"The contractile activity of vascular smooth muscle cells is critical to the ability of small arteries to regulate blood flow in response to fluctuations in intraluminal pressure (the "Myogenic Response")." In regard to this, I am interested in the mechanotransduction processes which underlie how smooth muscle cells sense and respond to mechanical forces. In particular, whether the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) can act as a mechanosensor in resistance arterioles and contribute to myogenic responsiveness. An additional interest relates to whether pressure-dependent vasoconstriction is modulated by negative regulation of AT₁R signaling by RGS (Regulators of G-protein Signaling) proteins under physiological and pathophysiological conditions."   Kwangseok is a recipient of a 2015 MCS Zweifach Student Travel Award.