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
Qudus Ayomide Ojikutu (OJ)
Graduate Research Assistant
Qudus Ayomide Ojikutu (OJ)
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.
Undergraduate Students
Cody Wilson
Undergrad Research Assistant
Cody Wilson
Undergrad Research Assistant
Cody Wilson is a Junior 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.
Rachel Bailey
Undergrad Research Assistant
Rachel Bailey
Undergrad Research Assistant
Rachel Bailey is a junior majoring in Nutrition, Fitness, and Health with a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. She was born and raised near Indianapolis, Indiana. She has worked for the Purdue Sports Nutrition department and has plans of going to physical therapy school in the future. In her free time, she loves going to the gym, spending time with her friends, and being outdoors.
Kathryn Oliger
Undergrad Research Assistant
Kathryn Oliger
Undergrad Research Assistant
Katie Oliger is a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a Pre-Medicine concentration. She grew up in Mt. Zion, Illinois but currently lives in the Lafayette area with her family. She is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and has plans of going to medical school in the future. In her free time, she enjoys running, coaching soccer, and riding horses.
Shiva Viswanath
Undergrad Research Assistant
Olivia Mason
Undergrad Research Assistant
Olivia Mason
Undergrad Research Assistant
Olivia Mason is a sophomore majoring in Kinesiology with a Pre-Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine concentration. She was born in California but grew up near Indianapolis. She is involved in other clubs and mentor positions within the College of Health and Human Sciences and has plans to attend physical therapy school in the future. In her free time, she loves going to church, hanging out with family, and petting every dog she sees!
Sam Stiles
Undergrad Research Assistant
Sam Stiles
Undergrad Research Assistant
Sam Stiles is a sophomore majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise physiology. He was born in Indianapolis and raised in Bremen, Indiana. He is currently a personal trainer at Purdue’s CoRec facility and has aspirations of going to PT school after graduation. During his free time, Sam participates in kickboxing, plays the drums, goes to the gym, and spends time with his family.
Alumni
Katherine Latham
Undergrad Research Assitant
Swarnika Sampat
Undergrad Research Assistant
Uulen Honeychurch
Undergrad Research Assistant
Julian Guzman
International Undergrad Research Assistant
Megan Mybeck
Undergrad Research Assistant
The HNVC Lab Team – April 2024
