Research/Areas of Interest:

Our lab looks to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms in corneal immunology, neuro-immunology, and inflammation. Within this context, initially, I am interested in studying the vascular adhesion molecules responsible for antigen presenting cells homing to the cornea in our model of trigeminal axotomy leading to denervation followed by inflammation and neovascularization. My second area of research is to develop a model of radiation keratopathy in mice that mimics the human disease which leads to chronic nerve loss and dry eye disease. More recently, I am narrowing in on the neuropeptide Adrenomedullin and its effects on corneal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Finally, in my role as the lab manager, I help to further the aims of the lab by facilitating interactions and providing support to the postdoctoral fellows, clinical research fellows, medical, graduate and undergraduate students.

Education

BA, Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
MS, Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC