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CURRICULUM VITAE

 

Sheila G. West, Ph.D

Associate Professor of Biobehavioral Health

Pennsylvania State University

 

Business Address:          Department of Biobehavioral Health

                                      Pennsylvania State University

                                      310B Health and Human Development Bldg. East

                 University Park, PA 16802
 

email:    sgw2@psu.edu

 

phone:  (814) 863-0176     fax: (814) 863-7525

 

Education:

  • Postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Medicine, Ohio State University, 1997-1999.
  • Ph.D. in Experimental and Biological Psychology, December, 1997, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • B.A. in Psychology summa cum laude, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1991, and University of Manchester, England, 1988-1989.

 

Academic Appointments:

  • Associate Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, July, 2005 to present.
  • Director, Vascular Health Interventions Laboratory, August, 1999 to present.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University.  August, 1999 to June, 2005.
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Psychology, Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Program at The Ohio State University, December, 1997 to August, 1999.
  • Predoctoral Research Fellow and Instructor, Department of Psychology, UNC-CH.  August, 1994 to December, 1997.
  • Research Assistant, June, 1991 to August, 1994.  Human Psychophysiology Laboratory, Departmentof Psychiatry, UNC-CH. 

 

Currently funded grants:

  • Co-Investigator, Pistachio Council. A dose-response study of the effects of pistachios on cardiovascular disease risk factors:  Lipids, lipoproteins, glucose, endothelial health (flow mediated dilation), isoprostanes, total antioxidant capacity, inflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecules.  $316,868.  Penny M. Kris-Etherton, PI.  1/05-1/07.
  • Supervisor, Effect of various dietary fat sources and loads on postprandial risk factors for cardiovascular disease. National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellowship. $80,000 (Canadian). Colin D. Kay, PI, April, 2005 – December, 2006.
  • Principal Investigator, Children Youth and Families Consortium, Penn State University. “Childhood predictors of pre-clinical vascular dysfunction in adolescent girls.”  $22,800.
  • Co-investigator, Children Youth and Families Consortium, Penn State University. “Cortisol, Daily Hassles and overweight status in children and youth.”  $15,000. (Elizabeth Susman, PI).

 

Grants, Completed:

  • Principal Investigator, Unilever R&D Colworth;  “Effect of a dietary supplement on Multiple Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.” $ 376,445. 4/04-8/05.
  • Co-Principal Investigator, Dairy Management, Incorporated; "Effects of a dairy-rich diet on blood pressure and vascular reactivity:  Mechanisms for the blood pressure lowering effects of the DASH study diet.” $900,398, 9/01/01-6/30/05. (Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Co-PI).
  • Consultant.  Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society:  “Biobehavioral patterns of responsiveness in very low birth weight preterm infants” Kim Kopenhaver Haidet, PI, $9,454.94.  1/12/04 – 4/30/05.
  • Principal Investigator, California Walnut Commission;  “Effects of Walnut derived omega3 fatty acids on markers of vascular health.” $33,224, 10/01/02 - 9/30/04.
  • Principal Investigator. California Walnut Commission.  Funds awarded to purchase high frequency clinical ultrasound machine. $100,000.  2002.  
  • Principal Investigator, Kraft Foods, Inc.;  “Effects of dietary changes on cardiovascular responses to stress.”  $26,081, November 2000-March 2002.
  • Co-Investigator, Pennsylvania Soybean Promotion Board; “Evaluation of the effects of a soy protein supplement on factors related to prostate health in men at increased risk for prostate cancer.”  $29,958, May 2001-August, 2002. (Terryl Hartman, PI)
  • Co-investigator, Children Youth and Families Consortium, Penn State University.  “Funding to support collaborative meetings on Women’s Health Issues.”  $2,000.  February, 2003 to January, 2004. (Danielle Symmons-Downs, PI).
  • Principal Investigator, Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories; “Postprandial changes in vascular reactivity.” $30,000, May 2001-Nov 2002
  • Co-Principal Investigator, Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories;  “Effects of dietary components on vascular function in type-2 diabetics.”  $86,664, August 2001-January 2003. (Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Co-PI).
  • Co-proposer.  Supplemental Funding for Writing Intensive Courses (for BBH 310w- Research Strategies in Biobehavioral Health).  Writing Across the Curriculum Program. $3,500, 8/05-8/06. 
  • Principal Investigator, Gerontology Center Faculty Development Projects Program;  “Effects of stress on the menstrual cycle in perimenopausal women.”  $3,000, July 1, 2000 – June 30, 2001.
  • Principal Investigator. College of Health and Human Development Interdisciplinary Seed Grant Program;  “Effect of soy protein supplements on cholesterol and ambulatory blood pressure in adults with high cholesterol.”  $ 6,000, June, 1999 – July, 2000.
  • Principal Investigator. Ohio State University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship;  “The effects of hormone replacement therapy on cholesterol responses to stress:  Changes in lipase activity as a potential mechanism.”  $25,000, 1997.
  • Principal Investigator.  St. Anthony Educational Foundation;  “The effects of postmenopausal hormone replacement on cholesterol responses to stress.”  $3,888, 1995.
  • Principal Investigator.  National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Mental Health; “Estrogen Replacement:  Lipids, Mood and Vascular Tone.”  $39,024, 1995-1997.
  • Principal Investigator.  St. Anthony Educational Foundation; “Cardiovascular effects of female sex hormones in young women.”  $1,000, 1993.

 

Publications:

1. Zhao, G. Etherton TD. Martin KR, Gilles PJ, West SG, Kris-Etherton PM. (In Press). Dietary α-linolenic acid inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hypercholesterolemic subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27 pages.

2. Hilpert KF, West SG, Kris-Etherton PM, Hecker KD, Simpson NM, and Alaupovic P. (In Press). Postprandial Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on ApoB-containing Lipoproteins and Vascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 29 pages.

3. Kay CD, Kris-Etherton PM, and West SG. (2006). Effects of antioxidant-rich foods on vascular reactivity: The clinical evidence base. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 8: 510-522.

4. Kay CD, Kris-Etherton PM, Psota PM, Bagshaw DM, and West SG. (In Press). Clinical nutrition studies: Maximizing opportunities and managing the challenges. Handbook of Nutrition and Food. 3rd edition. To be published by Taylor and Francis in 2007. CD Berdainer and E Johanna, eds. 56 pages.

5. Brownley KB, Light KC, Grewen KM, Hinderliter AL, West SG. (2006). Dietary sodium restriction alters postprandial ghrelin: Implications for race differences in obesity. Ethnicity and Disease, 16: 844-851.

6. Zhao G., Etherton TD, Martin K., Vanden Heuvel JP. Gilles PJ, West SG, Kris-Etherton PM. (2005). Anti-inflammatory Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in THP-1 Cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 336 (3): 909-917.

7. Hilpert KF, Kris-Etherton PM, & West SG. (2005). Lipid response to a low-fat diet with or without soy is modified by CRP status in moderately hypercholesterolemic adults. Journal of Nutrition. 135 (5): 1075-1079.

8. West SG, Hecker K, Mustad V, Nicholson S, Schoemer S, Wagner P, Hinderliter A, Ulbrecht J, Ruey P, & Kris-Etherton P. (2005). Acute effects of monounsaturated fatty acids with and without omega-3 fatty acids on vascular reactivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia, 48(1): 113-122.

9. West SG, Likos-Krick A, Brown P, & Mariotti F. (2005). Oral L-arginine improves hemodynamic responses to stress and reduces plasma homocysteine in men with high cholesterol. Journal of Nutrition, 135(2): 212-217.

10. Kris-Etherton P.M. & West, S.G. (2005) Soy Protein +/- Isoflavones: In Search of a Cardioprotective Mechanism of Action. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81: 5-6.

11. West SG, Hilpert K, Juturu V, Bordi P, Lampe J, Mousa S, & Kris-Etherton PM. (2005). Effects of including soy protein in a cholesterol-lowering diet on markers of cardiac risk in men and in postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy. Journal of Women’s Health. 14 (3): 253-262.

12. Light KC, Grewen KM, Amico JA, Brownley KA, West SG, Hinderliter AL, Girdler SS. (2005). Oxytocinergic activity is linked to lower blood pressure and vascular resistance during rest and stress in postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement. Hormones & Behavior, 47 (5): 540-548.

13. West SG, Wagner P, Schoemer SL, Hecker KD, Hurston KL, Krick AL, Boseska L, Ulbrecht J, & Hinderliter AL. (2004). Biological correlates of day-to-day variation in flow-mediated dilation in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A study of test-retest reliability. Diabetologia, 47: 1625-1631.

14. Zhao G, Etherton TD, Martin KR, West SG, Gilles PJ, & Kris-Etherton PM. (2004). Dietary alpha-linolenic acid reduces inflammatory and lipid cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolemic men and women. Journal of Nutrition, 134(11): 2991-2997.

15. Picciano MF, West SG, Ruch AL, Kris-Etherton PM, Zhao G, Johnston KE, Maddox DH, Fishell VK, DiRienzo DB, & Tamura T. (2004). Effect of cow’s milk on food folate bioavailability in young women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80: 1565-1569.

16. Barsom SH, Mansfield PK, Koch PB, Gierach G, West SG. (2004). Association between psychological stress and menstrual cycle characteristics in perimenopausal women. Women’s Health Issues, 14(6): 235-241.

17. Brownley KA, Light KC, Grewen K, Bragdon EE, Hinderliter AL, West SG. (2004). Postprandial ghrelin is elevated in black compared to white women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 89 (9): 4457-4463.

