Clinical Interests

Comparative physiology, heart failure mechanisms and therapy, and interventional cardiology

Research Interests

Dr. Nelson's interest is cardiac physiological adaptations to extreme hemodynamic and metabolic stressors, and comparing naturally occurring hemodynamics (such as bear hibernation) to cardiac disease (dogs and cats). She also has an interest in wildlife conservation medicine, in particular understanding the role of cardiovascular assessment as indicators of health or disturbance to the natural biology of the animal.

Current investigations include:

• Cardiac dysfunction in obesity- small breed dogs prone to myxomatous degeneration
• Cardiac disease and associated pathologies of bile-farmed Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in China

Other College Affiliations

Dr. Nelson has a keen interest in animal cognition and learning behavior. She is an active member of WSU’s Center of Animal Well-being.

Washington Center for Muscle Biology (WCMB)

College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Academy-http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/innovative-education/teaching-academy