A growing body of research is begining to shed light on the role of insulin signaling in brain health, and how alterations of insulin action might contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathology. Several reports of insulin-mediated memory facilitation in AD furthermore suggest that augmentation of insulin signaling mechanisms might provide some cognitive benefit for AD patients. My research here at KU focuses on hippocampal insulin neuropharmacology in AD. We are beginning to understand how insulin modulates brain physiology and cognitive performance in both cognitively intact older adults and those with early AD using a variety of imaging modalities including voxel-based morphometry, BOLD-based functional MRI (fMRI) and arterial spin-labeled MRI (ASL-MRI). Understanding how insulin signaling mechanisms intersect with AD pathophysiology might someday lead to novel prevention and treatment strategies.
I came to the University of Kansas in 2004 as a medical student, and became seriously interested in research while working with the KU Brain Aging Program during the summer of 2005. I applied to the program during my second year of medical school, and recently completed my Ph.D. through the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology. During this time I had the opportunity to work with some incredible people in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, and the Department of Bio-statistics as well. I'm currently in clinical rotations and will graduate from medical school in 2011, after which I plan to study diagnostic imaging and continue neurocognitive research.
The MD-PhD program here at KU offers students a lot of flexibility and choice in their studies, as well as the institutional support to perform at their best. I found these qualities very attractive and they have allowed me the freedom to pursue my research goals. Above all, the people here at KU make a great program really excellent! I am delighted to have the opportunity to study here.
I grew up in, moved away from, and came back to Blue Springs, Missouri, and took a round about way to get over the state line into Kansas. I have a BS degree from Park College as well as a DC from Cleveland College in Missouri. I am also a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology. Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, I taught bone pathology and radiographic anatomy, radiation and MRI physics, as well as cardiovascular diagnosis and pathology most recently at the University of Bridgeport. My wife, Dawn, and I have a young daughter Zoe, who seems to enjoy our attention - OK, we have little choice, she keeps us busy. Dawn is the custodian of her family's records kept in the Rauner Library at Dartmouth College, and has compiled a significant amount of genealogical data about her ancestors.
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the MD-PhD program at KU, or about my research program.
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