Defining signaling pathways that program cellular diversity is one of the foremost problems in biology and is central to my research interests.  In the lab we use molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to characterize the function of these pathways and to gain insight into their role in disease.  To date, the lab has focused on the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor network, a principal therapeutic target for a variety of human cancers.  This work involved the characterization of Kekkon1 (Kek1), an archetypal LIG molecule, as a novel feedback inhibitor of the EGFR network.  More recently, our work has branched out to neurobiology, adhesion/barrier biology, and lipid metabolism. 

At the undergraduate level, I enjoy relating the growing impact of biology in our world through teaching Intro to Biotech, Genetics, and mentoring students in the lab.  At the graduate level, I enjoy working with doctoral and master’s students in the lab and teaching classes on signal transduction, model experimental systems, and grant writing.  Outside of the lab, I enjoy snowshoeing, hiking, photography, and trying to keep up with graduate students on the soccer field.