Robert Furilla, Ph.D.
![Robert Furilla](/academics/college-of-health/departments/wwami/faculty-staff/_images/Furilla_Faculty.jpg)
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.
Publications (Non-refereed):
- Valenzeno, D.P. and Furilla, R.A. (2010). Clinical Experiences for Medical Education in Alaska. Alaska Medicine.52, 34-38.
Career History/Work Experience
- 2016 – Present Affiliate Professor, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
- 2017 – Present 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 Medical Program, University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska
- 2002-2010 Affiliate Professor, WWAMI Medical Program, 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