Rapha Perim, Ph.D.

Education 

Ph.D., Physiology, University of Sao Paulo, July 2015 
 
M.S., Exercise Physiology, Gama Filho University, May 2011 

Bio 

Rapha Perim, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of physiology and pharmacology at Marian University. His academic focus centers on understanding the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, particularly within neural systems that regulate respiration and sympathetic control. Dr. Perim teaches core physiological concepts and is developing a neuroscience research program focused on data analysis and experimental design in systems related to respiratory and autonomic control. 
 
Before joining Marian University, Dr. Perim completed extensive postdoctoral training at the University of Florida, where he investigated neurophysiological adaptations to intermittent hypoxia. His research integrates electrophysiological recordings with advanced computational modeling to explore how neural networks adapt to oxygen fluctuations and how these changes influence respiratory and autonomic regulation. 
 
Dr. Perim’s work combines experimental neuroscience with data science, applying machine learning and Bayesian inference to decode complex neural signals. By leveraging Python-based analytical pipelines, he seeks to uncover the underlying rules governing neural plasticity and to develop predictive models that link synaptic changes to physiological outcomes. His long-term goal is to advance understanding of neuroplasticity in health and disease, contributing to the development of therapeutic strategies for conditions involving impaired respiratory or autonomic control. 

Courses Taught 

• Cardiopulmonary and Renal 

• Scientific Foundations of Medicine 

Areas of Teaching Expertise 

• Cardiovascular 

• Respiratory 

• Renal and Central Nervous System 

Research Interests 

Dr. Perim investigates the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity within neural circuits controlling respiration and cardiovascular function. His research combines electrophysiological recordings with computational modeling, machine learning, and Bayesian inference to examine how intermittent hypoxia and other physiological challenges alter intracellular signaling and neural output, revealing how adaptive plasticity shapes cardiorespiratory control. 
 
Selected Publications 

• 
  Perim RR, Vinit S, Mitchell GS. Cervical spinal hemisection effects on spinal tissue oxygenation and long-term facilitation of phrenic, renal and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity. Experimental Neurology. 2023
  • Perim RR, Sunshine MD, Welch JF, Santiago J, Holland A, Ross A, Mitchell GS, Gonzalez-Rothi EJ. Daily acute intermittent hypoxia enhances phrenic motor output and stimulus-evoked phrenic responses in rats. J Neurophysiol. 2021 
  • Perim RR, Gonzalez-Rothi EJ, Mitchell GS. Cervical spinal injury compromises caudal spinal tissue oxygenation and undermines acute intermittent hypoxia-induced phrenic long-term facilitation. Experimental Neurology. 2021 
   
  Awards or Honors 
• 
  Research Recognition Award, American Physiological Society - Respiratory Section (2017)
  • McKnight Brain Institute Travel Award, University of Florida (2016) 
  • Poster award, University of Florida - Neuroscience Retreat (2016) 
  • Poster award, Sao Paulo State University - Bioscience Institute (2013) 

Professional Service and Affiliations 

Society for Neuroscience 

Personal Info 

Beyond academia, Dr. Perim values time with his family.