. I have served as external examiner on academic programmes at Imperial College, Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University and PhD thesis examiner in the UK, Canada and Australia. I have secured over 4 million euro in research funding and have supervised 20 PhD and 5 MSc researchers. 

Education and Employment

2011-present Professor of Physiology, UCC.

2006-2011 Senior Lecturer, University College Dublin (UCD).

2000-2006 Lecturer, UCD.

1996-2000 Postdoctoral Fellow, UW-Madison, USA.

1995-1996 Postdoctoral Fellow, UNC Chapel Hill, USA.

1992-1995 PhD, RCSI & UCD.

1988-1992 BSc (Hons) Physiology, UCC.

University Roles

2015-present Research Integrity Officer

2011-present Director, Biological Services Unit

2011-present Head, Department of Physiology

External Roles

2019-2028 Senior Editor, The Journal of Physiology

2015-2024 Senior Editor, Experimental Physiology

2014-2017 Meetings Secretary, The Physiological Society

2014-2017 Executive Committee, The Physiological Society

2012-2017 Trustee & Council Member, The Physiological Society

2011-2019 General Secretary, Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 

Current interests: Therapeutic strategies to protect respiratory performance in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We performed the first comprehensive assessment of respiratory system performance in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Our studies have revealed deficits and compensations at multiple sites in the integrative control of the respiratory musculature. We have demonstrated the efficacy of novel pharmacotherapy strategies and recently demonstrated that accessory muscles of breathing afford remarkable compensation for diaphragm muscle weakness in the dystrophic mouse, which we demonstrated is lost with progressive disease. This finding has implications for treatments and rehabilitative interventions in people with DMD. We are currently characterising the elaboration of respiratory system impairments in progressive dystrophic disease models, wherein we are exploring the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies including gene transfer.

The major focus of our research is cardio-respiratory function in health and disease. I am an integrative physiologist with diverse research interests and experience ranging from cardio-respiratory to gastrointestinal and renal physiology. Projects span the research landscape, including basic and applied research, patient-orientated research including observational and interventional studies in clinical populations as well as randomised-controlled trials, and field studies of cardio-respiratory and renal physiology at high altitude in sea-level natives (lowlanders). My research employs classical and contemporary multi-disciplinary experimental approaches and technologies in physiology, proteomics, redox biology, cell signalling, neuroscience, and respiratory medicine to explore the control of breathing and blood pressure in health and disease, in a variety of species, from genes to behaviour.

Therapeutic strategies to protect respiratory performance in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
We performed the first comprehensive assessment of respiratory system performance in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Our studies have revealed deficits and compensations at multiple sites in the integrative control of the respiratory musculature. We have demonstrated the efficacy of novel pharmacotherapy strategies and recently demonstrated that accessory muscles of breathing afford remarkable compensation for diaphragm muscle weakness in the dystrophic mouse, which we demonstrated is lost with progressive disease. This finding has implications for treatments and rehabilitative interventions in people with DMD. We are currently characterising the elaboration of respiratory system impairments in progressive dystrophic disease models, wherein we are exploring the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies that combine neurotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic strategies. 

Key publications:
O'Halloran KD, Maxwell MN, Marullo AL, Hamilton CP, Murchú S, Burns DP, Mahony CM, Slyne AD, and Drummond SE (2023). Loss of compensation afforded by accessory muscles of breathing leads to respiratory system compromise in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 
Journal of Physiology 601(19):4441-4467.

Mhandire DZ, Burns DP, Roger AL, O'Halloran KD, ElMallah MK (2022). Breathing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: translation to therapy.
Journal of  Physiology 600(15):3465-3482. 

Burns DP, Drummond SE, Bolger D, Coiscaud A, Murphy KH, Edge D, O'Halloran KD (2019). N-acetylcysteine decreases fibrosis and increases force-generating capacity of mdx diaphragm. Antioxidants 8, 581.

Burns DP, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD (2019). Auxiliary compensation for diaphragm dysfunction in dystrophic disease. Journal of Physiology 597 (15):4103-4105.

Burns DP, Murphy KH, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD. (2019). Inspiratory pressure-generating capacity is preserved during ventilatory and non-ventilatory behaviours in young dystrophic mdx mice despite profound diaphragm muscle weakness. Journal of Physiology 597, 831-848.