18. Brownley KA, Hinderliter AL, West SG, Grewen KM, Steege JF, Girdler SS & Light KC (2004). Cardiovascular effects of six months of hormone replacement therapy vs. placebo: Differences associated with years since menopause. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 190(4):1052-8.

19. West SG (2003). Blood pressure and vascular effects of soy: How strong is the evidence? Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 1(1): 17-30. (Invited Review).

20. Brandon DT, Whitfield KE, Sollers JJ III, Wiggins SA, West SG, Vogler GP, Mclearn GE, & Thayer JF (2003). Genetic and environmental influence on hemodynamics among adult African Americans: The Carolina African American Twin Study of Aging. Ethnicity and Disease, 13: 193-199.

21. Brandon DT, Whitfield KE, Sollers JJ III, Wiggins SA, West SG, Vogler GP, Mclearn GE, & Thayer JF (2003). The nature and nurture of blood pressure in African Americans. Ethnicity and Disease, 13: 297-298.

22. Brownley KA, Hinderliter AL, West SG, Girdler SS, Sherwood A, & Light KC (2003). Sympathoadrenergic mechanisms in reduced hemodynamic stress responses after exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(6): 978-986.

23. Stoney CM, West SG, Hughes J, Falko J, Bausserman L, Lentino LM, & Finney M (2002). Acute psychological stress reduces plasma triglyceride clearance. Psychophysiology, 39: 80-85.

24. Stoney CM, Hughes JW, Kuntz KK, West SG, & Thornton LM (2002). Cardiovascular stress responses among Asian Indian and Caucasian women and men. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 24(2): 113-121.

25. West SG (2001). Effects of diet on vascular reactivity: An emerging marker of vascular risk. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 3(6): 446-455. (Invited Review).

26. West SG, Stoney CM, Hughes JW, Matacin M, & Emmons KM (2001). Oral contraceptive use is associated with increased cardiovascular reactivity in nonsmokers. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 23(3): 149-157.

27. West SG, Hinderliter AL, Wells EC, Girdler SS, & Light KC (2001). Transdermal estrogen reduces vascular resistance and serum cholesterol in postmenopausal women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 184(5): 926-933.

28. Light KC, Hinderliter AL, West SG, Grewen KM, Steege J, Sherwood A, & Girdler SS (2001). Hormone replacement improves hemodynamic profile and left ventricular geometry in hypertensive and normotensive postmenopausal women. Journal of Hypertension, 19(2): 269-278.

29. Meyer W, Costello N, Straneva P, West SG, Copeland K, & Girdler S (2001). The effect of low dose estrogen on hemodynamic responses to stress. Fertility and Sterility, 75(2): 394-399.

30. Girdler SS, Hinderliter AL, West SG, Grewen KM, Steege J, & Light KC. (2000). Postmenopausal smokers show reduced hemodynamic benefit from oral hormone replacement. American Journal of Cardiology, 86(5): 590-592.

31. Grewen K, Girdler SS, West SG, Bragdon E, Costello N, & Light KC. (2000) Stable pessimistic attributions interact with socioeconomic status to influence blood pressure and vulnerability to hypertension. Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine, 9(8): 905-915.

32. West SG, Light KC, Hinderliter AL, Stanwyck CL, Bragdon EE, & Brownley KA (1999). Potassium supplementation induces beneficial cardiovascular changes during rest and stress in salt sensitive individuals. Health Psychology, 18(3): 229-240.

33. Light KC, Girdler SS, Sherwood A, Bragdon EE, Brownley KA, West SG, & Hinderliter AL (1999). High stress responsivity predicts later blood pressure only in combination with positive family history and high life stress. Hypertension, 33(6): 1458-1464.

34. West SG, Brownley KA, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (1998). Postexercise vasodilatation reduces blood pressure responses to stress. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 20(2): 77-83.

35. Light KC, Girdler SS, West SG & Brownley KA (1998). Blood pressure response to laboratory challenges and occupational stress in women. Women, Stress and Heart Disease. K. Orth-Gomer, MA Chesney and N. Wenger (Eds.) Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

36. Sherwood A, Girdler SS, Bragdon EE, West SG, Brownley KA, Hinderliter AL & Light KC (1997). Ten-year stability of cardiovascular responses to laboratory stressors. Psychophysiology, 34(2): 185-191.

37. Stoney CM & West SG (1997). Lipids, Personality, and Stress: Mechanisms and Modulators. Lipids and Human Behavior. Marc Hillbrand and Reuben T. Spitz (Eds.). Washington: American Psychological Association, 47-66.

38. Brownley KA, West SG, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC. (1996). Acute aerobic exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in borderline hypertensive men and women. American Journal of Hypertension, 9(3): 200-206.

Manuscripts under review:

1. West SG, Likos-Krick A, Zhao G, Wojtowicz T, McGuiness M, Bagshaw D, and Kris-Etherton PM. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts and flax on vascular responses to stress and endothelial function in subjects with elevated cholesterol. (25 pp).

