A zebrafish mutant for the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (trpm7) was isolated from a forward genetic screen based on its lack of melanophores in the skin (cells similar to the mammalian melanocytes producing pigment). Later, it was realized that these same homozygous animals exhibit a developmentally regulated paralysis. My current research focuses on understanding the mechanism by which Trpm7 prevents these animals from being paralyzed.

Living in Iowa City

The program here has the distinct advantage of combining cognitive with molecular approaches to neuroscience as a whole. This allows full access to researchers studying the brain at all levels from human behavior all the way down to genetics stopping at whole brain anatomy, cell physiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology along the way. As non-invasive techniques for doing cognitive neuroscience improve (ie: fMRI, MRS, DTI), it will become important for cognitive researchers to translate their findings to the transcriptional and translational level, and molecular researchers will be better able to motivate their reductionist approach with evidence of cognitive function. The program at the University of Iowa provides the necessary platform of scientific interaction for students eager to help bridge this gap.

In coming to Iowa City, I was amazed by the kindness of the people. This helps both in finding life-long friends as well as in research. You are not afraid to share your results!

On top of that, places such as the variety of cultural restaurants, parks, trails, a lake for swimming and boating, large mall, and cheap living conditions have made living here easy. It is a rare graduate school that allows you to both purchase a house and new car while still having money left to live and travel. I think that this last point is especially important as graduate school requires a lot of time and energy. So, not having to worry about eating and living conditions is especially important.