Burns DP, Canavan L, Rowland J, O'Flaherty R, Brannock M, Drummond SE, O'Malley D, Edge D, O'Halloran KD. (2018). Recovery of respiratory function in mdx mice co-treated with neutralizing interleukin-6 receptor antibodies and Urocortin-2. Journal of Physiology 516, 5175-5197.

Burns DP, Roy A, Lucking EF, McDonald FB, Gray S, Wilson RJ, Edge D, O'Halloran KD. (2017). Sensorimotor control of breathing in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Journal of Physiology 595, 6653-6672.

INSPIRE DMD: Interventional strategies to protect and increase respiratory efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Funded by Science Foundation Ireland.

PhD researchers Misha Maxwell, Tony Marullo, and Aoife Slyne (funded by Eli Lilly doctoral scholarship) are characterising respiratory control in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. Misha is exploring the efficacy of novel therapeutics in ameliorating respiratory system compromise in mdx mice. Tony is exploring the gut-muscle axis, employing metagenomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses with a view to gut microbial directed strategies to improve muscle function in mdx mice. Aoife is characterising respiratory control in early and advanced dystrophic disease and has explored the efficacy of gene therapy in improving respiratory system function in collaboration with colleagues at Duke University, USA.

In recent studies we have characterised breathing in D2.mdx and DKO mice and have explored the efficacy of stable microdystrophin expression in ameliorating respiratory compromise in dystrophin deficient mice.


Cardio-respiratory effects of exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia modelling human sleep-disordered breathing.
Our findings highlight that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), modelling the pattern of oxygen dysregulation in human sleep apnoea, has deleterious effects on cardio-respiratory control. CIH causes respiratory muscle weakness and fatigue, impairs motor control of respiratory muscles regulating upper airway calibre and destabilizes ventilatory control giving rise to disordered breathing during sleep. Our work has revealed that CIH alters redox status in muscle and the neural networks controlling them. We have established that CIH-induced dysfunction in the respiratory system is amenable to antioxidant interventions, suggesting their potential use as adjunctive therapies in human sleep apnoea. We have used transgenic and pharmacological approaches to reveal that the superoxide-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase is pivotal to CIH-induced respiratory muscle weakness. Indeed, studies in NOX2 null mice reveal a fundamental role for NADPH oxidase-dependent redox signalling in respiratory muscle function per se.

Key publications:

Drummond SE, Burns DP, El Maghrani S, Ziegler O, Healy V, O'Halloran KD (2023). Chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced diaphragm muscle weakness is NADPH Oxidase-2 dependent. 
Cells 12(14), 1834. 

Drummond SE, Burns DP, Maghrani SE, Ziegler O, Healy V, O'Halloran KD (2022). NADPH oxidase 2 is necessary for chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced sternohyoid muscle weakness in adult male mice. Experimental Physiology 107(8), 946-964. 

Drummond SE, Burns DP, O'Connor KM, Clarke G, O'Halloran KD (2021). The role of NADPH oxidase in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced respiratory plasticity in adult male mice. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 292,103713. 

McDonald FB, Dempsey EM, O'Halloran KD (2016). Effects of gestational and postnatal exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia on diaphragm muscle contractile function in the rat. Frontiers in Physiology 7, 276.

McDonald FB, Dempsey EM, O'Halloran KD (2016). Early life exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia primes increased susceptibility to hypoxia-induced weakness in rat sternohyoid muscle during adulthood. Frontiers in Physiology 7, 69.

McDonald FB, Williams R, Sheehan D, O'Halloran KD (2015). Early life exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia causes upper airway dilator muscle weakness which persists into young adulthood. Experimental Physiology 100, 947-966.

Williams R, Lemaire P, Lewis P, McDonald FB, Lucking EF, Hogan S, Sheehan D, Healy V, O'Halloran KD (2015). Chronic intermittent hypoxia increases rat sternohyoid muscle NADPH oxidase expression with attendant modest oxidative stress. Frontiers in Physiology 6, 15.

Edge D, McDonald FB, Jones JFX, Bradford A, O'Halloran KD (2014). Effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia on the reflex recruitment of the genioglossus during airway obstruction in the anaesthetized rat. Progress in Brain Research 209, 147-168.

