Dr. Alexander Staruschenko is Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology and Director of the Hypertension and Kidney Research Center at the University of South Florida. He earned his Ph.D. from the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Staruschenko's research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms regulating ion transport, electrolyte homeostasis, and blood pressure control in kidney and cardiovascular disease. His laboratory integrates renal physiology with advanced omics, high-resolution imaging, electrophysiology, and bioinformatics to investigate the mechanisms of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and related cardiometabolic disorders. Supported by continuous funding from the NIH, VA, AHA, and other agencies, he has published more than 210 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. A hallmark of his research program is its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, bringing together investigators with complementary expertise to accelerate the discovery of innovative therapeutic strategies. He has trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members, many of whom have established independent academic careers and secured competitive fellowships and career development awards. His dedication to mentorship has been recognized by the USF Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award (2021), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Excellence in Mentoring Award (2024), and the APS Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award (2026). Dr. Staruschenko has also provided extensive service to the scientific community. He served as Chair of the American Heart Association Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease Council and has held editorial roles for leading journals while serving on numerous NIH, VA, DoD, AHA, ADA, and international review panels. His contributions have been recognized through more than 100 invited lectures and honors including the ASN Distinguished Researcher Award (2022), the USF Outstanding Research Achievement Award (2025), and the APS Renal Section Carl W. Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship (2027).