B.A. Biology (honors), Haverford College Ph.D., Genetics, University of Chicago Postdoctoral Research, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon Postdoctoral Research, DuPonand teachinginterest in Genetics and  Introductory Biology.

Research in my laboratory addresses the molecular mechanisms by which cells become multidrug resistant. Such resistance to many different chemotherapeutic agents is a major problem in the treatment of cancer, malaria, and various fungal infections. Our work established that yeast cells (a model eukaryote) have several membrane proteins that modulate a basal level of drug resistance. Most of our effort has centered on understanding the regulation and function of the PDR5 gene product. The PDR5 locus encodes a large protein that is a member of the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transport family. All of these proteins use the energy liberated from ATP hydrolysis to import or expel a variety of compounds depending upon the specificity of the particular transporter. Included in this family are the mammalian MDR1 multidrug-resistance efflux pump and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. PDR5 is a multidrug transporter that mediates resistance to many different compounds, including the well-known therapeutic agents fluconazole and adriamycin.