2. Griel A, Kris-Etherton PM, Hilpert KF, Zhao G, West SG, Corwin R. An Increase in Dietary n-3 Fatty Acids Improves Bone Health in Humans (26 pp).

3. Jakulj F, Zernicke K, Bacon SL, Van Wielingen LE, Key BL, West SG, and Campbell TS. A High Fat Meal Significantly Increases Cardiovascular Reactivity to Psychological Stress. (25 pp).

 

Manuscripts in preparation:

1. Spaccarotella KJ. Kris-Etherton PM, Stone WL, Bagshaw DM, Fishell VK, West SG, Lawrence FR, Hartman TJ. The effect of walnut intake on factors related to prostate and vascular health in older men.

2. West SG, Stoney CM, & Nelligan J, Habash, D. Soy protein with phytoestrogens reduces cardiovascular responses at rest and during stress in healthy middle-aged men.

3. Kay CD, West SG, Holub B, Hecker K, Kris-Etherton PM. Postprandial CRP response predicts FMD change after a high fat meal.

4. Psota TP, Lohse B, and West SG. Biomarkers associated with eating competence. Invited manuscript for special issue of Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

 

Other written works: 

1. West SG (In Press). Effects of soy foods on blood pressure and vascular function. Soy and Health: An instructional booklet for dietitians. Alpro, Inc. (2 pp).

 

Colloquia and other invited lectures at universities:

1. West SG. Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Colloquium. Effects of acute stress and omega-3 fatty acids on vascular endothelial function. Winston-Salem, NC. March 10, 2005

2. West SG. Effects of acute stress and omega-3 fatty acids on vascular endothelial function. Columbia University and Presbyterian Hospital, NY, NY. December 1, 2004.

3. West SG. Vasoactive functional foods: Dietary influences on endothelial function. Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. October 29, 2004.

4. West SG. Effects of dietary change on endothelial function. Penn State General Clinical Research Center, Hershey Medical Center, May 14, 2003.

5. West SG. Cardiovascular functional foods: Effects of nutrients on vascular reactivity. Cooper Institute, Dallas, Texas, March 12, 2003.

6. West SG. Functional foods and vascular reactivity: Effects of diet on cardiovascular responses to stress. Behavioral Medicine Program, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, February 25, 2003.

7. West SG. Assessing endothelial function: Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) as a new marker of vascular risk. Integrative and Behavioral Cardiology Program, Hypertension Seminar at The Zena & Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, July 23, 2002.

8. West SG. Effects of dietary change on cardiovascular responses to stress. Colloquium. Department of Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University, Spring, 2000.

9. West SG. Interventions for reducing cardiovascular responses to stress. Program in Psychobiology Seminar, Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, Fall, 1999.

 

Presentations at national and international conferences:

 

1. West SG. (2006). Effects of ALA on vascular responses to stress in subjects with elevated cholesterol. WorldNutra Conference. November 7, 2006. Invited address.

2. West SG (2006). Soy Nutrition Institute Bi-annual Meeting. Soy / Isoflavones and Vascular Reactivity: Method to the madness. St. Louis, MO. May 14-15, 2006.

3. Watkins L, Georgiades A, West SG. (2006). Psychosocial factors and diet: mechanisms and outcomes. Research Roundtable at the American Psychosomatic Society annual meeting, Denver, CO. March 1-5, 2006.

4. West SG, Granger DA, Kivlighan KT, Hurston KL. (2006). Salivary alpha-amylase response to the cold pressor is correlated with cardiac markers of sympathetic activation. American Psychosomatic Society annual meeting, Denver, CO. March 1-5, 2006.

5. West SG (Chair), Nutritional Interventions for Diseases of Aging (Invited Symposium). Gerontological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Orlando Florida November 19, 2005.

6. West SG. Effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts and flax on vascular function: Are fatty acids vasoactive ? Invited Oral Presentation. Gerontological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Orlando Florida November 19, 2005.

7. West SG. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on vascular reactivity: Endothelial function and CV responses to stress. California Walnut Commission, Scientific Advisory Council, August 2005 Lake Tahoe, NV.

8. Hilpert KF, West SG, Kris-Etherton PM, Hecker KD, Mustad VA, Alaupovic P. Postprandial effects of fat loads differing in amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoproteins in type-2 diabetes. FASEB Journal 2005; 19(5):588.8.

9. Kay CD, West SG & Kris-Etherton PM. Oxidative Stress in Diabetics: Source, risk assessment, and possible treatment strategy, 2005 Penn State Diabetes Research Retreat, Penn State Diabetes Center, State College, PA, May 06, 2005.

10. Hilpert KF, West SG, and Kris-Etherton PM. Calcium supplementation in type-2 diabetes. 2005 Penn State Diabetes Research Retreat, Penn State Diabetes Center, State College, PA, May 06, 2005.

