Faculty

Harald Beck, Ph.D.

Curator of TU Mammal Collection

Smith 249

(410) 704-3125

hbeck@towson.edu

My current research focuses on understanding how disturbances, either natural (i.e. treefalls, ecosystem engineers) or anthropogenic (i.e. habitat destruction, overhunting), affect population dynamics and species richness of mammals and plants in the Amazon. For instance, the dramatic impact of peccaries (a pig-like creature) on forest ecology is apparent to anyone who has watched a 300-strong herd of these animals thunder through the understory (animal mediated disturbance). But because of habitat destruction and hunting (anthropogenic disturbance), the species has been driven to local extinction and a new generation of trees is maturing without the massive seed predation, dispersal (mammal-plant interactions), soil disturbance, or physical damage wrought by peccaries. To test some of these hypotheses, I have set up several long-term experiments in Cocha Cashu and Los Amigos, two sites within the Peruvian Amazon. Furthermore, in collaboration with colleagues from the IUCN Tapir Specialists Group, we are currently testing the impact of tapir disturbances on the seedling and sapling communities using hundreds of exclosures across five Neotropical countries and in Malaysia.

 Another “hot topic” in my lab is to quantify the role of ecosystem engineers. These species physically modify and create new habitats

and thereby control the availability of resources to species. However, unlike most mammalian ecosystem engineers (i.e. beavers), I

posit that peccaries have two distinct engineering mechanisms. First, while foraging for below-ground resources they “bulldoze” through the soil, creating germination sites for “leaf litter-gap dependent” plant species, and thus potentially increasing plant richness. Second, peccaries can function as ecosystem engineers by creating and maintaining wallows that may be critical habitats for aquatic species. Since 2003 I have been studying the effects of peccaries as ecosystem engineers.

Dr. Brian Fath

Smith Hall 273
(410) 704-2535
bfath@towson.edu

My research broadly focuses on sustainability, which I address using three different approaches: network environ analysis, integrated environmental assessment, and information theory. Sustainability is a critically important area that encompasses a broad range of research interests including ecosystem services, biodiversity, natural resources, human cultures, and specific environments. I use network analysis to investigate thermodynamic sustainability indicators. These indicators are often referred to as ecosystem goal functions because they determine holistic properties of the ecosystem such as energy or exergy flow, biomass production, and respiration. These metrics help understand the overall behavior and health of that system and its response due to perturbations. Integrated environmental assessment is an application of multidisciplinary methods to human systems to address specific place-based issues. I have used IEA to study the watershed quality of a major metropolitan reservoir and am interested in further applying this process to local and international issues. Recently, I have begun looking at using information theory, particularly, Fisher Information, as a potential sustainability metric.

Dr. Don C. Forester

Smith Hall 255
(410) 704-2385
dforester@towson.edu

Dr. Forester's research focuses on the behavioral ecology of lower vertebrates, especially amphibians. In recent years his interests have diverged into three primary areas: (1) Kin recognition among salamanders, (2) sexual selection and alternative mating systems among frogs, (3) home range and activity patterns of amphibians and reptiles using radio telemetry. Presently he is investigating the importance of chemical signals in the social structure of the seepage salamander (Desmognathus wrighti), a miniaturized terrestrial salamander indigenous to the southern Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The current thrust of the investigation involves testing the ability of seepage salamanders to recognize conspecifics based on substrate-bore chemical cues.

Dr. Gail Gasparich

Smith Hall 487
(410) 704 - 4515
ggasparich@towson.edu

Dr. Gasparich's current research focuses on two main projects: 1) The development of taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of the eubacterial class Mollicutes whose members are all closely associated with a variety of hosts including vertebrates (Mycoplasmas, Ureaplasmas), arthropod hosts (Entomoplasmas, Spiroplasms, Mesoplasmas) and plants (Phytoplasmas). A major long-term project within Dr. Gasparich's laboratory is to characterize the diversity and assess the relationships among the genera using cladistic analyses based on serology, metabolic tests, morphology, ecology, molecular and biogeographical data. Graduate students have a wide range of opportunities to conduct research on evolutionary relationships within and among the different Mollicute genera. 2) The development of a gene expression vector for use with the genera Spiroplasmas for the basic examination of gene expression and regulation is also a research focus in the laboratory. Such a vector could also be used for the more applied purpose of developing insect biocontrol by expression of arthropod lethal toxins (i.e. Bt toxin and scorpion toxin) by spiroplasmas in their arthropod hosts (which include disease carrying mosquitoes and ticks).

