Class 2: 1999-2003

Michael Gale, Jr., Ph.D.
Nancy Cain and Jeffery A. Marcus Scholar in Medical Research,
in Honor of Dr. Bill S. Vowell
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and the Simmons Cancer Center
Dr. Gale’s research seeks to define the interactions between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the innate cellular antiviral pathways that are triggered immediately after infection. Specifically, his research aims to define the viral genetic elements and cellular gene products that trigger and control intracellular defenses against HCV, with the application of expoiting these virus/host interactions as novel targets for antiviral therapy.
Research Interests

Stephen R. Hammes, M.D., Ph.D.
W.W. Caruth, Jr. Scholar in Biomedical Research
Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and
Department of Pharmacology
Dr. Hammes studies steroid production and signaling in the ovary, focusing on “nongenomic,” or transcription-independent steroid responses.  Specifically, Dr. Hammes is interested in androgen-mediated follicle and oocyte development, with a clinical interest in the effects of excess androgen signaling in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Lab Web Site
Research Interests

Ege Kavalali, Ph.D.
Effie Marie Cain Scholar in Medical Research
Associate Professor, Center for Basic Neuroscience and
Department of Physiology
Dr. Kavalali uses electrophysiological recordings and optical monitoring of synaptic transmission to obtain an understanding of synapse development as well as the dynamics of presynaptic specializations. A primary focus of his work is the coupling between exocytosis and endocytosis, a critical feature of the synaptic vesicle cycle.
Lab Web Site
Research Interests

Yi Liu, Ph.D.
Louise W. Kahn Scholar in Biomedical Research
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology
Dr. Liu seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock.  Using Neurospora, he uses molecular, biochemical, and genetic approaches to define the components of the input pathway, to characterize environmental influences, to identify the genetic makeup, and to depict rhythmic output events.
Lab Web Site
Research Interests

Anne B. Satterthwaite, Ph.D.
Southwestern Medical Foundation Scholar in Biomedical Research
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
Dr. Satterthwaite’s research takes a genetic approach to study the role of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) in B cell development and the immune response. Using a transgenic mouse model, she is defining the role of Btk in B cell antigen receptor signaling, in autoimmunity, and in B-1 cell development.
Research Interests