Research/Areas of Interest
1) Development of sub-type selective modulators of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
The primary goal is to develop and characterize nAChR allosteric modulators as lead molecules for the treatment of diseases involving alterations in nicotinic tone in the CNS.
2) Development of alpha9/alpha10 nicotinic receptor modulators for hearing disorders.
This project will develop novel allosteric modulators targeting the unique nicotinic receptor subunit found in the inner ear that is involved in distinguishing sounds such as language from background noise. Signaling in this pathway declines in age, producing a common age-related hearing disorder. This is also a common deficit caused by noise related hearing loss, often called "hidden hearing loss". Enhancement of this pathway by allosteric modulation may permit improved hearing in patients experiencing this disorder. The project aims to understand the structure/function relationships of this receptors unique pharmacology to develop new ligands that selectively target this receptor. The project builds on our prior experience with developing nicotinic modulators.
3) Interaction of viral proteins within the CNS.
This project investigates the interaction of viral recognition proteins within the CNS. The model virus for this type of interaction is the Rabies virus; however, there is evidence that other viruses, including influenza, Herpes, COVID-19 and measles, may interact with CNS receptor proteins.
Biography
During my career, I have focused on graduate education and research, typically choosing to work in program development. I have extensive experience in developing and improving academic programs and the research environment. I have worked on strategic planning, curriculum development, program assessment, and development of research cores and facilities. As a department chair, I managed both graduate programs and graduate faculty. It is my primary goal to improve the efficiency and productivity of students and faculty while enhancing the academic and research culture of the institution.