Education: 
B.S., Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University (1995)
Ph.D., Pharmacology & Toxicology, The Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University (2002)

Research Area:
adeno-associated virus, viral vectors, behavior, substance abuse, cannabinoids

Academic Activities:

Activities in Medical & Graduate Education:

Brief Summary of Research:
My research focus is the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to manipulate physiological systems. I create AAV that over-express or knock down protein expression as well as viruses that manipulate the function of various cell types. I am particularly interested in applying these viruses to the CNS and behavioral models of drug abuse. I also create viruses to manipulate peripheral systems including the endocrine, hepatic and cardiovascular systems. I have a long standing interest in cannabinoid receptor pharmacology, and have several viruses to manipulate cannabinoid receptors and their function.