Because of my background in kinesiology, immunology, and neuroscience, it was inevitable that the research focus of my laboratory would integrate all of these interests.  In the research world, this is called Psychoneuroimmunology, or PNI. 

Currently our laboratory is focussed on understanding the link between inflammation and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathologies. This includes the production of Beta Amyloid peptides and alterations in behavior that are associated with acute and chronic inflammation.  We have also begun to look at dietary agents that have anti-inflammatory affects and how these agents modulate the onset of disease pathologies, as well as the effects of exercise in our acute and chronic inflammation models.

In addition, we are continuing to investigate the role of a large family of cell surface proteins, the EPH receptors, on brain development and behavior.  Many of these receptors play a role in both the developmental processes that govern the formation of the brain, as well as the ongoing process of neurogenesis, or the creation of new adult neurons.  We recently determined that EphB1 and EphB2 proteins play a role in the process of neurogenesis (J. Neurosci., 2007).  We are now determining how these proteins also affect learning and behavior.

We are in the early stages of forming the Texas Christian University Center for Psychoneuroimmunology Research.  This interdepartmental group includes faculty from Kinesiology, Chemistry, Psychology, Biology, and Nursing.  Several collaborative projects are currently underway.  One of the first projects within this collaborative venture involved the behavioral effects of a compound that mimics viral infections (Physiol Behav, 2011).  Other projects involving the effects of heat acclimation and age on heat shock proteins and metabolic status effects on melanocortin receptors are currently underway.