Rate Professor Peter McFawn

Professional Summary: Professor Peter McFawn

Professor Peter McFawn is a distinguished academic affiliated with the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for his contributions to physiology and respiratory research. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant strides in understanding airway mechanics and smooth muscle function, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor McFawn holds advanced degrees in physiology, with his academic training rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry. While specific details of his degrees and institutions are not fully documented in public sources, his long-standing association with UWA and expertise in physiology suggest a robust educational foundation in the biological sciences.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor McFawn's research primarily focuses on the physiology of airway smooth muscle and its role in respiratory conditions. His work explores:

• Mechanisms of airway narrowing and hyperresponsiveness in asthma
• Biophysical properties of smooth muscle contraction
• Interactions between mechanical forces and cellular responses in the respiratory system

His studies contribute to a deeper understanding of respiratory pathophysiology, with potential implications for therapeutic interventions.

Career History and Appointments

Professor McFawn has held a long-term academic position at the University of Western Australia, where he is based in the School of Human Sciences (formerly the School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology). His career progression includes:

• Appointment as a senior academic and researcher at UWA
• Supervision of postgraduate students and mentoring of early-career researchers in physiology

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors for Professor McFawn are not widely documented in public sources, his sustained contributions to respiratory physiology and academic mentorship at UWA reflect a respected standing within the scientific community.

Key Publications

Professor McFawn has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, focusing on airway physiology and smooth muscle mechanics. Some notable publications include:

• 'Length oscillation induces force potentiation in infant guinea pig airway smooth muscle' (2005) - Published in American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
• 'Deep inspiration and airway smooth muscle adaptation to length change' (2003) - Co-authored with colleagues, published in Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
• 'Airway smooth muscle relaxation results from a reduction in the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations induced by a cAMP-mediated inhibition of the IP3 receptor' (2006) - Published in Respiratory Research

These works highlight his expertise in experimental physiology and his collaborative approach to research.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor McFawn's research has advanced the understanding of airway mechanics, contributing to foundational knowledge in respiratory medicine. His studies on smooth muscle behavior under varying mechanical conditions have informed models of airway hyperresponsiveness, a critical factor in asthma and other obstructive lung diseases. His work is frequently cited by peers, underscoring his influence in the field of respiratory physiology.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details of public lectures or editorial roles are not extensively documented in public sources, Professor McFawn's involvement in academic mentorship and research supervision at UWA suggests active participation in scientific discourse and institutional committees. He likely contributes to peer review processes and academic conferences within his field.