11. Haidet, K.K., Susman, E.J., West, S.G., Marks, K.H. Biobehavioral responses to handling in preterm infants. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, Spring 2005. Presented to the Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society Annual Conference, New Orleans, May 5, 2005

12. Haidet, K.K., Susman, E.J., West, S.G., Marks, K.H. Preterm infants biobehavioral responses to handling. Presented to the Pediatric Academic Society- International Conference, Washington D.C., May 14, 2005.

13. West SG, Likos Krick A, Lee H, Wagner P, Chow M. (2005). Endothelial Dysfunction is associated with elevated systolic BP at rest and during a speech task. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 5, 2005.

14. West SG, Likos Krick A, Kris-Etherton PM. (2005). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on BP responses to stress, C-reactive protein, and LDL-cholesterol. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 4, 2005.

15. West SG. (2004). New data on heart healthy foods and supplements: Moving beyond cholesterol and blood pressure modification. Invited address presented at the Penn State Nutrition Conference, University Park, PA, May 2004. Invited address.

16. West SG, Boseska L, Wagner P, Schoemer SL, Zhao G. Maddox DH, Kris-Etherton PM. (2004). Alpha-linolenic acid from walnuts and flax increases flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery in a dose dependent fashion. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, 24: e15-e16.

17. Kris-Etherton PM, West SG (co-chair), & Berglund L. (2004). New methodologies for assessing cardiovascular risk. Research Forum. American Society of Nutrition Sciences, Experimental Biology, April, 2004.

18. Griel AE, West SG, Binkoski AE, Hilpert KF, Kris-Etherton PM (2004). Optimizing Fasting Triglyceride Levels with Dietary Fat and Fiber. Society for Experimental Biology, LB306 (Late Breaking Abstract).

19. Binkoski AE, Lefevre M, West SG, Hilpert KF, Kris-Etherton PM (2004).Beneficial effects of a Step 2 diet in normo-cholesterolemic men with LDL Phenotype B (phB) but not LDL Phenotype A (phA). FASEB Journal, LB318 (Late Breaking Abstract).

20. Likos-Krick A, Mariotti F, West SG (2004). L-arginine supplements produce different effects in individuals with high vs. low C-reactive protein. FASEB Journal, 18 (5): 600.9.

21. Hilpert KF, West SG, Mack CN, Juturu V, Kris-Etherton PM (2004). Does C-reactive protein (CRP) Status Affect Lipid Response to a Low Fat Diet in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women? FASEB Journal, 18 (5): 575.8.

22. West SG, Wagner P, Boseska L, Hurston KL, Hinderliter A (2004). Fluctuations in Glucose predict day-to-day changes in fasting endothelial function in patients with Type-2 diabetes. FASEB Journal, 18 (4): 120.11.

23. Kris-Etherton PM, Binkoski AE, Griel A, Zhao G, Hecker K, and West SG. (2004). Beneficial effects of unsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Nutrition, Long Beach California, September 2004.

24. Likos-Krick A, & West SG (2004). Oral L-Arginine reduces blood pressure at rest and during stress, independent of task appraisal, in hypercholesterolemic men. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 27 (Suppl): S050.

25. West SG, Likos A, Schoemer S, Hecker KD, Kris-Etherton PM, & Mustad VA (2004). Acute effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart rate reactivity to stress. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 27 (Suppl): S049.

26. West SG (Chair) (2004). Graduate Student Research in Behavioral Medicine. Panel discussion presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, March 25, 2004.

27. Boseska L, Wagner P, Ulbrecht JS, & West SG (2004). Glucose fluctuations predict day-to-day changes in endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: No effect of daily mood. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 27 (Suppl): S069.

28. Likos A, West SG, & Mariotti F (2004). Oral L-Arginine Reduces Blood Pressure at Rest and During Stress, Independent of Task Appraisal, in Hypercholesterolemic Men. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 27 (Suppl): S050.

29. West SG, Hecker K, Mustad V, Nicholson S, Schoemer S, Wagner P, Hinderliter A, Ulbrecht J, Ruey P, & Kris-Etherton P. Acute Effects of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Plant-Derived n-3 or Marine-Derived n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Vascular Endothelial Function in Type-2 Diabetes. Poster presented at The American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2003, Orlando, FL, November 9-12, 2003.

30. Likos A, Mariotti F, Brown PH, & West SG. Oral L-Arginine Reduces Blood Pressure, Cardiac Output, and Homocysteine Levels in Men with High Cholesterol. Abstract presented during oral sessions at The American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2003, Orlando, FL, November 9-12, 2003.

31. West SG (2003). Soy and Hypertension: Effects of soy foods and isoflavones on blood pressure and vascular function. Soyfoods Summit, Miami Florida, February 26-27, 2003. Invited Address.

32. West SG (2002). Effects of walnuts on blood pressure and vascular reactivity. California Walnut Commission, Quarterly Scientific Advisory Meeting, Madrid, Spain, November 6, 2002. Invited Address.

