ABOUT ME
I'm a biologist with interests in various aspects of physiology and behavior, especially how these are affected by, and respond to, environmental cues. To achieve this requires a variety of approaches extending from the whole animal to individual cells and molecules. The mechanisms that underlie the seasonal, and therefore reversible, physiology has always fascinated me because it could provide important clues to help humans.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Hibernation Physiology
We're interested in everything that makes this incredible physiological transition in bears possible and how it can be applied to humans.
1978 - 1982
Franklin Pierce University
B.A. in Biology (cum laude)
Obesity and Diabetes
Bears exhibit many of the characteristics of humans with obesity and diabetes, yet bears don't develop disease. We are interested in understanding the molecular/genetic mechanisms responsible for this resilience.
Metabolic Regulation
Conserving energy during hibernation is key to survival. Bears regulate their metabolism in extraordinary ways. We'd like to know how as this has application to cancer and potentially space travel.
1985 - 1987
University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
M.S. in Pharmacology/Toxicology (Veterinary Sciences)
1993 - 1999
University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
Post-doctoral
1987 - 1993
University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
Ph.D. in Physiology (Veterinary Sciences)
Circadian Rhythms
24 hour rhythms are a common aspect of physiology. Maintaining rhythms is thought to be a key feature of homeostasis and energy balance. How this is achieved and under what extreme environmental conditions these rhythms are maintained is a key question.