Shortt CM, Fredsted F, Chow HB, Williams R, Skelly JR, Edge D, Bradford A, O'Halloran KD (2014). Reactive oxygen species mediated diaphragm fatigue in a rat model of chronic intermittent hypoxia. Experimental Physiology 99, 688-700.

Edge D, Bradford A, O'Halloran KD (2012). Chronic intermittent hypoxia increases apnoea index in sleeping rats. Advances In Experimental Medicine and Biology 758, 359-363.

Skelly JR, Edge D, Shortt CM, Jones JFX, Bradford A, O'Halloran KD. (2012). Tempol ameliorates pharyngeal dilator muscle dysfunction in a rodent model of chronic intermittent hypoxia. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology 46, 139-148.

Renal afferent mechanisms contributing to chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced hypertension.
In collaboration with Dr Mohammed Abdulla, we explored the potential for aberrant afferent signalling from the kidneys to drive neurogenic hypertension in animals exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia, modelling human sleep apnoea. We examined baroreflex control of blood pressure in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia with a focus on intra-renal signalling mechanisms that may contribute to sympathetic nervous over-activity. The work extends previous studies exploring the effects of exposure to intermittent hypoxia on renal oxygen homeostasis and renal function.

Key publications:
AlMarabeh S, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD, Abdulla MH (2022). Intrarenal pelvic bradykinin-induced sympathoexcitatory reno-renal reflex is attenuated in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia. Journal of Hypertension 40(1), 46-64. 

AlMarabeh S, O'Neill J, Cavers J, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD, Abdulla MH (2020). Chronic intermittent hypoxia impairs diuretic and natriuretic responses to volume expansion in rats with preserved low-pressure baroreflex control of the kidney. American Journal of Physiology (Renal) 320(1), F1-F16. 

AlMarabeh S, Abdulla MH, O'Halloran KD (2019). Is aberrant reno-renal reflex control of blood pressure a contributor to chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced hypertension?' Frontiers in Physiology 10, 465.

O'Neill J, Jasionek G, Drummond SE, Brett O, Lucking EF, Abdulla MH, O'Halloran KD. (2019). Renal cortical oxygen tension is decreased following exposure to long-term but not short-term intermittent hypoxia in the rat. American Journal of Physiology (Renal) 316, F635-645.


Cardio-respiratory, renal and cerebrovascular function in humans at high altitude.
In collaboration with Professor Trevor Day, Dr Jack Leacy studies neurovascular coupling in humans as a measure of cerebrovascular function. Our work is lab-based at UCC and Mount Royal University (Calgary) but extends to high altitude field studies exploring cerebrovascular function and brain oxygenation during acute and chronic exposure to the low oxygen environment of high altitude (3,800-5,000m). In collaboration with international colleagues, we have participated in expeditions at the Barcroft Laboratory, White Mountain Research Station, California and Everest Base Camp, Nepal. We are also exploring cardio-respiratory and renal acclimatization to high altitude. More recently, Dr Leacy has initiated studies in pre- and post-menopausal women.

Key publications:

Leacy JK, Burns DP, Jendzjowsky NG, Braun C, Herrington BA, Wilson RJ, Vermeulen TD, Foster GE, Rosenberg AJ, Anderson GK, Rickards CA, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD, Day TA (2025). Characterizing the protective vasodilatory effects of hypobaric hypoxia on the neurovascular coupling response. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 45(7), 1293-1309. 

Leacy JK, Johnson EM, Lavoie LR, Macilwraith DN, Bambury M, Martin JA, Lucking EF, Linares AM, Saran G, Sheehan DP, Sharma N, Day TA, O'Halloran KD (2022). Variation within the visually evoked neurovascular coupling response of the posterior cerebral artery is not influenced by age or sex. Journal of Applied Physiology133(2), 335-348. 

Bird JD, Leacy JK, Foster GE, Rickards CA, Wilson RJA, O'Halloran KD, Jendzjowsky NG, Pentz BA, Byman BRM, Thrall SF, Skalk AL, Hewitt SA, Steinback CD, Burns D, Ondrus P, Day TA (2021). Time course and magnitude of ventilatory and renal acid-base acclimatization following rapid ascent to and residence at 3,800 m over nine days. Journal of Applied Physiology 130(6), 1705-1715.

