Teaching Duties: Physiology, Principles of Biology, Neuroscience

Research Interests: My research focuses around 2 aspects related to the control of blood pressure and mechanisms that contribute to the development of hypertension. First, I am interested in how salt exacerbates hypertension in certain individuals. My research has examined a number of areas related to this topic, including how the brain detects sodium ingestion. We have demonstrated that receptors in the liver respond to salt intake and send signals to the brain, which in turn responds to decrease sodium appetite and prevent changes in plasma sodium levels. Current work in my laboratory is expanding on this research, and investigating the role of hepatic membrane phospholipids in regulating vascular reactivity. My second area of interest revolves around the ability of estrogen to protect individuals from hypertension and associated changes to the vasculature. One branch of research in my laboratory is investigating whether estrogen depletion increases the risk of hypertension and vascular complications in diabetic rat models. Another set of studies are exploring whether estrogen depletion accelerates hypertension-induced declines in cognitive function. All of these studies are funded by external grants from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the American Heart Association. All of my research incorporates undergraduate students who are interested in exploring physiological research, either as a potential career, as preparation for professional school, or simply have an interest in trying it out. Students participate in all aspects of the research, including surgical preparations, data collection and analysis, and presentation of research results. Additionally, students learn state-of-the-art technologies, such as telemetric recording, Doppler flow probe monitoring and vascular reactivity studies, which are techniques usually not available at the undergraduate level. I am always looking for students who express an interest in working in my laboratory. Hobbies: I have a great wife and 2 kids, including a 5 year-old daughter and a 2 year-old son. We also have a 3rd child who is currently under construction. Most of my time is spent working to restore our 139 year-old house. I also enjoy landscaping, music, and a variety of sports.

Vita