Dr. Susan E. Gresens

Smith Hall 223
(410) 704-4368
sgresens@towson.edu

Dr. Gresens is interested in the ecology of freshwater systems, particularly streams. Her research focuses on communities of macroinvertebrates and attached algae; the ecology of midge larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) is her specialty. Midge larvae occur in a wide range of aquatic habitats, exhibit high species diversity, and are often very numerous. The potential importance of midges as primary consumers, which transform algal and detrital material, and transfer it to higher trophic levels has been largely overlooked, due to their small size. Her previous research has demonstrated interactive effects of food quality and thermal regime on feeding and growth of larvae. Current research in her laboratory is defining spatial patterns in the composition of stream invertebrate communities, in response to watershed urbanization. Her goals are to develop a mechanistic understanding of the causes of low biological diversity in urban streams, and to determine the value of midge larvae as ecological indicators within urban areas.

Dr. James C. Hull

Smith Hall 215C
(410) 704-4117
jhull@towson.edu

Dr. Hull’s interests are in the interactions between plants and their physical-chemical environment. His research utilizes physiological techniques such as photosynthetic measurements or plant water potentials to assess plant responses to environment. Typical problems addressed in his laboratory are those associated with transient light beneath forest canopies, plant distribution along water availability gradients, and nutrient limitations to growth. A current emphasis in his laboratory is on an invasive plant, mile-a-minute weed (Polygonum perfoliatum). Most studies are oriented towards field situations in local habitats.

Dr. L. Scott Johnson

Smith Hall 263
(410) 704-2587
sjohnson@towson.edu

Dr. Johnson is broadly interested in the reproductive behavior and ecology of small birds. More specifically, his interests include the evolution of mating systems including extra-pair mating behavior, sex ratio manipulation, factors affecting nestling growth, the evolution of egg shape and size, the function of song, the proximate and ultimate effects of nestling ectoparasites on reproduction, the effect of calcium availability and reproductive output, territorial behavior, and parental behavior. Much of Dr. Johnson’s research involves they House Wren as a study species but research is also planned involving Tree Swallows and Mountain Bluebirds. His primary research site is the Helen Brinton Bird Reserve near Big Horn, Wyoming. Dr. Johnson takes several students to this site each summer.

Dr. John Lapolla

Smith Hall 351

(410)-704-3121

jlapolla@towson.edu

1) Coevolution of Acropyga ants and mealybugs

            Acropyga ants display a fascinating behavior I have termed trophophoresy.  Trophophoresy is the behavior of a queen ant taking with her on her mating flight a mealybug from her birth nest (LaPolla, 2002).  This mealybug serves as a "seed" individual through which a new colony of mealybugs will be created.  The ants feed on the sugary substances produced by the mealybugs.  It is believed the ants and mealybugs are mutually dependent on one another for survival.  Acropyga ants are, in a sense, the dairy farmers of the ant world. 

            We know virtually nothing about the symbiosis between Acropyga ants and their mealybug “cattle.”  Investigating the biological aspects of this complex symbiosis has become a major component of my research program.  In collaboration with Drs. Ted Schultz & Sean Brady (National Museum of Natural History) and Dr. Joseph Bischoff (National Institutes of Health-GenBank), several important studies are planned over the next several years.

2) Biodiversity Studies

            I have employed the replicable "ALL" (Ants of the Leaf Litter) protocol to examine patterns of ant diversity across South America.  In collaboration with Dr. Ted Schultz (NMNH) and doctoral student Jeffery Sosa-Calvo (U Maryland-College Park), my research project will continue gathering and examining leaf litter ant data from Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil and Peru.  Over the next three years, we will complete on-going studies comparing the Guiana Shield fauna to the rest of South America to extrapolate patterns of endemism and identify areas of conservation concern.

            I am also Lead Scientist for Conservation International’s Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring in Suriname.  This project involves periodic ant sampling at Raleighvallen in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve.

3) Revisionary Systematics

            I am in the process of completing a world revision of the ant genus Paratrechina, a large genus of over 140 species, and a group that contains many invasive species of agricultural and economic importance.  With no taxonomic monograph available, most Paratrechina species are currently impossible to identify.  Defining the species will help efforts at using biological control methods to control invasive species.  The genus has never been revised and there are undoubtedly many new species awaiting discovery.

