Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Staruschenko is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology and Director of the Hypertension and Kidney Research Center. Dr. Staruschenko completed his Ph.D. training in 2003 at the Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Science. The research in his laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms controlling ion channels' activity and electrolyte homeostasis, respectively, in the control of blood pressure and kidney diseases. His laboratory is continuously funded by the NIH, VA, and other funding agencies. He has published more than 160 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading nephrology and hypertension journals. Dr. Staruschenko mentored a number of students, postdocs, and junior faculty. In the past few years, several fellows trained in his laboratory have established their independent laboratories. His dedication to research has been recognized nationally, as evidenced by multiple invited talks (presenting research at more than 100 local, national and international seminars and meetings) and numerous awards from the American Physiological Society, American Heart Association, and American Society of Nephrology, including the ASN Distinguished Researcher Award. Dr. Staruschenko is a dedicated member and contributor to the activities of several national societies. He is a member of the editorial boards or Associate Editor of several journals, including his appointment as a Deputy Editor of Am J Physiol: Renal Physiol. He is an Immediate Past Chair of the AHA Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease (KCVD) Council and a member of the leadership committees of both the KCVD and Hypertension Councils. He also served as a Chair, standing member, and ad hoc reviewer on numerous study sections, including NIH, VA, DOD, AHA, ADA, JDRF, and various international agencies.