Leacy JK, Linares AM, Zouboules SM, Rampuri ZH, Bird JD, Herrington BA, Mann L, Soriano JE, Thrall SF, Kalker A, Brutsaert T, O'Halloran KD, Sherpa MT, Day TA (2020). Cardiorespiratory hysteresis during incremental high altitude ascent-descent quantifies the magnitude of ventilatory acclimatization. Experimental Physiology 106(1), 139-150.

Palubiski LM, O'Halloran KD, O'Neill J. (2020). Renal physiological adaptation to high altitude: A systematic review. Frontiers in Physiology 11, 756. 

Leacy JK, Day TA, O'Halloran KD (2019). Is alkalosis the dominant factor in hypoxia-induced cognitive dysfunction? Experimental Physiology 104, 1443-1444.

Leacy JK, Zouboules SM, Mann CR, Peltonen JDB, Saran G, Nysten CE, Nysten HE, Brutsaert TD, O’Halloran KD, Sherpa MT, Day TA. (2018). Neurovascular coupling remains intact during incremental ascent to high altitude (4240m) in acclimatized healthy volunteers. Frontiers in Physiology 9, 1691.

Bruce CD, Saran G, Pfoh JR, Leacy JK, Zouboules SM, Mann CR, Peltonen JDB, Linares AM, Chiew AE, O'Halloran KD, Sherpa MT, Day TA. (2018). What Is the Point of the Peak? Assessing Steady-State Respiratory Chemoreflex Drive in High Altitude Field Studies. Advances In Experimental Medicine and Biology 1071, 13-23.

Zouboules SM, Lafave HC, O'Halloran KD, Brutsaert T, Nysten HE, Nysten CE, Steinback CD, Sherpa MT, Day TA (2018). Renal reactivity: Acid-base compensation during incremental ascent to high altitude'. Journal of Physiology 596, 6191-6203.

The role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in cardio-respiratory control in health and disease.
In collaboration with Prof Ger Clark, Prof John Cryan and colleagues at Teagasc Moorepark, we have explored the effects of manipulations of the gut microbiota on cardio-respiratory function in rodent models. We revealed that disruption to the gut microbiota was associated with altered brainstem neurochemistry and dysregulated respiratory and autonomic control. We have also shown that CIH, modelling human sleep apnoea, alters the gut microbiota composition. We recently explored the efficacy of a prebiotic dietary intervention which altered the gut microbiota and increased short-chain fatty acid concentrations, but failed to prevent CIH-induced apnoea and hypertension.

Key publications:
O’Connor KM, Lucking EF, Bastiaanssen TFS, Peterson VL, Crispie F, Cotter PD, Clarke G, Cryan JF, O’Halloran KD (2020). Prebiotic administration modulates gut microbiota and faecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations but does not prevent chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced apnoea and hypertension in adult rats. EBiomedicine 59:102968. 

O'Connor KM, Lucking EF, Cryan JF, O'Halloran KD (2020). Bugs, breathing and blood pressure: microbiota-gut-brain axis signalling in cardiorespiratory control in health and disease'. The Journal of Physiology 598(19):4159-4179.

O’Connor KM, Lucking EF, Golubeva AV, Strain CR, Fouhy F, Cenit MC, Dhaliwal P, Bastiaanssen TFS, Burns DP, Stanton C, Clarke G, Cryan JF, O’Halloran KD. (2019). Manipulation of gut microbiota blunts the ventilatory response to hypercapnia in adult rats. EBiomedicine 44, 618-638.

Lucking EF, O'Connor KM, Strain CR, Fouhy F, Bastiaanssen TF, Burns DP, Golubeva AV, Stanton C, Clarke G, Cryan JF, O'Halloran KD (2018). Chronic intermittent hypoxia disrupts cardiorespiratory homeostasis and gut microbiota composition in adult male guinea-pigs. EBiomedicine 38, 191-205.

