Martina E. Bowen, Ph.D
Post Doctoral Fellow/ Serrine S. Lau Laboratory
Rm. 235, College of Pharmacy, (520) 626-9905
mbowen@email.arizona.edu

Research interests: Currently, I am studying the effects of environmental chemical on protein structure and function. Specifically my project will focus on determination of chemical-peptide adduction and protein post-translational modification in response to environmental chemical-induced cell injury. My research will include chemical synthesis of biotinylated chemicals/electrophiles to enhance our ability to enrich and detect the chemical-protein adduction, and to determine the location of adduction as well as the binding motif within the proteins using mass spectrometric approaches.

"I am an avid amateur ballroom dancer, and also enjoy cooking and sewing during my free time."

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Stephanie Degner
Graduate Student/ Donato F. Romagnolo Laboratory
1177 E. 4th Streeet, Shantz 308, (520)-621-9287
sdegner@email.arizona.edu

Research Interests:My research is focused on the regulation of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene by environmental and dietary factors.

"I enjoy running on the great trails around Tucson."

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Shannon M. Fernandez
Graduate Student/ Patricia B. Hoyer Laboratory
Rm. 4122 AHSC, (520) 626-2355
smbourgu@email.arizona.edu

Research Interests: I am studying the mechanisms by which the occupational chemical, 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, a metabolite of 4-vinylcyclohexene, induces depletion of ovarian small pre-antral follicles using established rat and mouse models. This research will lead to a better understanding of how the ovary responds and the gene expression changes that occur during exposure to environmental chemicals.

"I enjoy many sports such as swimming, running, and hiking. I also like to cook and play musical instruments. Most importantly, I enjoy sharing in these activities and spending time with my husband, Alex."

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Jonathan P. Jackson
Post Doctoral Fellow / Nathan Cherrington Laboratory
Room 425A COP, (520) 626-1531
jacksonj@pharmacy.arizona.edu

Research Interests:I am currently investigating the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on drug metabolism and disposition.  It has been estimated that over 60 million Americans have some form of NAFLD, with more than 6 million suffering with the severe form steatohepatitis. Many of the medical conditions commonly associated with NAFLD have also been identified as risk factors for adverse drug reactions including obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and heart disease.  Therefore, it is critical to understand the effect of NAFLD on the capacity of the liver to metabolize and eliminate drugs from the body.

Presently, I am investigating the altered expression of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in NAFLD.  These enzymes are responsible for the detoxification of drugs by increasing their water solubility resulting in drug elimination.  Therefore, altering hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme abundance may adversely affect plasma drug concentrations resulting in an adverse drug reaction.

"I am avid hiker, golf player, and motorcyclist in my free time.   These activities allow me to enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds us all."

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Taylor Jensen
Graduate Student/ Bernard Futscher Laboratory
1515 N. Campbell Ave., Levy Bldg 3927, (520) 626-5013
tjensen@azcc.arizona.edu

Research Interests:My research in the laboratory of Dr. Bernard Futscher is focused on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. In order to study these phenomena, I am using a variety of molecular techniques associated with the detection of DNA methylation as well as modifications of associated histone proteins that occur improperly in both breast cancer as well as arsenic-induced bladder cancer.

Each and every cancer cell contains many abnormalities.  Some of these are mutations, or genetic anomalies, however a majority of these are epigenetic, meaning they result without a change in DNA sequence.  These aberrant epigenetic modifications drive the improper expression of genes critical in cancer progression.  In studying these, our goal is a further understanding that enables us to find novel targets of cancer therapeutics.

"My hobbies include playing and watching sports as well as exercise and associated nutrition."

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Andrew Lickteig
Graduate Student / Nathan Cherrington Laboratory
1703 East Mabel, (520) 626-1531
lickteig@pharmacy.arizona.edu

Research Interests:My research with Nathan Cherrington, Ph.D. is currently focused on a form of liver disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the US. In fact, an estimated 6 million Americans are afflicted with this disorder, known as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis, or "NASH." One well-known problem with NASH is that it can lead to liver failure and death. In our rodent model, we have found that, even at its early stages, NASH can impair the liver's ability to break down and remove drugs from the body. The liver is a very important organ for the break down and removal of drugs from the body. Specifically, I have found that several metabolites of acetaminophen (Tylenol) are handled dramatically differently by a NASH-diseased liver compared with a healthy one.

"I enjoy reading, hiking, weightlifting and spending time with friends."

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Jean Lord-Garcia, MSPH, MBA
Graduate Student/ Serrine S. Lau Laboratory
Rm. 235, College of Pharmacy (520) 626-9905
lord@email.arizona.edu

Research Interests: I am interested in investigating prostanoid mediated cytoprotective mechanisms in the kidney. Cytoprotection encompasses both transcriptional and translational regulatory activity. Moreover, prostanoid signaling has been associated with this cytoprotection and this mechanism will be further examined at both in vitro and in vivo levels. Conclusions made from these investigations may contribute to future design of kidney disease therapeutics.

"I enjoy traveling, cooking, movies, and hanging out and laughing with friends."

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