Marian M. Furimsky

Marian M. Furimsky

Associate Professor/Chair

Biology Faculty


furimsmm@westminster.edu

(724) 946-7207


Campus Location:
   Hoyt Science Resources Center
   215
Mailbox: 196

 

About Me


Education

  • Ph.D., Comparative Physiology - University of Ottawa
  • B.Sc., Biology - University of Ottawa

Professional Training

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Comparative Physiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Areas of Expertise

  • Comparative Physiology
  • Developmental Neurobiology

Courses Taught

  • Physiology
  • Neurobiology
  • Foundations of Biology
  • Biology Travel - Chile (Andes Mountains, Atacama Desert, Pacific Coast), Ecuador (Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, Galapagos Islands)

Research

  • Aquatic Toxicology
  • Cardiovascular System Development
  • Nervous System Development
  • Zebrafish model

Personal

I joined the Westminster College Department of Biology in the fall of 2006.  I earned my doctorate at the University of Ottawa (2000) with a thesis exploring the mechanism of intracellular pH regulation in liver cells. My first post-doctoral position at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada investigated the effect of fishing tournament procedures on respiratory and circulatory responses in largemouth and smallmouth bass. My second post-doctoral position at the Ottawa Health Research Institute was in the field of developmental neurobiology where I examined the role of the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in visual system development in mice.     

My biological research interests at Westminster focus on the effects of environmental stressors on fish. Current studies involve the use of zebrafish as a model organism for examining the effects of anthropogenic factors on nervous system and cardiovascular system development. 

I also serve as one of the Health Professions Advisors on campus. I meet regularly with students interested in pursuing careers as health professionals (e.g. physicians, dentists, veterinarians, etc.) to advise and guide them through the exploration and application phases of the process.

When I am not on campus, I enjoy time with my family, either traveling or binge-watching at home, and following my hometown Ottawa Senators!