Biography
- Division:
- Division of Translational and Clinical Sciences – DTCS
- Review Branch:
- Integrative Vascular Biology and Hematology – IVBH
- Study Section:
- Basic Biology of Blood, Heart and Vasculature – BBHV
Dr. Aisha Walker comes to CSR/IVBH with expertise in vascular biology and hematology after years of conducting research related to Sickle Cell Disease. She received her Ph.D. in cell biology and anatomy from Augusta University in Augusta, GA. Her graduate work examined the regeneration of blood vessels in the brain after a stroke. She went on to complete postdoctoral training at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There, she began basic and translational research projects focused on Sickle Cell Disease. She continued her career as an assistant professor at University of Pittsburgh and then Emory University. Throughout her research, Dr. Walker identified drug transporters that mediate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the most recommended drug for sickle cell, hydroxyurea. She also identified microRNAs associated with drug-induced regulation of fetal hemoglobin. Aside from laboratory research, she earned a Master of Public Health degree in prevention science from Emory University. Through public health studies, Dr. Walker helped develop methodology to assess perceptions of sickle cell disease stakeholders using social media platforms.
