Lori Birder

Lori Birder, PhD is a Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (with Tenure) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field of urothelial function and the role of neural-epithelial interactions in the pathophysiology of bladder disorders including overactive bladder, bladder pain syndrome and aging related changes in urinary bladder function. Her pioneering work on sensory properties of urothelial cells has opened a new field and Dr. Birder and her collaborators (which include industry partners) have also begun to extend these observations to other types of epithelia. She has published more than 140 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and reviews. Dr. Birder has organized/chaired a number of symposia and workshops on bladder and urothelial function including the International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) Neural Control Committee. She is a member of several editorial boards and scientific societies including the Society for Neuroscience (SFN), Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU), International Continence Society (ICS), and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).