Research Interest:  Extracellular matrix regulation of cell functions

Research Interest: I am analyzing matrix changes related to diabetes since the significant complications of diabetes is fibrosis in the retina. My research focuses on the effects of elevated glucose conditions on endothelial cells and astrocytes, two key matrix-producing cells in the eye, and determining the contributions of these cells to…

Research Interest: Throughout wound healing, the deposition of proteins such as fibronectin and collagen to repair the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to re-form and strengthen the previously damaged tissue. While this process depends on the cells present in the wound, the ECM also signals back to the cells within and upon…

Research Interest: In many human diseases, extracellular matrix accumulates abnormally, which disrupts normal tissue function. The goal of my thesis research is to probe and modulate how cells assemble a fibronectin matrix in order to determine how matrix accumulation impacts cell behavior and suggest potential ways to combat pathological…

Research Interest: A number of fibrotic diseases are marked by abnormally regulated extracellular matrix assembly. I am part of a project that aims to find a potential therapeutic for such diseases by identifying and characterizing novel inhibitors of fibronectin matrix assembly.