My research focuses on the regulation of the visual signaling pathway in photoreceptor cells, with emphasis on the structure, function, and regulation of the photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6). My lab group consists of a research scientist, graduate students, and undergraduate student researchers. I have broad training in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, with specific expertise in enzymology, protein chemistry, and molecular pharmacology. In addition to my longstanding contributions to understanding cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways in photoreceptor cells, our work is also contributing to efforts to identify therapeutic interventions for retinal degenerative diseases. In addition, our lab investigates the physiological roles of phosphodiesterases in the nematode C. elegans, with applications to developing chemical controls for parasitic nematodes.
I have designed and taught general and upper-level biochemistry lecture and laboratory courses to undergraduate students, as well as offering graduate courses in cell signaling.
My service contributions include serving as academic administrator of the Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences Department at UNH. More recently, I have served as Principal Investigator of the COBRE: Center of Integrated Biomedical and Bioengineering Research which includes mentoring early career stage faculty and promoting biomedical research infrastructure at UNH. I was awarded the University Distinguished Professor award in 2016 in recognition of my contributions to teaching, research, academic administration, and service.
