Currently I am studying the genetic aspects of schizophrenia. I also have a strong interest in the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases and what happens to the brain as we get older.
I am currently working in the lab of Dr. Robert Philibert where I study a gene/protein referred to as MED12, a critical component of the Mediator complex, and its contribution to neuronal development and disease. The Mediator complex itself is a large, multi-subunit protein complex that is found in all eukaryotic organisms from yeast to humans, and contributes to an organism’s ability to make numerous and varied cell types, as well as conveying the ability to respond at the level of gene transcription to environmental changes. To accomplish this, the approximately 25 subunits of the Mediator interact with transcription factors in numerous signaling cascades, general transcription factors, DNA modifying factors, and RNA polymerase II in order to regulate gene transcription.
Our lab is particularly interested in how a conserved 12 base-pair insertional polymorphism in MED12 contributes to an increased risk of Schizophrenia. Though we know from studies in animal models that MED12 is critical for neuronal development, it is unclear how subtle changes in MED12 can increase risk for disease, and which specific pathways contribute to the neuronal phenotypes observed. My current project involves creating inducible cell models to study the contribution of key regions of MED12 to neuronal development, and to clarify the role of specific transcriptional pathways.
I came to the University of Iowa because this neuroscience program was fairly unique, offering both cognitive and molecular disciplines side by side in one program. Having a B.A. in psychology, as well as considerable bench science experience in my undergraduate, the University of Iowa was the ideal choice for me to develop my Ph.D. thesis with the most freedom given my broad interests. In addition to the academic opportunities, the quality of life for graduate students at Iowa is excellent. Most graduate students manage to live well off of the stipend level due to the reasonable cost of living in the area. The campus is nice, as is the surrounding community, and there are a lot of great people (faculty, staff, and students) in the program.
“Iowa City really is the perfect place to go to graduate school. The city has enough to do to keep you busy when you have the time, and cheap enough that you can actually afford to go to a few things as well as live relatively comfortably on the stipend provided. Also, there are truly great people in the program.”