The goal of our laboratory is to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying hormonal signaling through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Abnormal receptor signaling can lead to cancer or disease, such as obesity. Our current work focuses on learning how cells turn off melanin-concentrating hormone signaling pathways using tissue culture cells. We use both fluorescence microscopy and biochemical assays to achieve our objectives.

  • P. Michael Fox Ph.D.
  • V.P. Academic Affairs
  • email: mfox@brockport.edu | See: Fox Page
  • Lennon Hall, Room B15, Tel: 395-2504

My expertise is in insect biochemistry and neurochemistry. I have taught a wide range of courses and especially enjoy teaching freshman courses such as Principles of Biology for non-majors. I also teach upper level courses such as invertebrate zoology, vertebrate anatomy and physiology, and bioethics.

My lab is interested in how the sense of smell develops and how chemicals (pheromones) emitted by members of one sex regulate the sexual behaviors (courtship and mating behaviors) of the opposite sex. To study these phenomena, we examine mutants which have abnormal smell preferences or which showed unusual behaviors such as homosexuality or bisexuality.

  • Craig Lending Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor
  • email: clending@brockport.edu | See: Lending Page
  • Lennon Hall, Room 227, Tel: 395-5755

Our goal is to understand the mechanisms of protein synthesis, storage and deposition during maize endosperm development. We also study the structural and ultra-structural aspects of seed development and germination. The techniques employed in my lab is the detection of macromolecules by light and electron microscopy, as well as immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization approaches.

The major focus of my research is to characterize and better understand lipid biosynthesis in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness in human, using a dual genetic/biochemical approach. Due to the importance of lipid biosynthesis in trypanosome, it is very likely that enzymes involved in these biosynthetic pathways play an essential role and could be used as a drug target.

  • Adam Rich Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
  • email: arich@brockport.edu | See: Rich Page
  • Lennon Hall, Room B27, Tel: 395-5740

I use the zebrafish as a model system for human disease. We are developing a novel zebrafish-based model for human gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Zebrafish is a good model because of its transparency. We study the mechanisms that regulate coordinated GI motility, and focus on an important regulatory cell, the interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC). The ultimate goal is to use the zebrafish to develop new treatments for GI motility disorders.

  • Rey Sia Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor and Chair
  • email: rsia@brockport.edu | See: Sia Page
  • Lennon Hall, Room 215, Tel: 395-2783

The current research in my lab centers around the mechanism of DNA repair. Using modern molecular and genetic techniques, work in the lab focuses on the identification of nuclear-encoded proteins that regulate the stability of the mitochondrial genome in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

My lab works on the genes involved in the control of pyrimidine biosynthesis, their role in the mitotic cell cycle and development, as well as their evolutionary conservation. We use both classical genetics and molecular biological approaches to dissect this phenomenon in Drosophila.

  • Timothy Hall M.D.
  • Adjunct Faculty
  • email: thall@brockport.edu | See: Hall Page
  • Lennon Hall, Room 106A, Tel: 395-5744

I have a strong interest in the function of the human body in health and its dysfunction in disease. My study concerns a range of topics, including anatomy and clinical patient management. I teach BIO 221 (Survey of Anatomy), and coordinate the labs for both BIO 221 and BIO 111 (Introduction to Biology). In the summer I teach BIO 321/322 (Human Anatomy).

  • Kathleen Reagan
  • Adjunct Faculty
  • email: kreagan@brockport.edu | See: Reagan Page
  • Lennon Hall, Room 831, Tel: 395-2193

I have a strong interest in the function of the human body in health and its dysfunction in disease. My study concerns a range of topics, including anatomy and clinical patient management. I teach BIO 221 (Survey of Anatomy), and coordinate the labs for both BIO 221 and BIO 111 (Introduction to Biology). In the summer I teach BIO 321/322 (Human Anatomy).