Robert Furilla, Ph.D.

Robert Furilla
Term Professor
WWAMI School of Medical Education
HSB 107A
(907) 786-4721
rafurilla@alaska.edu

Education

  • 1986 Ph.D. Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • 1980 M.Sc. Zoology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska

Teaching Responsibilities

  • Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, Gastrointestinal and Endocrine physiology (WWAMI)
  • Human Physiology (ISU Pharmacy)

Professional & Department Service

  • WWAMI Eligibility committee 2007-2017 
  • WWAMI Search committee 2004-2005 
  • WWAMI Search committee 2011-2012 
  • WWAMI Advisory Board 2010-2012

Research Interests

1992-2001 Control of Breathing in Birds and Reptiles

Publications

  • Vivoni, M.J., L. Lojo, M.I. Castro and R.A. Furilla.  (2001).  Brief Pulses of airway ammonia on inspiration negates the ventilatory reflex to airway CO2 concentration in snakes.  Respir. Physiol. 127, 13-22.
  • Escobales, N., M.J. Crespo, P.I. Altieri and R.A. Furilla.  (1996).  Inhibition of smooth muscle cell calcium mobilization and aortic ring contraction by lactone vastatins.  J. Hypertension.  14, 115-121.
  • Furilla, R.A. and M.H. Bernstein.  (1995).  Intrapulmonary CO2-rise time and ventilation in ducks.  J. Appl. Physiol.  79, 1397-1404.
  • Pfeifer, C.A., R.A. Furilla, K. Gronert, D.D. Goss, K.M. Romig and C.A.Herman.  (1993).  Tissue distribution, elimination and metabolism of [3H]‑leukotriene C4 in the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.  Prostaglandins.  45, 203‑219.
  • Pfeifer, C.A., R.A. Furilla, K. Gronert, D. Goss and C.A. Herman. (1992).  Tissue distribution, elimination and metabolism of [3H]‑leukotriene C4 in the conscious marine toad, Bufo marinus.  Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 70, 1442‑1449.
  • Coates, E.L., R.A. Furilla, G.O. Ballam and D. Bartlett, Jr.  (1991).  Decrease in nasal CO2 stimulates breathing in the tegu lizard.  Respir. Physiol. 86, 65‑75.
  • Furilla, R.A.  (1991).  The rate of rise of intrapulmonary CO2 drives breathing frequency in garter snakes.  J. Appl. Physiol.  71, 2304‑2308.
  • Furilla, R.A., E.L. Coates and D. Bartlett, Jr.  (1991).  The effect of venous CO2 loading across the skin on ventilation in garter snakes.  Respir. Physiol.  83, 47‑60.
  • Furilla, R.A. and D. Bartlett, Jr.  (1989).  Intrapulmonary CO2 inhibits inspiration in the garter snake.  Respir. Physiol.  78, 207‑218.
  • Furilla, R.A. and D. Bartlett, Jr.  (1988).  Intra‑pulmonary receptors in the garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).  Respir. Physiol.  74, 311‑322.
  • Jones, D.R., R.A. Furilla, M.R.A. Heieis, G.R.J. Gabbott and F.M. Smith.  (1988).  Forced and voluntary diving in ducks:  cardiovascular adjustments and their control.  Can. J. Zool.  66, 75‑83.
  • Furilla, R.A. and D.R. Jones.  (1987).  The relationship between dive and pre‑dive heart rates in restrained and free dives by diving ducks.  J. Exp. Biol.  127, 333‑348.

  • Furilla, R.A. and D.R. Jones.  (1987).  The cardiac response to diving and dabbling in a non‑diving duck.  Physiol. Zool.  60, 406‑412.

  • Furilla, R.A. and D.R. Jones.  (1986).  The contribution of nasal receptors to the cardiac response to diving in restrained and unrestrained redhead ducks (Aythya americana).  J. Exp. Biol.  121, 227‑238.

Book Chapters:

  • Jones, D.R. and R.A. Furilla.  (1987).  The anatomical, physiological, behavioral and metabolic consequences of voluntary and forced diving.  In Bird Respiration.  T.J. Seller (ed.).  CRC Press, Boca Raton.
  • Furilla, R.A.  (1994).  Breathing frequency and tidal volume are controlled independently in the garter snake: the role of CO2-rise time.  In Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology: Arterial Chemoreception: Cell to System.  R.G. O'Regan, P. Nolan, D. McQueen and D.J. Paterson (eds.).  Plenum Press, New York.

Career History/Work Experience

  • 2016 -  Affiliate Professor, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
  • 2017 -  Professor, WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
  • 2012-2016   Associate Director and Professor, WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
  • 2010-2012   Interim Director and Professor, WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska 
  • 2007-2008  Associate Director, WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska 
  • 2002-2010   Affiliate Professor, WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
  • 2002-2010   Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
  • 1996-2001   Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • 1992‑1996   Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • 1989‑1992   Assistant Professor, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • 1986‑1989   NIH Post‑Doctoral Fellow, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire