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