Respiratory muscle weakness in animal models of sustained hypoxia.
Hypoxia (low oxygen) occurs at altitude and in acute and chronic respiratory diseases. We have shown that hypoxia causes redox remodelling in respiratory muscles leading to weakness. Prolonged exposure to hypoxia causes protein breakdown, atrophy and profound weakness in diaphragm and upper airway muscles. Diaphragm weakness is predictive of poor patient outcome with increased morbidity and mortality. In critically ill patients in the ICU, mechanical ventilation, infection, and sepsis cause profound diaphragm weakness which can prolong ICU stays delaying weaning from the ventilator. Hypoxia is a feature of acute critical illness and may exacerbate respiratory muscle dysfunction. We have shown that antioxidants can ameliorate hypoxia induced respiratory muscle structural and functional remodelling, with N-acetyl cysteine, a dietary supplement, emerging as the most efficacious in studies in rodent models. Our work suggests that antioxidant strategies may have use as adjunctive therapies in the treatment of people with hypoxic respiratory disease.

Key publications:

O'Leary AJ, Drummond SE, Edge D, O'Halloran KD (2018). Diaphragm muscle weakness following acute sustained hypoxic stress in the mouse is prevented by pre-treatment with N-acetyl cysteine'. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2018, 4805493.

Greising SM, Ottenheijm CAC, O'Halloran KD, Barreiro E. (2018). Diaphragm plasticity in aging and disease: therapies for muscle weakness go from strength to strength'. Journal of Applied Physiology 125, 243-253.

Lewis P, O'Halloran KD (2016). Diaphragm muscle adaptation to sustained hypoxia: lessons from animal models with relevance to high altitude and chronic respiratory diseases. Frontiers in Physiology 7, 623.

Lewis P, Sheehan D, Soares R, Varela Coelho A, O'Halloran KD (2016). Redox remodeling is pivotal in murine diaphragm muscle adaptation to chronic sustained hypoxia. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology 55, 12-23.

Lewis P, Sheehan D, Soares R, Coelho AV, O'Halloran KD (2015). Chronic sustained hypoxia-induced redox remodeling causes contractile dysfunction in mouse sternohyoid muscle'. Frontiers in Physiology 6, 122.

Carberry J, McMorrow C, Bradford A, Jones JFX, O'Halloran KD (2014) 'Effects of sustained hypoxia on sternohyoid and diaphragm muscle during development'. European Respiratory Journal 43,1149-1158.

McMorrow C, Fredsted A, O'Connell RA, Carberry J, Bradford A, Jones JFX, O'Halloran KD. (2011) 'Chronic hypoxia increases rat diaphragm muscle endurance and sodium-potassium ATPase pump content'. European Respiratory Journal 37, 1474-1481.

Thank you to the team!
Many colleagues have contributed to the above and many other research studies over the years. I am grateful to them for their energy and enthusiasm leading to fruitful outcomes and especially for the camaraderie along the way.

Funding
Projects funded by the Health Research Board, Irish Research Council, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, Duchenne Parent Project, and Science Foundation Ireland. 

Undergraduate

MH 1050: Introduction to Translational Medicine

PL 3001: Pathophysiology

PL 3025: Literature Review, Experimental Design and Data Analysis

PL 3022: Respiratory Physiology

AN 3003: Neurobiology of Regulatory Systems

PL 4010: Control of Breathing in Health & Disease 

PL 4015: Microbiome & Physiology

PL 4020: Research Project (final year BSc Physiology)

MH 4010: Research Project (final year BSc Medical & Health Sciences)

Postgraduate

DS 7100: Basic Science Relevant to Oral Surgery Practice

PL 6008: Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists: Respiratory function

PL6012: Placement & Communication Skills for Clinical Physiologists

PG 6015: An Introduction to Research Integrity, Ethics and Open Science

Current Research Postgraduates:

Anthony Marullo, PhD candidate

Ben Murphy, PhD candidate

Anna O'Connell, PhD candidate (primary supervisor Dr. Fiona McDonald)

Dr Peter Leahy, MD candidate

Ciaran Heatley, PhD candidate (primary supervisor Dr Dervla O'Malley)

Devat Kandoriya PhD candidate (primary supervisor Dr Harriet Schellekens)

Former Research Postgraduates:

Michael N. Maxwell PhD (2025)
Therapeutic Trials and Translational Gaps: Respiratory outcomes in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. External Examiner: Prof. David Fuller, University of Florida, USA.

Aoife D. Slyne PhD (2025)
Gene Replacement Therapy to Ameliorate Respiratory System Dysfunction in a Pre-Clinical Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. External examiner: Dr. Matt Fogarty, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

Minoo Ashoori PhD (2025)
AI-based Analysis of Cerebral Oxygenation in Preterm and Term Infants. External Examiner: Prof. Christopher Wilson, Loma Linda University, California, USA.

