What is your professional background?
I went to college at Yale University where I received my first research experience at the medical school there. I received my MD from Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and did my Internal Medicine residency at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. I went to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York for my Gastroenterology/Hepatology fellowship and remained on the faculty there for a number of years. I came to Emory almost three years ago.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am in the Division of Digestive Diseases. My original mentor at Albert Einstein was Dr. Mark Zern.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research has focused on understanding the molecular events that underlie the process of hepatocyte injury and cell death with an emphasis on how the innate immune response modulates this process. Our studies have examined the regulation of hepatocyte injury and death by signal transduction pathways, the mechanisms by which proinflammatory cytokines cause liver injury, and the role of decreased autophagy in hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte death, and macrophage activation. The importance of these studies is that whatever the etiology of liver disease the ultimate problem in patients is the injury and death of hepatocytes that then leads to liver failure, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. By better understanding the mechanisms of hepatocyte injury and death, we hope to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of human liver disease.
What do you like most about Emory?
The commitment to research, collegiality, and lack of snow makes Emory a great place to work.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. Currently, my favorite TV show is The Big Bang Theory, but my all-time favorite is The Wonder Years.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Whatever my three children and two grandchildren will do with me is what I enjoy doing these days. Otherwise, I enjoy outdoor activities, particularly hiking and scuba diving.
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