Expertise:
Mr. Veenstra's expertise is in researching on cardiovascular electrophysiology, ion channels and gap junctions.
Favorite Business Publication:
Biophysical Journal; The Journal of Physiology; Circulation Research; American Journal of Physiology; Cardiovascular Research
Hobbies/Sports:
Running, Riding his Bicycle, Cross Country Skiing, Sports, Attending the Theater, Watching Movies
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa (1983); Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, Iowa State University (1977)
Affiliations Awards:
Hamilton White Society; Biophysical Society; Society of General Physiologists; Iroquois Chapter, Sierra Club Earth Day Cleanup; The American Physiological Society; League of American Bicyclists; The American Society for Cell Biology
Industry:
Medical Research and Education
Work History:
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University (1992-2006); Assistant Professor, SUNY Upstate Medical University (1986-1992); Research Associate, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine (1986); National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University (1984-86)
Career Achievements:
Gating of Gap Junctions During Cardiac Action Potentials (2005); Polyamine Block of Connexin40 Gap Junctions (2003); Distinct Conductance and Permeability of Connexin Gap Junctions (1995); Functional Expression of Connexins in Neuro2a (N2a) Cells (1992); First Cardiac Gap Junction Channel Recording (1986)
Highlight of career?:
The highlight of his career was being featured in the journal 'Science' which vaulted him to his first and only faculty appointment.
Charity:
Executive Board, Onondaga Cycling Club; Nature Conservancy; American Heart Association; League of American Bicyclists; United Way; World Wildlife Fund
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his desire to learn, self-motivation and his ability to utilize the opportunities that came his way.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Veenstra has published more than 12 book chapters and 39 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He has also participated and has done public speaking at the National Scientific Conferences and Biannual International Gap Junction Conference. He has sought the opportunity to apply a new methodology to pairs of embryonic chick cardiac myocytes as an NIH postdoctoral research fellow at Emory University.
Awards/Honors:
Finalist, Louis N. Katz Basic Science Research Prize for Young Investigators, American Heart Association (1986)