Manage review of grant applications for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program from recruitment of scientific review panels to summary statements. Perform post-award progress evaluations.

Z3AC is developing and commercializing several innovative medical devices based on near-infrared fluorescence technology to improve patient outcomes, safety, and reduce cost of surgery and other medical procedures.

I am continuing to pursue my interest in the genetics of recurrent bladder cancer using next generation sequencing to characterize acquired somatic mutations and germline variants that predict response to therapy and risk of progression to invasive cancer.I have recently found an increased frequency of a gain of function polymorphism in the voltage gated sodium channel gene, SCN9A in interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) patients. SCN9A has a central role in pain perception as… Show more I am continuing to pursue my interest in the genetics of recurrent bladder cancer using next generation sequencing to characterize acquired somatic mutations and germline variants that predict response to therapy and risk of progression to invasive cancer.I have recently found an increased frequency of a gain of function polymorphism in the voltage gated sodium channel gene, SCN9A in interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) patients. SCN9A has a central role in pain perception as evidenced by congenital insensitivity to pain in individuals who are homozygous null. There are several heritable extreme pain disorders associated with gain of function mutations. It appears that some common single nucleotide polymorphisms in SCN9A have a role in acquired pain conditions such as IC.My background in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy image analysis has prepared me to pursue development of real-time near-infrared fluorescence imaging systems, devices, and reagents for medical applications. Show less

I investigated the genetics of urological diseases including bladder cancer, bladder pain syndrome, and pelvic organ prolapse. I employ tissue culture, animal models, and human clinical specimens in my translational research program. I rely heavily on image acquisition and analysis from cells to whole body.

My work focused on biomarkers of urological disease for diagnosis and prognosis as well as the biological function of these molecules.