            I am also currently beginning a world revision of the genus Discothyrea with doctoral student Jeffery Sosa-Calvo (U Maryland-College Park).  These enigmatic ants are found worldwide in subtropical and tropical localities.  They are thought to be specialist predators on arthropod eggs.

Dr. Barry Margulies

Smith Hall 251
(410) 704-5019
bmargulies@towson.edu

The Towson University Herpes Virus Laboratory (TUHVL) is studying pathogenic mechanisms employed by three different human herpesviruses, the virus’ interactions with the host immune system, and means of antiviral intervention for each infectious agent.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the etiologic agent for fever blisters and cold sores.  We are using a mouse model of infection to explore long-term delivery of the useful anti-herpetic acyclovir.  We have already developed silicone-based controlled-release devices that release acyclovir at a quantity and rate that completely stops infection in vitro, and prevent reoccurrences in vivo.  We are currently collaborating with multiple labs in the US to improve efficacy and extend our studies to other viruses and model systems, including HSV-2, the etiologic agent of genital herpes.

We are also examining an odd molecular phenomenon exhibited by the US27-encoded chemokine receptor-like glycoprotein expressed by human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous pathogen that tends to cause solid organ damage, including but not limited to CMV retinitis, a blindness caused by death of retinal cells in the eye. Although there does not appear to be anything special about the mRNA or protein sequences from this gene, it is clear that a single transcript codes for two related glycoproteins. Our favorite hypothesis, that alternative initiation codons are being employed, is currently under investigation.

It has been hypothesized, through many lines of circumstantial evidence, that human herpevirus-6 (HHV-6) is the indirect cause of multiple sclerosis (MS), perhaps by tricking the host immune system into attacking itself through a phenomenon called molecular mimicry. We are developing a mouse model for MS that employs expression of a single HHV-6 protein and whether it can be proved as a causative link to MS. We believe such a system will give us an ideal small animal model to definitively prove or disprove the currently circulating theories of a viral origin for MS, and provide a system to test many different antiviral drugs' ability to combat MS.

Dr. Brian Masters

Smith Hall 489A
(410) 704-2035
bmasters@towson.edu
personal web site

Dr. Masters is interested in the application of molecular techniques (such as DNA fingerprinting) to the study of ecological questions. Specifically, his interests include the study of a number of behaviors such as migration, mate choice, cooperation, kin recognition, and maternal behavior. Recent research has also involved investigation of the impact of genetic diversity on fitness, an area of study with clear implications for species conservation. Most of his research has involved various species of salamander, but Dr. Masters is not a slave to taxa, and has worked on a variety of organisms, including birds, insects, and plants.

Dr. Jay A. Nelson

Smith Hall 257
(410) 704-3945
jnelson@towson.edu

Dr. Nelson’s research broadly focuses on trying to understand how the environment controls life processes and how living organisms have evolved to respond to environmental pressures in two ( thinking of growing to three) systems: 1) The main focus of my research is the nutritional physiological ecology of Loricariid catfish. Evidence suggests that loricariid catfishes of the genus Panaque are capable of utilizing wood in their diet. I am studying the ability of Panaque to degrade carbon polymers like cellulose and hemi-cellulose. In collaboration with Dr. Daniel Wubah of this department, I am also investigating the enzymes produced by the microflora of Panaque guts. In collaboration with Dr. Don Stewart of the SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry and Bill Patterson of Syracuse University, I am trying to take this research to South America so that we may better understand the unique biology of Panaque in situ. 2) I am also collaborating with colleagues in Canada to investigate factors that contribute to locomotor performance in Atlantic cod. I have already shown that exercise physiology in these fish varies on an individual and population level and that environment (salinity and temperature) are important limiting factors. We are currently trying to better understand the inter-relationships of various locomotor types in cod, their relationship to predatory ability, and how other physiological factors like nutritional state influence locomotor capacity and physiology. 3) I am in the planning stages of starting a research project on the locomotor capacity of local fishes. This may take the form of a collaboration with Dr. Joel Snodgrass of this department studying the effects of human developments on local stream fish populations. 

