Current Projects

To elucidate the role of the kinase, TPL2, in promoting diet and genetic obesity metabolic defects and inflammation.
To determine the role of adipocyte death in promoting adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in animal models of diet-induced obesity.
To elucidate the mechanisms and actions of ovarian hormones to regulate systemic energy metabolism and insulin resistance as model for understanding the impact of menopause.
To elucidate the regulation and role of lipid droplet proteins in modulating adipose and liver metabolism in the lean and obese state.
To define the role of acyl-CoA synthetase 4 and 5 in modulating fatty acid metabolism and its role in obesity and metabolic complications.
To elucidate the role and metabolic profile of adipocytes form different adipose tissue depots in response to various nutrients.
To determine the role of sex differences in modulating adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic disorders.
To determine the role of bisphenol A in regulating obesity and adipose tissue metabolism.
To determine how estrogen alters energy metabolism and adipose tissue inflammation in menopausal women.