Professional Summary:

Research in my laboratory concerns neurotransmitter and hormone-mediated anion (Cl- and HCO3-) secretion in the gastrointestinal system and airway, especially by the epithelium of the intestine and airway and by liver and pancreatic ducts. Of special interest are K+ channels in the basolateral cell membrane of these secretory cells that play a critical role in secretion by maintaining membrane potential as a driving force for anion exit across the apical cell membrane. We use electrophysiological techniques, like transepithelial voltage-clamp and whole-cell and single channel patch-clamp techniques, to characterize membrane ion channels. We also use intracellular fluorescence techniques (e.g., Fura-2) to determine the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters and hormones regulate ion channels via signal transduction pathways. Results of our studies will lead to understanding of normal anion secretion and will help develop remedies for defects in secretion, especially in diseases like secretory diarrhea and cystic fibrosis.

I am collaborating with Dr. Mark Parker in my department to understand the role of a membrane transport protein encoded by SLC4A11 in endothelial cells of the cornea of the eye. Corneal endothelial cells pump fluid out of the stroma into the aqueous humor to maintain critical corneal transparency. We believe that the SLC4A11 protein is an H+ channel and are using electrophysiological techniques to characterize its properties.

Amphotericin B is a polyene compound that has recently been shown to improve airway surface liquid in cystic fibrosis individuals. I am collaborating with Dr. Michael Welsh, of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, to understand the mechanisms by which amphotericin B enhances anion secretion in the cystic fibrosis airway. We are using electrophysical techniques to determine these mechanisms in human airway epithelial cells.

Education and Training:

• PhD, Bioengineering, Carnegie-Mellon University (1977)
• MS, Bioengineering, Carnegie-Mellon University (1969)
• BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Iowa (1968)

Employment:

• Distinguished Teaching Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2024-present)
• Director of Graduate Studies for Physiology, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2001-present)
• Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2001-present)
• Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1993-present)
• Visiting Professor, Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City Iowa (2022)
• Visiting Scholar, Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (1998)
• Visiting Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1979)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1977–1979)
• Clinical Biomedical Engineer (USAF Officer), Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. (1971–1973)
• Civil Engineer (USAF Officer), 809th Combat Support Group, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. (1970–1971)
• Teaching Fellow, Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (1968)

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Awards and Honors:

• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2019)
• Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society (2008)