Vice Chair for Research, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Phone:
859-323-1440 (University of Kentucky)
859-257-4888 (PM&R at Cardinal Hill)
Fax: (859) 257-9372
BACKGROUND
Ph.D., State University of New York at Binghamton (1984);
Postdoctoral training at University of Rochester Medical School (1984-1988);
Vice Chair of Research and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Cardinal Hill Endowed Chair in Neurorehabilitation
RESEARCH
Mitochondrial Function and Cell Death in Traumatic Spinal Cord and Brain Injury
It has been well documented that widespread neuronal and glial cell death occurs following traumatic spinal cord and brain injury. In addition, important advances have been made in understanding the intracellular pathways controlling cell death after injury. The goal of our research is to limit neuronal and glial cell loss and the resulting neurological deficits by blocking steps occurring early in the cell death process. Recently, we have focused our efforts on identifying the mitochondrial events responsible for regulating cell survival and death. We are particularly interested in identifying therapeutic agents/strategies that limit mitochondrial dysfunction as a means of promoting cell survival. Our research program works closely with various Departments and Centers at the University of Kentucky and the Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital to ensure that highly promising lab bench discoveries reach the clinic.