33. West SG (2002). Effects of walnuts on blood pressure and endothelial function. Nucis Foundation Scientific Conference, Madrid, Spain, November 7, 2002. Invited Address.

34. West SG & Kris-Etherton PM (2002). Omega-3 fatty acids reduce DBP at rest and during stress: Diet as a source of individual differences in stress reactivity. Society for Psychophysiological Research, Washington, D.C., October, 2002.

35. West SG (2002). Effects of diet on vascular reactivity: An emerging marker of vascular risk. Canadian Federation of Biological Societies Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada, June 13-16, 2002. Invited Address.

36. West SG (2002). Effects of dietary components on vascular health: Acute and chronic effects of dietary fatty acid blends. Biannual Meeting of the Institute for Shortening and Edible Oils, Pennsylvania State University: August 13, 2002. Invited address.

37. West SG (Chair), Light KC, Wilson DK, & Saab PG (2002). Symposium: Dietary change as behavioral medicine: Effects on cardiovascular responses in the lab and in the field. Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 4-6, 2002.

38. West SG, Kris-Etherton PM, & Stoney CM (2002). Individual differences in cardiovascular response to soy phytoestrogens: Effects on stress reactivity and fasting lipids. Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 4-6, 2002.

39. Light KC, West SG, Brownley KA, Bragdon EE, Girdler SS, & Hinderliter AL (2002). Slow sodium excretion during and after stress: Effects of gender, race, hypertension, family history, and diet. Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 4-6, 2002.

40. West SG (Chair), Thayer JF, Poston WS, Ahluwalia JS, Antoni M, & Granger DA (2002). Graduate Student Research in Behavioral Medicine: Thesis, Dissertation, and Beyond. Panel discussion presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., April 4-6, 2002.

41. Brandon DT, Whitfield KE, Vogler GP, & West SG (2002). Perceived stress and blood pressure among African American adults. Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 4-6, 2002.

42. West SG, Likos A, Wojtowicz TF, Galloway JL, Schoemer SL, & Kris-Etherton PM (2002). Omega-3 fatty acids reduce DBP and HR at rest and during stress: Effects of a diet high in walnuts. Society of Behavioral Medicine, Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 4-6, 2002.

43. West SG, Stoney CM, Habash DL, & Nelligan JA (2002). Mechanisms for the blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of soy: A preliminary study in middle aged men. Society for Experimental Biology/American Society for Nutritional Sciences, New Orleans, LA, April 24-29, 2002.

44. West SG, Likos A, Schoemer SL, Zhao G, & Kris-Etherton PM (2002). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts on blood pressure (BP) reactivity to stress. Society for Experimental Biology/American Society for Nutritional Sciences, New Orleans, LA, April 24-29, 2002.

45. Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, Zhao G, & Gerges M (2002). The Biological Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Fourth International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, Loma Linda, California. April 8-11, 2002.

46. West SG (2002) Vasoactive supplements and functional foods: Endothelial health as a new therapeutic target. Nutracon (Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Conference), Anaheim, CA, March 10-12, 2002. Invited Address.

47. Waldstein S (Chair), Babyak M, Ewart C, Haddock K, Jorgensen R, Markovitz J, Thayer J & West SG (2001). Dissertation Research Panel I: Cardiovascular disease. Panel discussion presented at the March 2001 meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, March 24, 2002.

48. West SG, Coval SM, Hecker KD, Bordi P, Juturu V, & Kris-Etherton PM (2001). Dietary phytoestrogens and low fat diets for treating high cholesterol: Lack of effect on HRT treated women. Society for Experimental Biology/American Society for Nutritional Sciences, April 2, 2001 Orlando, Florida.

49. West SG, Stoney CM, Habash KM, & Nelligan J (2001). Daily soy supplements with phytoestrogens reduce blood pressure at rest and during stress. Fourth International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease, San Diego, CA, November 4-7, 2001.

50. West SG, Bordi PL, Clemmer KF, & Kris-Etherton PM (2001). Comparing a Soy-rich Diet with a Traditional Low-fat Diet for Treating High Cholesterol: Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Make a Difference? Fourth International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease, San Diego, CA, November 4-7, 2001.

51. Thornton LM, West SG, Hughes JW, & Stoney CM (2000). Cardiovascular reactivity among Asian Indian and Caucasian women. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 22 (Suppl): S035.

52. West SG, Stoney CM, Habash DL, Cook KM, & Bonfiglio DB (2000). Soy supplements reduce resting and stress blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged men. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Annual Meeting Supplement, April 5-8, 2000, Nashville, TN.

53. Hinderliter AL, Girdler SS, West SG, Brownley KA, & Light KC (2000). Low sodium and high potassium diets reduce ambulatory blood pressure but do not influence dipping in young normotensives. Circulation, 102: II-414.

54. Brownley KA, Girdler S, West SG, Grewen K, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (2000). Vascular effects of hormone replacement therapy in high and low reactors. Presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Nashville, TN. April 5-8, 2000.

