Area of Interest
The long term research interests of my laboratory are reflected in a molecular cancer medicine program that consists of three research areas: (1). molecular mechanisms of epithelial cancer progression, currently focusing on the roles of cell junction proteins (cadherins and catenins) in the alteration of prostate cancer cell growth, apoptosis and genetic instability; (2). development of novel cancer diagnostics for early detection and prediction of treatment outcomes. We are currently at the stage of assay development for a patented novel prostate cancer molecular diagnostic; and (3). mechanisms of anti-cancer drug induced neurotoxicity and the identification of novel neuroprotection signaling pathways involving Rho family small GTPases.
Awards and Honors
- 2000-2003 Recipient of Faculty Research Award from The Brody School of Medicine
- 2005 Recipient of Sigma Xi Helms award for Outstanding Research, Sigma X Scientific Society
- 2005, 2010 Recipient of William E. Laupus Library Faculty Author Recognition Award
- 2006 William R. Valentine, Jr. Memorial Graduate Student Award to Shiloh B. Jones for Outstanding Graduate Research (Mentor)
- 2008- Advisory Board, Harriet and John Wooten Foundation for Alzheimer?s disease Research
- 2009 Five-Year Achievement in Excellence in Research/Creative Award, East Carolina University
- 2009 Inaugural Inventor Award, East Carolina University
- 2009, 2010 Honorable guest, The First and Second Capital International Cancer Conference, Beijing, China
- 2009- UNC Tomorrow Technology Initiative Implementation Team (Faculty entrepreneurs/research leaders)
- 2009- Co-founder and Director, The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research
