Our Team
Lab Lead
Dr. Igor A. Fernandes is an integrative physiologist with expertise in designing experiments that combine cross-disciplinary approaches (such as pharmacological /invasive procedures and nuclear imaging techniques) with cutting-edge physiological assessments to identify the pathophysiologic underpinning impaired peripheral and brain perfusion and increased sympathetic outflow in individuals with advanced age or affected by chronic diseases. Igor holds appointments as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University and as a Research collaborator in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases at Mayo Clinic. He also serves as an editorial board member of high-impact scientific journals such as the Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology, and Journal of Applied Physiology. In addition to his passion for science and education, Igor loves spending time with his wife, Monique, and son, Arthur, and his dog, Moah. Igor is also passionate about football (not the American) and a huge fan of Flamengo, the best football team in the entire world.
Graduate Students
Ojikutu (OJ) Qudus Ayomide
Graduate Research Assistant
Ojikutu (OJ) Qudus Ayomide
Graduate Research Assistant
Ojikutu Qudus Ayomide (RCS) is a first year Msc Exercise Physiology student, He originates from Lagos Nigeria, where He received his undergraduate degree in Physiology from Lagos State University, he began his career as a cardiac sonographer in a hospital in Nigeria. His transition to a research-focused role at Purdue University showcases his dedication to academic exploration.
Joining the Human Neurovascular lab as a Graduate research assistant, Ojikutu specializes in Adult Echocardiography for human cardiac studies. His research pursuits are notably centered on using an integrative approach to identify the underlying mechanisms of autonomic and vascular dysfunction, particularly focusing on conditions like hypertension and heart failure.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Ojikutu finds joy in traveling, playing video games, and keeping up with the latest research articles. This blend of professional dedication and personal interests demonstrates a well-rounded individual with a passion for both scientific inquiry and diverse leisure activities.
Eloisa Herrera Ospina
Graduate Research Assistant
Eloisa Herrera Ospina
Graduate Research Assistant
Eloisa Herrera Ospina is a graduate student pursuing her M.S. in Exercise Physiology. She earned her B.S. in Physical Therapy from the National University of Colombia and completed a research stay at Purdue University, where her interest in research, particularly in cardiovascular and neural control, deepened. This passion led her to join the HNVC Lab. Previously, she was a member of the “Muscle Health and Critical Care” research group at the National University of Colombia, contributing to various projects. Eloisa has experience in focused ultrasound, cardiovascular-pulmonary physiology, and critical care, and has represented her university at two national physiotherapy research meetings, earning first place for her contributions. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Ernesto Ramirez
Graduate Research Assistant
Ernesto Ramirez
Graduate Research Assistant
Ernesto Ramirez is a graduate student pursuing his M.S. in Exercise Physiology. Before joining the graduate program at Purdue, Ernesto attended Aurora University and received a bachelor’s in exercise science and psychology. Ernesto played football while attended Aurora. He plans to finish his master’s, get his PhD and enter academia. In his free time, Ernesto like to work out and hang out with his family.
Undergrad Students
Cody Wilson
Undergrad Research Assistant
Cody Wilson
Undergrad Research Assistant
Cody Wilson is a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Health Sciences with a Pre-Medicine concentration. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan but raised in Marion, Indiana. He is a certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and has plans of going to medical school in the future. In his free time he likes to go to the gym, play guitar, and spend time with his fiancée.
Shiva Viswanath
Undergrad Research Assistant
Megan Mybeck
Undergrad Research Assistant
Uulen Honeychurch
Undergrad Research Assistant
Julian Guzman
International undergraduate research assistant
Julian Guzman
International undergraduate research assistant
Julián Andrés Guzmán Torres is a senior student of physiotherapy at the National University of Colombia, currently doing a research stay at the Human Neurovascular Control Laboratory in the Department of Health and Kinesiology of Purdue University. He is a member of the “Deepening in Kinesiotherapy” group of the National University of Colombia and its hospital. In his free time, he enjoys dancing salsa and bachata, taking portrait and landscape photographs, spending time with his cat and spending time with his family and friends.
Alumni
Katherine Latham
Undergrad Research Assitant
Swarnika Sampat
Undergrad Research Assistant