Aaron Mickle, PhD

Aaron Mickle is a PhD neuroscientist with a diverse research background in behavioral neuroscience, molecular and cellular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, urology, and bioengineering. His current research is focused on incorporating molecular, cellular, and whole-animal approaches to answer questions about mechanisms of bladder dysfunction and pain. He has an extensive interest in continuing to advance the field of bladder physiology research, visceral pain mechanisms, education, and training. Aaron Mickle launched his scientific career as a research technologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he cultivated an interest in chronic pain mechanisms. His focus involved utilizing electrophysiology techniques alongside in vivo pharmacology to investigate the underlying mechanistic foundations. He then attended The University of Iowa, where he continued my study and understanding of chronic pain mechanisms in Dr. Mohapatra’s lab, focusing on understanding the specific tumor-nerve signaling crosstalk that underlie peripheral pain sensitization associated with bone-metastasized breast and prostate cancers. After graduation, he joined the research group of Dr. Gereau at Washington University in St. Louis for postdoctoral training, where he studied both peripheral and central pain mechanisms and associated disease by learning new techniques, including optogenetics, chemogenetics and functional studies on cultured human dorsal root ganglia neurons. Additionally in collaboration Dr. Rogers’ group at Northwestern he led a project developing technology for the control and monitoring of bladder function using optogenetics and a noninvasive strain gauge. Aaron started his first faculty position at the University of Florida in the summer of 2019, where he established his lab studying bladder neurophysiology and pain. In July 2024, Aaron Mickle is moving to the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Physiology. He also holds appointments in the Departments of Neurosurgery, Urology, and a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering.

2023 - Excellence Award for Assistant Professors, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
2021 - Trailblazer Award Winner (R21), NIH NIBIB
2019 - 42nd Annual O'Leary Prize Neuroscience Award Finalist, Washington University
2019 - Essay Contest Winner for Urodynamic and Neurourology Research, Diokno-Lapides
2017 - NIH F32 NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship
2017 - Research Scholar Award, Urology Care Foundation
2016 - Postdoctoral Fellowship, McDonnell Center for Cellular/Molecular Neurobiology
2012 - NIH F31 NRSA Gradate Student Fellowship
2011 - NIH T32 Institutional NRSA Graduate Student Fellowship

The Visceral Neurophysiology and Engineering Lab, led by Dr. Aaron Mickle, is based in the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Physiology. Our research focuses on neuronal control of bladder dysfunction and pain. Specifically, we investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying bladder sensory function, including how sensory information is transmitted from non-neuronal cells within the bladder to sensory neurons. Additionally, we explore how the central nervous system encodes this information. Our lab is committed to developing innovative treatments for various bladder disorders, such as overactive bladder, bladder pain syndrome, and bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury. We approach this challenge from multiple angles, including: • Research tool development: Creating advanced tools to study bladder function and dysfunction. • Implantable biomedicine treatments: Exploring novel approaches for managing bladder-related conditions. • Validating new pharmacological targets: Identifying potential drug targets to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, we extend our interest beyond bladder-related issues to include pelvic organ pain and interoception. Our goal is to enhance our understanding of these complex physiological processes and contribute to better patient care. For more information on specific projects please visit the lab website. Mentoring and Training We are hiring! Dr. Mickle is very enthusiastic about mentoring and training the next generation of scientists. Graduate students, undergraduate students and postdocs should check out the lab website for more information. Our team is highly collaborative and diverse in our scientific backgrounds. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Mickle! Research Areas of Interest • Aging • Behavioral neuroscience • Biomedical engineering • Interoception • Molecular and cellular neuroscience • Neuropharmacology • Neurophysiology • Neuroscience • Neuromodulation • Spinal Cord Injury • Technology development • Urology • Urothelial Cells • Visceral Pain