55. Adamian MS, Girdler SG, West SG, Grewen KM, Chung SH, Koo-Loeb J,Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (1999). Hormone replacement reduces lab and 24 hour blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Psychosomatic Medicine, 61: 85.

56. West SG, Light KC, Girdler SS, Chung SH, Grewen K, Adamian M, & Wells EC (1998). Transdermal estrogen reduces blood pressure and vascular responses to stress in postmenopausal women: A placebo controlled, prospective study. International Congress of Behavioral Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark. August, 1998.

57. West SG, Light KC, Hinderliter AL, Stanwyck CL, Bragdon EE, Smith TE, & Brownley KA (1998). Both high potassium and low sodium diets reduce BP responses to stress. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 20: S106.

58. Hinderliter AL, West SG & Light KC (1998). Left ventricular remodelling in African-Americans is not explained by a blunted nocturnal blood pressure fall in salt sensitive subjects. American Journal of Hypertension, 11: 190A.

59. Hinderliter AL, West SG, & Light KC (1998). Salt sensitivity is not associated with left ventricular remodelling or hypertrophy in subjects with normal or mildly elevated blood pressure. American Journal of Hypertension, 11: 2A.

60. Girdler SS, Grewen K, West SG, Bragdon EE, Steege J, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (1998). Gender differences in neurodynamic stress reactivity: Influences of reproductive hormones. Ninth World Congress of Psychophysiology, Sicily, Italy, September 14-19, 1998.

61. Light KC, Girdler SS, West SG, Grewen KM, Steege J, Stanwyck C, Ranc J, Lamothe T, Chung S, & Hinderliter AL (1998). Hormone replacement reduces vasoconstriction and mean blood pressure at rest and during stress in healthy postmenopausal women. Psychosomatic Medicine, 60: 111.

62. Grewen K, Girdler SS, West SG, Ranc J, Koo J, Hinderliter A, Adamian M, & Light KC (1997). Low sense of self mastery and increased 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Psychophysiology, 34(suppl 1): S40.

63. Bragdon EE, Brownley KA, West SG, Girdler SS, Sherwood A, & Light KC (1997). Social support may mitigate hostility’s influence on blood pressure in young men. Psychophysiology, 34 (suppl1): S23.

64. Brown HJ, Girdler SS, West SG, Lamothe TL, Ranc J, Steege J, Stanwyck CL, Chung SH, & Light KC (1997). Estrogen replacement and vascular responses at rest and during stress: Preliminary findings of a 6-month randomized, placebo controlled trial. Psychophysiology, 34 (suppl.1): S24.

65. Chung SH, West SG, Stanwyck CL, & Light KC (1997). Hostility’s influence on blood pressure response to stress in white men. Proceedings of the Carolinas Psychology Conference, 1997. David Heinning-Boynton (ed.), North Carolina State University Press: 54.

66. West SG, Stanwyck CL, Brownley KA, Bradgon EE, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (1997). Salt restriction increases norepinephrine and cholestrerol in Blacks more than in Whites. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 19(suppl): 67.

67. West SG, Brownley KA, & Light KC (1996). Racial differences in post exercise stress reactivity. Psychosomatic Medicine, 58: 78.

68. Brownley KA, West SG, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (1996). Acute aerobic exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in borderline hypertensive men and women. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 18: 595.

69. Girdler SS, Sherwood A, Brownley KA, Bragdon EE, West SG, & Light KC (1996). Cardiovascular stress responses predict ambulatory blood pressure 10 years later. Annals of Behavioral Medicine: Fourth International Conference Proceedings: 135.

70. West SG, Stanwyck C, Hinderliter AL, & Light KC (1996). Salt restriction and atherogenic lipid profiles: A study of cholesterol responses to stress. Annals of Behavioral Medicine: Fourth International Conference Proceedings: 141.

71. West SG, Brownley KA, & Light KC (1994). Acute stress and recovery hemodynamics during the post-exercise Period. Psychophysiology, 31: S104.

72. Light KC, Girdler SS & West SG (1994). Blood pressure response to laboratory challenges and occupational stress in women. Conference on Women, Stress and Health Disease. Stockholm, Sweden. September 1994.

73. Light KC, Lysle DT, Bragdon EE, West SG, & Folds JD (1994). Effect of sympathetic blockade and salt intake on natural killer cells after mental stress in healthy black adults. Psychosomatic Medicine, 56(2): 154.

74. West SG, Bove AB, & Light KC (1993). Chronic stress in women: Estrogen and cardiovascular function. Psychosomatic Medicine, 5(1): 115.

75. West SG, Girdler SS, & Light KC (1991). Menstrual cycle effect on heart rate reactivity to stress: A comparison of women with PMS and controls. Proceedings of the Carolinas Psychology Conference, 1991. Don Mershon, Ph.D., (Ed.), NC State University Press; 53.