Dr. Roland Roberts

Smith Hall 205

(410) 704-3034

rroberts@towson.edu

My laboratory is engaged in research on the systematics and evolution of vascular plants. Taxonomic groups of current interest are the Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae. I am also interested in the evolution of desert flora, particularly population structure and the roll of hybridization in speciation, and the biogeography and evolution of the flora of the West Indies specifically that of the islands of the Lesser Antilles. Methodologies employed for uncovering evolutionary relationships include the use DNA sequences of chloroplast and nuclear genes along with traditional techniques.

Dr . Gerald D. Robinson

Smith Hall 349
(410) 704-2373
grobinson@towson.edu

Dr. Robinson is interested in the comparative physiology of animals, especially the regulation of salt and water exchanges between aquatic species and their environments. Past studies completed have focused on ion and fluid balance in crustaceans, fish, amphibians, diamondback terrapins, and sea snakes. His current research examines the cutaneous electrical properties and modifications of sodium uptake in urodele amphibians following exposure to low pH conditions. Dr. Robinson is also interested in any physiological mechanisms (respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, etc.) employed by animals to permit survival in stressful environments.

Dr. Erik P. Scully

Smith Hall 261
(410) 704-3012
escully@towson.edu

My primary research interests are the population biology of invertebrates, especially crustaceans, and the population level consequences of individual behavior. My current research interests include: (1) Effects of chronic exposure to heavy metals on life history patterns of terrestrial isopods living in serpentine areas; (2) The dynamics of aggregation formation in terrestrial isopods. I am also engaged in collaborative research projects with other faculty: (1) Laboratory and in vitro studies of disease and bleaching in corals (with Gary K. Ostrander, Johns Hopkins University); (2) Using Neural Network models to study the evolution of simple behavioral responses (with Dr. John Alexander, Computer and Information Sciences, Towson University). I am willing to advise students in a variety of research areas. For example, one of my current students is investigating a model in theoretical systems ecology, and I would be interested working with individuals who wish to explore historical and philosophical questions in evolutionary biology.

Dr. Richard Seigel

Smith Hall 345
(410) 704-3012
rseigel@towson.edu

My basic research philosophy is that one cannot be a good conservation biologist without first being a strong population ecologist, and, conversely, that an interest in conservation biology is a required interest of anyone calling themselves a population ecologist. Thus, research in my lab is oriented in two main directions; studies on the evolutionary ecology of amphibians and reptiles (using both field and experimental approaches) and studies on the conservation biology of amphibians and reptiles, which is almost exclusively field-oriented. My selection and recruitment of graduate students follows these approaches; of the 16 students I have mentored to date, eight have focused on evolutionary ecology and eight on conservation biology. Naturally, students are strongly encouraged to work outside of their specific area of expertise and to collaborate with myself or with their fellow students.

Jack D. Shepard, Ph.D.  

(410) 704-2394

Smith 259

jshepard@towson.edu

My research program is directed toward determining the biological and behavioral effects of stress.  While responses

to acute stress are primarily adaptive, chronic stress can lead to both somatic and psychiatric illness.  A key feature of

stress-related disease is increased reactivity to stress including excess secretion of stress hormones such as the

glucocorticoids and corticotropin releasing factor.  My research interests are centered around three areas of investigation:

1.) behavioral responses to stress and glucocorticoid excess 2.)  neuroendocrine regulation during acute stress

3.) functional plasticity in the stress axis in response to chronic stress or exposure to psychostimulant drugs.I welcome the participation of both undergraduate and graduate students in my research program.

Dr. Vonnie Shields

Smith Hall 357
(410) 704-3130
vshields@towson.edu

Chemosensory cues, such as odor and taste stimuli, play a pivotal role for insects in selecting food sources, mates, and oviposition sites. Research in the Dr. Shields’ laboratory concentrates on olfactory and gustatory processing by the peripheral and central nervous systems of both larval and adult insects (Lepidoptera). One area of study focuses on (a) the sensory mechanisms by which female moths detect hostplant-associated odorants that allow them to assess hostplant availability and suitability and the presence of potential competitors or co-habitants and (b) how this neural information is conveyed to the brain by antennal olfactory sensory organs. Other avenues of research will be directed towards exploring the importance of gustatory cues in the location of food sources by larval insects and examining the structural organization of gustatory organs. Work in this laboratory combines anatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral methods in a multidisciplinary approach to seek answers to specific questions such as: (i) which plant odors provide important cues by which larvae and adults detect their hostplants? and (ii) what role do phagostimulants (nutrients, sugars, secondary plant compounds) and deterrents play in hostplant selection and feeding behavior in larvae? Recent evidence indicates that the basic processing of chemosensory information is similar in invertebrates and vertebrates. Consequently, using insects as model systems has implications for chemosensory research on species in diverse animal phyla and therefore, allows students to gain insights into the fundamental processing of sensory information in the brain. Also, students will acquire microscopic techniques and learn methods associated with behavioral and physiological assays.

