overview

• I am a Professor of Physiology, and my research is focused on the role of neuromodulation in controlling behavior at the level of neural circuits, with specific expertise in the role of dopamine on the operation of spinal cord function. My work has led to key hypotheses on dopamine (DA) function in the spinal cord and its possible contribution to Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), and the role of DA interactions with the morphine system in the control of chronic pain, and has to date resulted in two clinically-relevant patents, with another two patent applications pending. I have identified the impact of the DA system at the systems level, and I have developed novel interventional approaches to reverse pathological changes in RLS and in chronic pain. I have been able to secure substantial funding, from both academic and non-academic sources, and I have developed a strong network of international collaborations. In addition, I am holding two clinically-relevant patents on new treatment options for RLS and a for the treatment of chronic pain. Additional patents on the role of interacting DA and morphine systems have been filed for a novel biomarker, to detect opioid responsiveness prior to the onset of treatment, and for a potential drug combination that may be able to restore nervous system function after injury and fibrosis. I have successfully administered multiple externally funded projects (e.g., staffing, research protections, budget) and collaborated with researchers at national and international levels, each time producing several peer-reviewed publications. I have served for multiple years as the Graduate Director for the PhD program in physiology at my institution and co-developed new courses for the program.