The broad theme that underlies all of my research is signal transduction, especially involving ion channels and intracellular messenger systems. My most recent interests are in regulation and dysregulation of the glomerular filtration barrier and in atherosclerotic disease mechanisms. My publications span the following areas:

1. Podocyte cell biology and the glomerular filtration barrier
2. Mechanisms of atherosclerosis
3. Diabetic disease mechanisms in the kidney
4. Development of neuronal excitability and its modulation by growth factors and cell-cell interactions
5. Circadian regulation of sensory systems, including vision and olfaction, and the physiology of the pineal gland
6. Transient receptor potential channels (3, 5, and 6)
7. Peripheral NMDA receptors
8. Potassium channels, especially KCa1 channels and Na+-activated K+ channels
9. Synaptic transmission in autonomic ganglia

I have won teaching excellence award at both of the universities where I have held tenured and tenure-track positions.

I served as Chair of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston from 2002-2010. This is an elected position that is confirmed by the Dean of our college.

I serve on the editorial boards of several international journals and I have reviewed grant applications from government and private agencies from all over the world.