Dr. Erik Silldorff

Smith Hall 249/367
(410) 704-3120
esilldorff@towson.edu

My laboratory focuses on the study of vasoactive characteristics of the mammalian renal microcirculation (rat model), specifically the descending vasa recta, to determine the potential for regulation of total and regional renal medullary blood flow. Because of the unique vascular anatomy of the renal medulla, medullary blood flow is derived exclusively from vasa recta originating from efferent arterioles of juxtamedullary glomeruli. Focus is on the effects and interactions of vasoactive agents acting in a paracrine or autocrine (local) manner within the renal medulla. This research may ultimately be linked to such physiological phenomenon as pressure natriuresis and the urine concentrating mechanism as well as pathological conditions such as ischemic acute renal failure. A recent project examined the ability of adenosine to alter vascular tone in vasa recta as well as the second messenger systems involved in this action. We are currently examining the response to angiotensin II in these vessels and their dependence upon arachidonic acid metabolites for the generation of vasoconstriction. The majority of our studies focus upon locally produced hormonal or paracrine agents which alter vascular activity in an autoregulatory fashion.

Dr. Colleen Schehl Sinclair

Smith Hall 215A

(410) 704-3124

csinclair@towson.edu

Dr. Sinclair's laboratory is involved in the study of genetic diversity in populations of invertebrates and vertebrates. Current projects include the evaluation of population diversity in non-biting midges (Cricotopus sp.) from Baltimore streams, an analysis of the genetic structure of terrestrial snail populations in the Potomac River basin, and an analysis of genetic influence on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) success.

Dr. Joel W. Snodgrass

Smith Hall 302
(410) 704-5033
jsnodgrass@towson.edu

Dr. Snodgrass is interested in the dynamics of aquatic vertebrate populations, particularly over larger temporal and spatial scales, and the effects of human landscape alteration on their dynamics and evolution. His past research has focused on the roles of hydrological variability and aquatic habitat patch dynamics in determining the distribution of amphibians and fishes in southeastern streams and wetlands. Dr. Snodgrass also is interested in the application of community ecology theory to the development of biological monitoring programs focus on amphibians and fishes, and the use of stochastic simulation models in directing land planning activities. Recently he has collaborated with ecotoxicologist and ornithologist to investigate the role of wetland fish population dynamics in controlling mercury-poisoning risk among fish-eating birds.

Michelle Snyder, Ph.D.

Smith 253

410-704-4817

msnyder@towson.edu

The immune system is the body's line of defense against disease-causing bacteria, viruses and fungi.  In order to carry out its function the immune system must be able to distinguish self from non-self.  If the immune system fails to detect foreign invading pathogens, the body succumbs to infection and possible death.  On the other hand, if the system mounts an attack against its own tissues, autoimmunity can develop.

It has been recently appreciated that the crucial ability of the immune system to quickly detect foreign invading pathogens is a function of an evolutionarily ancient arm of the system, termed the innate system.  Cells of the innate system have evolved to distinguish pathogens from self by recognizing highly conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through a similarly-conserved array of surface-associated pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs).  PRRs used by mammalian immune systems have been identified in organisms as diverse as horseshoe crabs, tomatoes, worms and fruitflies.  In fact, some of the ground-breaking work in identifying the PRRs by which innate immune systems recognize invading pathogens was completed in fruitflies.

The slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is a unique model organism that exists for part of its lifecycle as unicellular amoebae but is induced to form a multicellular sporulating body upon starvation.  The amoeboid cells phagocytose bacteria for nutrient uptake, and this process is utilized in higher organisms by innate immune cells to eliminate invading bacteria.  Due to the ease with which they can be cultured and genetically manipulated, Dictyostelium amoebae have long been used to study the process of phagocytosis.  It has not been appreciated, however, whether Dictyostelium detect bacteria using the same types of PRRs as do innate immune cells. 

