Principal Investigator

Keisa Mathis, PhD

Keisa is a tenured Associate Professor with over 15 years of experiences studying the control of blood pressure. In the last 10 years, Dr. Mathis has focused on understanding how inflammation plays a role in the development of hypertension using a mouse model of lupus. Her work with lupus mice has broaden her interests to autoimmune inflammatory diseases--their origins, sex differences, and environmental cues--that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Other than research, teaching and service, Dr. Mathis enjoys skating, digital design and being a dance mom for her four daughters.

Lab Manager

Sarika Chaudhari, PhD

Sarika is the Lab Manager for the Mathis Laboratory. She hold an MD in Physiology from India and PhD in Integrative Physiology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.  Her previous research involved molecular mechanisms associated with diabetic nephropathy. Her current research interest comprises the immune mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of lupus in mouse models. She is operational towards establishing a career in academics and as an independent researcher. She likes to explore nature with her family in her free-time and other hobbies include painting, badminton and music.

Research Assistant

Cassandra Young-Stubbs

Cassandra is a researcher with nearly 10 years of experience in chronic rodent survival surgeries and acute rodent surgeries. She worked as a Lab Technician and Researcher at The University of Mississippi Medical Center where she provided diligent and responsible animal care that involved the husbandry of various species of animals. She’s now a Research Assistant in the Mathis Laboraotry where she continues to provide research support by assisting in animal studies and various surgeries such as chronic catheterizations and implantation of osmotic pumps. In her free time she enjoys dancing, piano, and spending time with family and friends.