Jack K. Leacy PhD (2023)
An Exploration into the effects of high-altitude exposure on the neurovascular coupling response. External examiners: Prof. Phil Ainslie (University of British Columbia, Canada) and Dr Sam Lucas (University of Birmingham, UK).

Maria L. Dias Casaçao PhD (2023)
A trilogy of stressors in the NICU: Towards therapy for preterm adversity. External examiner: Prof. Jyoti Watters, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

Kevin H. Murphy MSc (2021)
Assessment of respiratory motor units in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. External examiner: Prof. Aidan Bradford, RCSI, Ireland.

Sara AlMarabeh PhD (2021)
The role of renal afferent signalling in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced sympathoexcitation and hypertension. External examiner: Dr Carolyn Barrett, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Sarah E. Drummond PhD (2021)
The role of NADPH oxidase-2 in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced respiratory system dysfunction. External examiners: Prof. Mai Elmallah (Duke University, USA) and Dr Brian McDonagh, NUI Galway, Ireland.

Karen M. O'Connor PhD (2018)
Bugs, breathing and blood pressure: The microbiota-gut-brain axis in cardiorespiratory control. External examiner: Prof. Vincent Joseph, Universite Laval, Quebec, Canada.

David P. Burns PhD (2018)
Respiratory control in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. External examiner: Prof. Gordon S. Mitchell, University of Florida, USA.

Paul Brady PhD (2017)
A randomized controlled trial to determine if the addition of capnography to standard monitoring results in a decreased incidence of hypoxaemia during conscious sedation for oral surgery.

Ruth Carey MSc (2017)
Investigation of alterations of excitation-contraction coupling proteins in a rodent model of chronic intermittent hypoxia. External examiner: Dr. Holly Shiels, University of Manchester, UK.

Alison Barry MSc (2017)
The impact of exercise on immune parameters and cognition in Multiple Sclerosis. External examiner: Dr. Susan Coote, University of Limerick.

Andrew O'Leary PhD (2017)
Acute hypoxia-induced diaphragm dysfunction is prevented by antioxidant pretreatment. External examiner: Dr. Ged Rafferty, King's College, London, UK.

Philip Lewis PhD (2015)
Redox remodelling in diaphragm muscle adaptation to chronic sustained hypoxia. External examiner: Prof. Hans Hoppeler, University of Bern, Switzerland.

Robert Williams MSc (2014)
Is NADPH oxidase expression increased in rat respiratory muscle following chronic intermittent hypoxia? External examiner: Prof. Trevor Day, Mount Royal University, Canada.

Fiona McDonald PhD (2013)
Sex specific early life programming of respiratory muscle contractility by chronic intermittent hypoxia. External examiner: Dr. Lucy Green, University of Southampton, UK.

Eric Lucking PhD (2013)
The lumbar sympathetic nervous system does not contribute to chronic intermittent hypoxia induced hypertension. External examiner: Prof. Janice Marshall, University of Birmingham, UK.

Deirdre Edge PhD (2012)
Respiratory control in an animal model of sleep-disordered breathing. External examiner: Prof. Tracy Baker-Herman, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

Ruth O'Connell PhD (2011)
Comparative analysis of neonatal and adult respiratory muscle structure and function in a rodent model of chronic intermittent hypoxia. External examiner: Prof. Richard Kinkead, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.

Chrissie Shortt PhD (2011)
Free radical mediated respiratory muscle dysfunction in a rodent model of sleep-disordered breathing. External examiner: Prof. Paul Greenhaff, University of Nottingham, UK.

Jayne Carberry PhD (2011)
Respiratory muscle adaptation to chronic hypoxia in early development. External examiner: Prof. Stuart Egginton, University of Leeds, UK.

Han Bing Chow MSc (2011)
Hypoxic stress in respiratory muscle – a radical view. External examiner: Prof. David Fuller, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.

J. Richard Skelly PhD (2010)
Respiratory muscle remodelling in an animal model of sleep-disordered breathing: Protective effects of antioxidant treatment. External examiner: Prof. Prem Kumar, University of Birmingham, UK.

Clodagh McMorrow PhD (2010)
Effects of chronic hypoxia on respiratory muscle structure and function. External examiner: Prof. Mary Morrell, Imperial College, London, UK.