The research in our laboratory is aimed at studying Dictyostelium responses to known PAMPs found in bacteria, fungi and viruses.  Our preliminary studies have revealed that Dictyostelium amoebae can indeed respond to known PAMPs, suggesting that elements of the pattern-recognition machinery used by innate immune systems in higher organisms are conserved.  We are taking advantage of the manipulability of the Dictyostelium genome to identify and study particular gene products that may be involved in the Dictyostelium response to PAMPs.  Characterization of such proteins in Dictyostelium may allow for identification of novel players conserved in the innate immune systems of mammals.

Although the immune system has developed to recognize and eliminate foreign organisms, various pathogens have evolved strategies to evade immune responses.  Some pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculae have evolved strategies to evade mammalian immune surveillance by acquiring the ability to survive within phagosomes of innate immune cells.  Recent studies have shown that microbial pathogens also can infect and survive within phagosomes of Dictyostelium.  We are working to develop a model system using Dictyostelium and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (a weakened Mycobacterium strain that is safely administered as part of a vaccine for tuberculosis in much of the developing world).  We hope that such a system will allow us to translate our findings related to pattern recognition in Dictyostelium to host-pathogen interactions in human diseases such as tuberculosis.

Dr. Joy Watts

Smith 489A

(410) 704-2623

jwatts@towson.edu

Environmental Microbiology

Dr. Larry Wimmers

Smith Hall 483
(410) 704-2766
lwimmers@towson.edu

Dr. Wimmers' laboratory employs a combination of molecular genetic and classical physiological tools to address three aspects of plant function. He has long-term interests in the response of plants to salt stress and the mechanisms of phloem translocation. His approach to the salt stress response has been to identify genes induced by sub-lethal levels of salt stress, and to test their role in salt-stress resistance by altering their expression in transgenic plants. His studies of phloem translocation have concentrated on the mechanism of phloem loading, and the control of that process. Recently he has also investigated factors affecting the ability of plants to accumulate heavy metals, the goal being to produce plants with a high potential for accumulation of heavy metals that can be used to remove such toxins from contaminated soils and wetlands.

United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Steven Baskin

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
(410)436-2378
Steven.Baskin@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Dr. Baskin's research focuses primarily on mechanisms of cyanide intoxication and therapies for the treatment of this poison, he also devotes studies to the cardiac actions of neuroactive agents such as oximes and organophosphates as well as muscarinic and other compounds that would antagonize a cholinergic-induced cardiomyopathy.

Dr. Alan Brimfield

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Dr. David Lenz

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
(410)436-1311
david.lenz@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Dr. Lenz' current research is directed toward the development of human proteins capable of being used as bioscavengers that would afford protection against exposure to highly toxic organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitors which form the basis of some nerve agents. Current research interests involve the generation, purification and sequencing of mutants of several esterases of human origin such as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase and paraoxonase with the goal of producing and characterizing enzymes with novel binding or kinetic properties. The projects require skill in the art of mutagenesis, both site-directed and random, as well as the ability to develop kinetic assays and expression systems. An interest in molecular biology is required and a strong background in chemistry or biochemistry is helpful.

Dr. John McDonough

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
(410)436-1942
john.mcdonough@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Current research explores the following subjects: (1) the mechanisms by which toxic compounds – specifically organophosphate agents – affect the central nervous system to produce changes in brain function; (2) the mechanisms by which seizures develop following exposure to organophosphates, the functional and pathological consequences of these seizures, and how different classes of drugs can block or terminate the seizure activity; and (3) the short- and long-term neurobehavioral consequences of exposure (acute high dose or chronic low dose) to organophosphate agents. These projects involve neuropharmacological studies involving electrophysiological (quantitative EEG analysis), behavioral, and neuropathological analysis of drugs in whole animal preparations (rat, guinea pig, nonhuman primate).

