If the aims of this study are achieved, they might lead to detailed understanding of neurotrophic factors involved in post-surgical pain and implementation of new therapies to treat this common clinical problem. The primary mentor for Dr. Spofford is Timothy J. Brennan, M.D, Ph.D., Dr. Samir D. Gergis Professor and Vice Chair for Research.

Dr. Spofford has both a medical degree and a doctorate in physiology obtained under the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Wisconsin. She has recently completed a residency in anesthesiology at the University of Iowa. She has won a number of awards and honors along the way, including being selected as recipient of the Iowa Anesthesia Department's Margaret Lunsford Fellowship. Dr. Spofford is currently in her second year of support under a Research Training Grant awarded to the Department, and being awarded this FAER grant allows her an additional 2 years of support to develop data to support federal funding.