Faculty and Staff

MS, Murray State University. I am interested in endocrinology, wildlife disease epidemiology, and ecology. Specifically how stress physiology affects disease susceptibility and behavioral ecology along with implications for conservation. I use a broad spectrum of techniques ranging from radio-telemetry to molecular and immuno-assays.

BS in Chemistry, BS in Horticulture, and MS in Biology - University of Nebraska Lincoln; PhD in Plant Biology - University of Heidelberg. My lab conducts research in plant systematics and genetics. My current interests are in speciation mechanisms of plants that double their genomes, called polyploidy, and have interesting modes of reproduction. I focus on genera of plants that have large distributions across North America, with a special focus in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and other alpine plants. My lab uses phylogenetics with DNA sequences, population genetics, greenhouse studies, microscopy, field work collections and observations, and collections-based research in herbaria to explore the evolution of species. My lab also runs the Murray State Herbarium, which houses the largest collection of the Mississippi Embayment area.

BA, MS, University of Montana; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison. My lab is broadly interested in the biological importance and biotechnological application of inteins. Inteins, or internal proteins, are self-catalytic, mobile genetic elements removed from host genes through protein splicing. Abundant in the microbial world, inteins have recently emerged as adaptive regulatory elements, representing a novel and potentially widespread form of posttranslational regulation. Further, the power of inteins to make and break peptide bonds has been utilized extensively in biotechnology, and my lab seeks to develop new applications of this chemistry.

Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India; M.Sc., Biotechnology, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra, India; My primary research interest is to understand the regulation of lung inflammatory processes, particularly those involved in development of Acute Lung Injury (ALI). The major mechanisms of ALI include breakdown of epithelial and endothelial fluid barriers, causing pulmonary edema. By using pre-clinical model of ALI (sepsis-induced ALI), he is studying signaling mechanisms regulating barrier properties of vascular endothelial cells and lung vascular injury. I am also investigating the anti-inflammatory and barrier protective property of different drugs including metformin, and angiopoietin. He aims to translate the pre-clinical research on inflammatory lung disease for the development of novel therapies for critically ill patients with ALI.

BS, University of Massachusetts Amherst; PhD. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio. My research group explores the conserved pathways and mechanisms that regulate fertility in multicellular organisms, primarily through the cellular, molecular, and genetic dissection of the amazing model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

BA, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I study nervous system development and function using the zebrafish as a model. I am investigating two related projects: 1. Is there neurotransmitter-receptor plasticity in the zebrafish neuromuscular junction? and 2. What is the role of Cabin1, a calcium-dependent repressor protein, in the development and function of the cerebellum, the site of motor learning and coordination.

BS, University of Georgia, MS, Utah State University, PhD, Utah State University (wildlife biology) (2001). Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Deer Research Biologist.

B.S. Kentucky Wesleyan College, Murray State University; pursuing MS at Murray State under advisor Dr. Darracq. My research will focus on the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) and assessing the health and behavioral effects of relocation. The aim of the study is to better understand the impacts relocation has on box turtles. Along with the turtle research I will also be developing a study involving the Nine Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus).

BA, Mount Holyoke College; MS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; PhD, Indiana University. My research interests are twofold. As a mammalogist, I study impacts of anthropogenic stressors, such as habitat fragmentation, on the health of small mammals. As an educator, my research focuses on effective approaches to faculty professional development and improved student learning in higher education.

BS, MS, East Tennessee State University; PhD, Louisiana State University. —We are sad to report that our good friend Leon passed in August 2019.—

BA, Harding College; MS, Murray State University; PhD, Southern Illinois University.

BA, Hofstra University; MS, Tulane University; PhD, University of Florida.

BS, Iowa State University; MS, Tennessee Technological University; PhD, Auburn University.

BS, West Virginia University; MS, Colorado State University; PhD, Ohio State University.

BS, Moravian College; MS, PhD, Rutgers University.