My lab studies epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the vertebrate retina. Eukaryotic genomes acquire heritable and reversible chemical modifications that play a large role in influencing expression patterns of genes. In my lab we use the developing chicken, the mouse, and the human eye to study DNA methylation, an epigenetic modifier of genomic DNA.

My teaching and advising interests are in the areas of genomics, molecular biology, neuroscience and biotechnology. As a faculty affiliate of the JMU Center for Genome & Metagenome Studies (CGEMS), I am actively involved with creating, implementing, and disseminating applied genomics and bioinformatics classroom materials to undergraduate and secondary education teachers.