Research in the laboratory focuses on mechanisms of mitochondrial gene expression and its regulation. We study an array of nuclear DNA encoded protein factors that control the expression of mitochondrial genes.

Humans are exposed to stress daily throughout their lives.  During a stressful experience, the brainstem nucleus locus coeruleus becomes engaged and releases norepinephrine throughout the central nervous system...

Focusing on cancer, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, mouse models of disease, therapeutic delivery strategies, biodevices and coating materials... 

Cells must communicate with each other to coordinate the development and survival of an animal. This communication can be mediated by diffusible factors that pass between cells, or by direct contact through cell junctions. We are interested in how intercellular communication affects cell growth and differentiation, with an emphasis on how cell communication can control tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis.

My research program studies the molecular mechanisms underlying how the nuclear envelope regulates some of these fundamental cellular processes, including genomic architecture, RNA transcription and cell signaling.

The regulatory pathways associated with tongue homeostasis and genes responsible for taste fungiform papilla/taste bud alteration after HH pathway blockade are not clearly understood and remain challenging to understand tongue physiology in response to therapeutic interventions such as HH signaling blockade.

Our primary research program is focused on understanding the interactions between psychosocial stressor exposure, stress-coping strategies, and the behavioral effects of drugs of abuse.

We utilize a combination of in-vivo electrophysiology and behavioral pharmacology to study the neurobiology of sensory signal processing, decision making, and higher order cognitive functions. 

Social interaction has a profound effects on both our behavior and our emotional well-being. Positive social interactions have been shown to have lasting benefits for human health, whereas negative social interaction can lead to worse health outcomes and in severe cases can be causative in the onset of illness

The primary research focus of my laboratory is to understand the role of the central monoaminergic systems in brain function and behavior. 

Despite advances in antibiotic therapy, there is a significant need for more efficacious treatments of severe bacterial infections. The host responds to bacterial infection by activating the innate immune system to clear pathogen by phagocytic and killing mechanisms...