Reyhan Westbrook, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Dr. Westbrook received his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville TN.
Dr. Westbrook’s research is focused on determining the biological mechanisms that underlie frailty and aging using animal models and translating these findings into actionable strategies to improve health in older adults. Using metabolomics and other research tools in animal models and in humans, his work has shown that alterations in key molecular pathways can influence lifespan including the tryptophan degradation pathway and energy metabolic pathways. His current focuses include determining if genetically and pharmacologically manipulating key metabolic pathways can alter lifespan and healthspan in animal models. He is also using fluxomic techniques to understand changes in energy metabolism that occur with aging and frailty. This work will provide an important foundation for strategies and interventions that can improve human healthspan and increase longevity.
His interests include determining the biological “signatures” of aging and frailty to boost our prognostic capabilities regarding aging related declines, as well as developing therapeutic strategies to improve human health.
