Dr. Ronald K. Gratz

Associate Professor
Director Pre-Health Professions
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 1976

Research Area: Comparative Animal Physiology, Respiratory Physiology

Research Description:

Dr. Gratz is the director of the department's pre-professional programs and conducts research into respiratory physiology involving breathing and blood pressure.His studies have evaluated the breathing rate of snakes as a function of the vegas nerve, through severing or otherwise controlling it. Responses are measured as a function of temperature and variations in atmospheric oxygen concentrations.

Studies on respiration and blood pressure with respect to environmental changes are also studied in other species.