Research Interests
- Biomarkers
- Epigenetics
- Psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, ADHD)
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease)
Current Projects/Studies
My current research program seeks to identify and characterize biochemical, molecular and epigenetic biomarkers in human populations with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. These studies utilize a variety of human biospecimens, including post-mortem brain tissue, whole blood, saliva and serum, with techniques ranging from immunoassays to DNA methylation studies. Areas of focus include DNA methylation, oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotrophic factors. Overall, the goals of my discovery and translational research studies are to improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of patients with these devastating disorders.
