Long Term Research Interests

1. My long term research interests involve the understanding of neurological diseases and the physiological cues that regulate neural signaling (and thus behavior) based on animal circumstances. My academic training and research experience have provided me with an excellent background in multiple biological disciplines including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and neurobiology. As an undergraduate, I was able to conduct research with Dr. Charles Lindsey on the neuroanatomical studies projections of the paratrigeminal nucleus to the nucleus ambiguus, rostroventrolateral and lateral reticular nuclei and the solitary tract pharmacological cardiovascular effects of tachykinin NK-1 receptors using stereotaxic surgeries, blood pressure recordings,

This study was achieved using electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and the immunogold labeling method. The results from this project were used to support the R-01 grant application from Dr. Pickel, in which she is a recognized leader in the neuroanatomy and electron microscopy field and has an extensive record for training postdoctoral fellows. During my second postdoctoral year, Dr. Pickel could not support my training due to the NIH-funds. I had to change laboratory, and at New York University College of Dentistry under Dr. Gibbs we start to investigate the nociceptive plasticity pathways in orofacial pain. This studies were achieve using primary cell culture, calcium imaging, anatomical and behavioral studies. In addition, the proposed training plan outlines a set of career development activities; e.g. grant writing, lab management, and mentoring students. In the Basic Science Department, I gave several lectures about pharmacology and neuropharmacology for the dental students. My research led to a book chapter in Endodontic Prognosis: Clinical Guide for Optimal Treatment Outcome, Springer and one article as the second author. My last position was at Harvard Medical School/BIDMC with Dr.