We investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive pathology in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), with the eventual goal of developing therapeutics that block or slow disease progression.
We investigate the role of mitochondria in osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc degeneration.
We investigate neurodevelopment in the context of reproduction and stress regulation. Our focus is on the impact of microcystin toxins, that are found in algae contaminated freshwater used for drinking water. We use a variety of techniques that include standard immunohistological techniques and genomics to name a view.
Primate biodemography, morphological evolution, human origins
We investigate neuroprotective strategies, and the role of oxidative stress and bioenergetic stress in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease as well as in psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder. We investigate the neurochemical mechanisms of amphetamine neurotoxicity, and the mechanism of action of novel and atypical antipsychotics.
We investigate age-related changes during middle and old age in the auditory circuits. Our primary tools of investigation are transmission electron microscopy, tract-tracing, single molecule fluorescent hybridization, and immunohistochemistry.
We investigate the evolution and function of body patterning genomic loci in vertebrates.
Kent State Today followed a group of six Golden Flashes for the 2024-25 academic year, chronicling their efforts and successes during the fall and spring semesters. The students are at various places in their Kent State University academic careers and have shared their experiences throughout the year as they participate in our distinctive programs, research and global experiences. Muna Koirala’s first year at Kent State University was an exercise in academic anxiety, and she’s willing to share her story in hopes that her struggles will help other students overcome their own.Kent State To...
In my lab, we are using electrophysiological and behavioral approaches to study the auditory system. Electrophysiological approaches include but are not limited to extracellular and intracellular recordings of single-neuron responses at different levels of the central auditory system as well as non-auditory brain structures in unanesthetized animals. Behavioral approaches are mainly focused on tinnitus or hearing loss assessments in laboratory animals using pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex.