 

Membership in Professional Societies:

  • American Heart Association
  • American Society of Nutrition Sciences
  • Society of Behavioral Medicine

 

Service:

  • Reviewer, NIH/NCCAM, Special Emphasis Panel for Centers of Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, July 2005.
  • Member, General Clinical Research Center Advisory Council, Penn State University, University Park campus, November 2004-present.
  • Member, College of Health and Human Development Honors Council, September, 2002-present.
  • Co-chair, Colloquium committee, Department of Biobehavioral Health, August, 2003 to present.
  • Biobehavioral Health Faculty Search committee, September, 2002-2003.
  • Honors advisor in Biobehavioral Health, September, 2000-present.
  • Admissions committee, Department of Biobehavioral Health, 2000-2003; 2005 present.
  • Nutrition Faculty Search Committee, Department of Nutrition, 1999/2000.
  • Curricular Affairs Committee, Department of Biobehavioral Health, 1999/2000.
  • Supervision of Undergraduate and Graduate Research Trainees:

                 PSU Vascular Health Interventions Laboratory, August, 1999-present.

                 Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Program, Ohio State University, 1997-1999.

                 Human Psychophysiology Laboratory, UNC-CH, 1995-1997. 

  • Education and Training Council member, Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2000-present

     Chair, Dissertation Panel Subcommittee, 2002 and 2003 Annual Meetings.

  • Ad Hoc Reviewer, Circulation, Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Health Psychology,  Journal of Nutrition, Psychosomatic Medicine,  International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Addiction, Biological Psychology, Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Psychophysiology
  • Reviewer of conference submissions, American Psychological Association, Division 38 (Health Psychology) 2001, 2004, 2005.
  • Curriculum committee for Laboratory Research in Psychology and Chancellor’s committee for selection of Teaching Award Recipients, UNC-CH, 95-96.

 

Honors and Awards:

  • Women in Science and Engineering, International Travel Award, 1998. 
  • Ohio State University Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1997.
  • Students’ Undergraduate Teaching Award, UNC-CH, 1995. This highly competitive, university-wide teaching award is given to 5 graduate instructors each year. 
  • NIMH National Research Service Award/Predoctoral Fellowship, 1995
  • Lions’ Club Academic Scholarship, 1986

 

Teaching Experience:    Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University

 

Course Title:             Biobehavioral Aspects of Stress (BBH 432, 3 credit hours)
Role:                          Course instructor (100% responsibility); deliver 45 lecture hrs / semester
Semesters (10):          Spring 2000, Fall 2000, Spring 2001, Fall 2001, Spring 2002, Fall 2002,
                                  Fall 2003, Spring 2004, Spring 2005, Spring 2006
Enrollment:                 ~ 60-80 students
Course description:     The goal of this upper-division undergraduate course is to review the scientific literature

                                  on the effects of stress on physical and psychological health, with an emphasis on

                                  physiological mechanisms through which various psychological stressors affect organ

                                  systems and disrupt health.

Course Title:             Biobehavioral Perspectives (BBH 502, 3 credit hours)
Role:                          Co-instructor (responsible for 30-50% of course)
Semesters (7):            Fall 1999-2005
Enrollment:                 8-14 students per semester.
Course description:    The course critically evaluates the use of behavioral science and psychology to (a)

                                  promote and maintain health and (b) prevent and treat illness. Emphasis is on physical

                                  rather than mental health and illness.

Course Title:             Biobehavioral systems in health and development (BBH 503, 3 credits)
Role:                          Co-instructor (responsible for 20% of course); 8 lecture hours per semester
Semesters (1):            Fall 1999
Enrollment:                 11 students
Course description:     This course reviews physiology required for graduate study in BBH. I provided a 4

                                  lecture sequence on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.

Course Title:             Intro to Biobehavioral Health, Honors section (BBH 101, 3 credits)
Role:                          Course instructor (100% responsibility); deliver 45 lecture hrs / semester
Semesters (2):            Fall, 2005; Fall 2006
Enrollment:                 ~ 22 students
Course description:    This honors seminar is a survey of health psychology and biobehavioral health that gives

                                  students experience with reading medical journal articles and applying behavioral and

                                  biological research to human health problems.

 

Doctoral Dissertation Supervision

  • Andrea Likos-Krick, “Effects of stress and omega-3 fatty acids on vascular endothelial function.”  Completed, December, 2004
  • Kirsten F. Hilpert, “Effects of a dairy-rich diet on intracellular calcium dynamics in adults with hypertension.” Completed,  December, 2005

 

Masters Thesis Supervision

  • Andrea Likos “Effects of the amino acid L-arginine on cardiovascular responses to stress.” Completed October, 2003
  • Linda Boseska, “The effects of a diet rich in low fat dairy foods, fruits, and vegetables on blood pressure.”  Completed June, 2004

 

Updated September 19, 2006.  

 
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