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Courses Taught

• Biological Foundations
• Human Genetics
• Human Physiology
• Career Pathways in Biology
• Individual Investigation

Current Research

We study the aging brain from a comparative perspective, examining changes in neural and pathological markers from multiple species.  In particular we focus on Alzheimer's-like pathological changes of the aged canine, monkey, and ape.  Various indicators of poor brain health are present in these species, including increased inflammation and glial response, increased deposition of amyloid proteins, and the presence of tau pathology. 

Our aim is to determine whether these markers correlate with cognitive impairment.  The limbic system and retrosplenial cortex are particularly vulnerable to pathological and metabolic changes that occur in Alzheimer's, and also serve an important role in the maintenance of various memory processes, and thus are a focus of our analyses.  Stereological methods are used to quantify degree of pathology and brain inflammation.

Courses Teaching

Spring 2015

• BSCI 10120 - 011 Biological Foundations
• BSCI 30005 - 004 Career Pathways In Biology
• BSCI 30030 - 003 Human Physiology

Fall 2015

• BSCI 10120 - 009 Biological Foundations