I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University. I have been studying genetics and its impact on metabolic pathways for over 20 years. In the last 10 years I have focused on the genetic susceptibility to development of liver disease from obesity or alcohol.
In addition I am the Assistant Dean of Medical Student research and oversee the 4 month research requirement for the medical students. I also teach undergraduate, graduate and medical students the biochemical pathways that impact health and disease.
Teaching Information
Courses Taught
Research Information
Research Interests
My lab focuses on the development of liver disease caused by obesity and insulin resistance or from chronic alcohol consumption. We have used novel research animals called chromosomal substitution strains (CSS) to identify novel genes involved in protection from liver fibrosis. Using whole body metabolism studies and molecular biology techniques we investigate how these genes impact metabolism and result in disease.
Awards and Honors
External Appointments
- 2010-present: Editorial Board of World Journal of Diabetes
- 2010-present: Wellcome Trust Scientific Peer Grant Review; London, UK
- 2014-present: NIH/NIAAA AA-1 Biomedical Research Study Section NIH-NIDDK Integrative Nutrition and Metabolic Processes Study Section
- 2015-present: Adjunct Departments of Pathobiology and Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation