Education

• PhD, Pharmacology, University of Utah

Specialties

• Drug Addiction
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Computational Neuroscience

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Research Interests

I am interested in understanding the mechanisms by which brain function is negatively impacted by neurodegenerative diseases and by drug abuse. I hope that a better understanding of these mechanisms will provide clues for ways to develop better therapies. Some of my research involves laboratory work. This activity currently focuses on:

1. The influence of environment on effects of drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine.
2. Changes in brain chemistry induced by amphetamine and cocaine in the nucleus accumbens and striatal areas of the brain
3. Mechanism by which nerves store the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Other aspects of my research involve computer modeling. The goal of the computer work is to develop a realistic model of dopaminergic synapses which will be used to

1. Accurately describe how much dopamine is actually used to communicate between nerves and how much is stored in a reserve
2. To suggest possible changes in synaptic structure that account for the observed effects of drugs of abuse on the dopaminergic systems of the brain
3. To estimate conditions under which oxidation of dopamine that escapes storage might lead to destruction of the dopaminergic nerve terminal.

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Mission Statement

I provide quality service to students attending The Ohio State University. I perform with a priority for student learning and advancement in classroom-based formats, in research opportunities provided for students, and in committee/administrative service related to students. In addition, I serve the public through discovery of new knowledge that has the potential to be utilized in treatment/prevention of conditions affecting the brain. In all of my interactions with faculty, staff, and students, I seek to build other people and identify their strengths and contributions.

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Teaching

• Pharmacy 200: Rational and Irrational Use of Drugs
  • Autumn quarter, 1979-1989
  • Spring quarter, 2002-present
• Pharmacy 473: Concepts in Pharmacology III: Therapeutic Frontiers
  • Spring 1995-present (≈15 students, ≈50 from 2003)
• Pharmacy 470: Pharmacology for Nurses
  • Spring 1980, 1981 (≈50 students)
  • Autumn 1981-1988 (≈200 student)

( more teaching information... )

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Service

Service on College Committees

• Awards, Financial Aids, and Honors Committee, 1980-1981
• Computer Advisory Committee, 1981-1988
  • Chair, 1986-1989 & 1992-1997
    
• Self-Evaluation Committee for Accreditation of the College of Pharmacy, 1983-1985
  
• Pharm D. Committee, 1984-1988
  
• Admissions Committee, 1984-1985
  
• Promotion and Tenure Committee, 1987-1989
  
• Committee on Committees, 1988-1989
  
• Curriculum Committee, 1989-1990, 2002-2003
  
• Executive Committee, 1990-present
  
• Graduate Studies and Research Committee, 1990-2002; chair 1992-2002
  
• Self Study Committee for Program Review, 1991-1992
  • Chair
    
• Honors and Undergraduate Research Committee, 1990-1992
  
• Dean’s Advisory Committee for Affirmative Action, 1992-2002
  
• Laboratory Animal Committee, 1992-present
  
• Technology and Educational Resources Advisory Committee
  • Chair, 1998-1999
    
• Search Committee for Dean of College of Pharmacy, 2002-2003

( more service information... )

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