Future Leaders in Pain Research

2007 Grant Recipient: Jamie L. Rhudy, PhD

University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK
Menstrual Cycle Influences on Supraspinal Modulation of Pain & Nociception

Please state which institution you are currently conducting research.

The University of Tulsa (home institution); Ohio University, Laureate Institute for Brain Research

How did receiving the Future Leaders in Pain Research Grant Impact your career in pain research?

Receiving the grant allowed our lab to develop the procedures for studying emotional modulation of pain and nociception across the menstrual cycle. It also provided the pilot data that ultimately allowed us to leverage a larger grant to study pain across the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMDD. That grant was awarded by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).

What is your current research focus? Briefly describe the importance of this work and how it advances the APS goals, mission, and your own personal development.

Broadly my work examines the influences of psychological factors on pain and pain modulation. We are particularly focused on the influence of emotional states and coping strategies (e.g., pain catastrophizing) on pain processing at spinal and supraspinal levels. Our work advances the goals of APS by helping to develop and understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to pain and its modulation to ultimately better the lives of those in pain.

Are you still an APS member? If yes, do you feel that it has been of value to your professional development?

Yes. I have been a member of APS since the early 2000’s and I attend the APS national conference every year. This year I’m serving on the program committee. It has been a great value to my career, and the Young Investigator Travel Awards have helped to support my students’ attendance at the meeting. This has helped further my research and the careers of my PhD students.