Edwin Rodriguez

My research examines neuroimmune mechanisms underlying stress-related dysregulation, with a focus on autonomic modulation of innate immune function. Specifically, I study how exercise and breathing-based interventions alter natural killer cell cytotoxicity and immune cell phenotypes in human clinical trials. By integrating flow cytometry, cell culture models, and mixed-model statistical approaches, my work seeks to define mechanistic links between behavioral interventions, immune function, and mental health–related outcomes.

Principal Investigator & Doctoral Researcher

University of Northern Colorado, Complementary Health and Integrative Physiology Center (CHIPC), 

1/2022 - 5/2025

• Principal Investigator on a quasi-randomized clinical trial examining exercise and breathing-induced modulation of autonomic and immune function in chronically stressed adults.
• Developed and optimized laboratory protocols: Enhanced cytotoxicity assay efficiency and quality output; optimized antibody panels to eliminate fluorescent overlap and improve mean fluorescent intensity
• Advanced technical applications: Utilized cell culture techniques for co-culturing PBMCs with K562 leukemia cells; applied flow cytometry for immune cell phenotyping and cytotoxicity assessment
• Created robust data analysis pipeline in R Studio: Automated ANOVA assumption testing (normality and homogeneity of variance), data transformation protocols, and parametric/nonparametric mixed-model selection
• Cross-departmental collaboration: Coordinated research activities between Exercise Science and Biology departments within School of Natural Health Sciences
• Led research projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and institutional guidelines.
• Developed innovative methodologies to enhance data collection and analysis processes.

Clinical Research Coordinator
University of Northern Colorado, Ocean Spray Focus Study,

1/2022 - 12/2023

• Managed $230,000 clinical trial investigating CBD consumption effects on health measures in 100+ participants
• Coordinated 400+ data collection visits ensuring protocol adherence and maintaining data quality control standards
• Served as primary phlebotomist and developed standardized blood processing protocols
• Contributed to scientific publications: Co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and assisted with data analysis and manuscript preparation
• Maintained regulatory compliance: Ensured adherence to clinical research protocols and participant safety standards

Graduate Assistant

University of Northern Colorado, 

8/2022 - 5/2025

• Taught a variety of undergraduate courses including cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology 2 lecture and laboratory, and weight training techniques.
• Maintained an overall effectiveness of 4.4/5.0 per student evaluations.

Peer-reviewed Publications

Townsend, R., Ramani, A., Rodriguez, E., Haughian, J.M., Stewart, L.K., Low dose daily CBD beverage consumption does not improve physical and mental health measures in healthy individuals: A randomized clinical trial., Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative, 2024.

Ramani, A., Townsend, R., Rodriguez, E., Haughian, J.M., Stewart, L.K., Daily cannabidiol and L-theanine beverage consumption does not alter anxiety, fatigue, cognitive function, or natural killer cell function: A randomized, controlled trial in healthy, young adults., Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative, 2024.

Flores, V.A., Kisiolek, J.N., Ramani, A., Townsend, R., Rodriguez, E., Butler, B., Stewart, L.K., Effects of oral cannabidiol on health and fitness in healthy adults: An 8-week randomized trial., Nutrients, 2023.

In Preparation

Rodriguez, E., Tamanaha, K., Bell, E., Pastina, J., Morgan, E., Stewart, L.K., Can you breathe your way to better health?, 2026.

University of Northern Colorado Department of Natural Health Sciences Grant, 2024 — Principal Investigator

Rodriguez, E., Can you breathe your way to better health: Research proposal., University of Northern Colorado Biology Symposium, 2025

Rodriguez, E., Roberts, G., Bjorn, M., Villafana, M., Can you breathe your way to better health: A pilot study., University of Northern Colorado Research Day, 2024

Regional

Rodriguez, E., Tamanaha, K., Pastina, J., Bell, E., Morgan, E., Stewart, L.K., Natural killer cells in individuals with normal/moderate vs moderate/severe anxiety., American College of Sports Medicine Rocky Mountain Chapter, 2025, 10.13140/RG.2.2.18447.91048

Ramani, A., Flores, V.A., Kisiolek, J.N., Townsend, R., Rodriguez, E., Butler, B., Stewart, L.K., Eight weeks of daily cannabidiol appears to attenuate declines in anaerobic power over time., Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2023

National

Shackleford, D.Y.K., Brown, J.M., Rodriguez, E., Thomas, R.K., Ruffert, J.J., Smith, A.E., DeGroot, K.J., Comparing modified treadmill protocols for cancer survivors: A pilot study., American College of Sports Medicine National Conference, 2019

American College of Sports Medicine, 2019-01-01, Present

• CITI Training Certification (Good Clinical Practice, Human Subjects Research)
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist Level 2, University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
• BLS, American Heart Association

• 1st Place Doctoral Poster Presentation, Rocky Mountain American College of Sports Medicine, 2025-04-01
• Graduate Dean’s Citation for Excellence Award, University of Northern Colorado, 2025