Dr. John Petrali

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
(410)436-2334
john.petrali@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Dr. Petrali oversees the daily activities of a state-of-the-art electron microscopy facility that provides high resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray microanalysis, immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy, cryomicroscopy and image analysis. The facility is responsive to all mission directives of the United States Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and is considered a highly visible competitive functional laboratory of the scientific community. As principal investigator, Dr. Petrali develops and conducts primary investigations to detect diagnostic and ultrastructural mechanisms of action of chemical and biological threat agents. Primary investigations included contributions toward the development of a internationally recognized immunohistochemical procedure, ultrastructural identification of cells targeted by sulfur mustard toxicity in skin, determining pathogenesis of microblister formation, determining sulfur mustard effects on effects of the microenvironment of the skin basement membrane, determining sulfur mustard effects on the morphological integrity of structural attachment mechanisms of epidermal – dermal connections. Results of these published studies are now driving the investigations of threat agents conducted by other scientific disciplines in-house as well as extramurally.

Dr. James Romano, Jr.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION 

Dr. John Schlager

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
john.schlager@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Molecular and cellular biology research approaches are applied to characterize the cytotoxicity, devise therapies for toxicities, and determine specific biomarkers for quantitative analysis of chemical warfare agent exposure. We are elucidating the specific mechanism(s) of cell toxicity produced by alkylating chemicals by identifying pathways for potential therapeutic intervention and cytoprotection prior to or just following chemical exposure. Laboratory research centers on the effect of sulfur mustard on its disruption of normal gene expression in in vivo exposure models such as animal skin and lung and in vitro models including cultured human keratinocyte and immortalized cells. Techniques used for board transcript identification studies include subtraction library construction, probing DNA arrays, differential display-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and quantitative RT-PCR, and 2d gel/MS proteomics.

Dr. Alfred Sciuto

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
(410)436-5115
alfred.sciuto@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Studies in Dr. Sciuto's laboratory are conducted to develop and test the efficacy of therapeutic compounds against acute lung injury. Acute lung injury, defined as the progression of injury to life threatening pulmonary edema formation, is produced by using either inhalation or system injection techniques. Areas of investigation of acute lung injury and related mechanisms include the following: (1) use of whole-body inhalation exposure systems; (2) small animal isolated perfused lung preparations; (3) investigations of the role of reactive mediators, such as leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and cytokines in the injury process; (4) investigation of both tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for clues to the injury processes; (5) the effect of toxic agents and therapies on lung dynamics; (6) efficacy testing of therapeutic compounds based on their capacity as anti-edemagens; (7) survival analysis of effective drug interventions in in vivo experiments; (8) assessment of the role of antioxidant mechanisms and lipid peroxidation in lung injury processes; (9) investigation of the role of glutathione (thiol groups) in protection; and (10) assessment of histopathological changes related to lung damage and treatment efficacy. Studies will utilize spectrophotometric, high-performance liquid chromatography; enzyme immunoassay analysis; gas chromatography; and established biochemical assay techniques of compounds of interest. Information will be gathered into a data base for use in the treatment against chemical agent-induced pulmonary injury.

Dr. Tsung-Ming Shih

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
tsung-ming.shih@amedd.army.mil
personal web page

Dr. Shih's laboratory employs a combination of electrophysiological and neurochemical tools to address the actions of organophosphorus (OP) anti-cholinesterase agents and their therapeutic compounds in whole animal models. He has long-term interests in the relationship between central neurotransmission and pathophysiological responses. Current research interests involve a comparison of the effects of various OP compounds on the neurotransmitter systems subsequent to either acute toxic or chronic repeated subtoxic exposure of these agents; the identification of pharmacological classes of drugs that are most effective against OP agents-induced electroencephalographic (EEG) seizures in animals models; and the ability of therapeutic drugs to reverse the alterations in brain neurotransmitter systems induced by OP agents and the subsequent neuropathology. 

Dr. William Smith

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400
(410)436-4255
william.smith@amedd.army.mil
personal web site

Dr. Smith’s research objective is to develop relevant cellular and tissue models to evaluate biochemical changes initiated by sulfur mustard. Cell biology research is conducted to establish flow cytometric assays for the determination of alkylation induced alterations in cultured human epithelial cells, and develop therapeutic means to protect epithelium from deleterious biochemical changes induced by sulfur mustard. His laboratory’s goal is to identify approaches that will intervene in the production of vesicant induced injury. Research is conducted to: (1) determine which biochemical mechanisms are likely to mediate vesicant injury, thereby allowing meaningful research on intervention; (2) define mechanisms of action of vesicating agents and their antidotes to develop better methods of therapy and prophylaxis; and (3) develop in vitro models for determining the efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic compounds for mustard injury.