Our research group is investigating the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle regeneration, focusing on skeletal muscle stem cells. We are interested in the biogenesis of skeletal muscle stem cells and understanding the failure of these cells to maintain the skeletal musculature in neuromuscular diseases. An additional interest is focused on understanding the molecular basis and cell biology of skeletal muscle loss during aging. We are funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Glen Foundation and The American Federation for Aging Research. I am a recipient of a PEW Scholar Award, an Ellison Medical Foundation Senior Scholar in Aging Research, a recipient of a Glen Award for Research in the Biological Mechanisms of Aging and a recipient of a Glen/AFAR Award for Breakthroughs in Gerontology.
MCDB 4615 - Biology of Stem Cells
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. Examines the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 3135 or MCDB 3145 or instructor consent required. Same as MCDB 5615.
MCDB 4680 - Mechanisms of Aging
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). Same as MCDB 5680.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2022
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 5615 - Biology of Stem Cells
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. Examines the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Same as MCDB 4615.
MCDB 5680 - Mechanisms of Aging
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms. Same as MCDB 4680.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCDB 6440 - Special Topics in MCD Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
MCDB 6442 - Research Grant Writing
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors.
