Emanuel Boutzoukas, was awarded an NHLBI funded T32 Predoctoral Fellowship on Interdisciplinary Training in Breathing Research and Therapeutics (BREATHE). The aim of this predoctoral T32 program is to develop a unique cohort of interdisciplinary researchers with strong foundations in respiratory neuromuscular systems, emphasizing the discovery of new knowledge and its translation to severe neuromuscular disorders. Key components of the training program are across-disciplinary interactions among trainees and an integrative bench to bedside perspective to develop a greater understanding, and treatments for, neuromuscular disorders that compromise breathing and airway defense. Emanuel is currently coordinating a phase II clinical trial in Dr. Woods lab, the Enhancing Cognition in Older Adults with Intermittent Hypoxia and Cognitive Training (EXCITE) Study, pairing cognitive training with a non-invasive respiratory intervention (intermittent hypoxia) in older adults to targeting neuroplasticity and improve everyday function.