1992. B.S. Microbiology (Molecular Biology), BYU 1997. Ph.D. Pharmacology, Univ. of Utah 1997-2001. Postdoctoral fellowship, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, RTP NC 2014, February - July, visiting professor, Laboratory of Dr. Jie Wu, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Research Interests
Characterization of ligand-gated ion channels in neurotransmission. Ligand-gated ion channels are involved in normal synaptic communication and also in pathological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, motor disorders, and schizophrenia). They are also the pharmacological targets in many therapeutic situations (e.g., general anesthetics, sedatives, antiemetics, and some novel analgesics). These ion channels are multi-subunit protein complexes that act as neurotransmitter receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems.