Huffington Center on Aging
Baylor College of Medicine
One Baylor Plaza, MS230
Houston TX 77030
Phone: 713-798-5804
Fax: 713-798-6688
Web Editor:
Dr. Robert E. Roush
rroush@bcm.edu
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| Home >
About US >
Faculty & Staff |
| Faculty &
Staff.
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Acting
Director
 Gretchen Darlington, PhD,
Robert C. Fyfe Professor
of Aging, Huffington Center on Aging
and
Professor, Department of Pathology;
gretchen@bcm.edu
Dr.
Darlington's laboratory carries out basic research studies
that address the mechanisms by which differentiated
cells of the liver proliferate. Liver cells are capable
of regenerating in young animals, but this capacity
is greatly reduced in older individuals. Dr. Darlington
also directs a NIA sponsored training grant that educates predoctoral and postdoctoral students in methods of
scientific investigation in the field of aging. |
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Adam
Antebi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biology
aantebi@bcm.edu |
Dr.
Antebi´s research focuses on using the nematode Caenorhabditis
elegans as a model genetic system to understand development
and aging. His particular focus is on how endocrine
systems, such as nuclear hormone receptor and insulin/IGF
signaling, regulate life stages and life span. By studying
evolutionarily conserved molecular pathways in a simple
model, he hopes to elucidate how similar endocrine systems
influence human longevity.
Webpage
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Ursula
Braun, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine,
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine,
Geriatrics Section;
Section of Health Services Research at the VAMC; Houston
Center for Quality of Care & Utilization Studies
Affiliate with the Southwest MIRECC;
HCOA Faculty Associate.
ubraun@bcm.edu |
Dr.
Braun completed her geriatrics fellowship at Baylor
College of Medicine and is a physician investigator
at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Her current
research is supported by a VA Research Career Development
Award and focuses on improving the decision-making process
for end-of-life care and the quality of end-of-life
care, particularly in dementia patients. Her mentors
are Laurence McCullough, PhD from the Center for Medical
Ethics and Health Policy, and Rebecca Beyth, MD, MSc.
Dr. Braun's research is also supported by a VA-Merit
Review (IIR 02-224-1 A culturally sensitive values-guided
aid for end-of-life decision-making).
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Ronald
L. Davis, PhD
Professor, Department of
Cell Biology;
HCOA Faculty Associate.
rdavis@bcm.edu
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Dr.
Davis studies the molecular and genetic mechanisms that
underlie learning and memory. The decline in memory
that is often associated with aging is a problem of
paramount importance. Dr. Davis hopes that his studies
to discover the molecules involved in learning and memory
will ultimately help understand the relationship between
cognitive ability and aging.
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Aimee
Garcia, MD
Associate Professor, Geriatrics
Section, Department of Medicine, and Director, Geriatrics
Fellowship Program
aimeeg@bcm.edu |
Dr.
Garcia sees patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, teaches housestaff and oversees the Fellows.
Her special areas of interest are wound care and geriatrics
education.
WebPage |
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Edith Gibson
Senior Administrative
Coordinator,
Office of the Director, Huffington Center on Aging
egibson@bcm.edu |
Ms.
Gibson provides administrative
support to the director of the Huffington Center on Aging.
Her duties include preparing reports, grants, manuscripts
and correspondence, and coordinating meetings and
conferences. She also maintains directories of all HCOA
faculty and staff. |
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Mehrnaz
S. Gill, MS
TCGEC Distance Learning
Coordinator.
mgill@bcm.edu |
Ms.
Gill is responsible for finding online educational programs
and materials in the areas of geriatrics and gerontology
for medical professionals and students and recruiting
them into The TCGEC's Professional Development Program.
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Soo-Kyung
Lee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Huffington Center on Aging
Ph.D., Chonnam National University, Korea
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Salk Institute, San Diego
sklee@bcm.edu |
Transcriptional
Regulatory Network in Central Nervous System Development.
Our long-term research goal is to decode the combinatorial
transcriptional regulatory network responsible for generating
distinct classes of neurons that perform sensory and
motor functions in the developing central nervous system
(CNS). |
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Laurence
B. McCullough, PhD
Professor, Departments of
Medicine, Community Medicine, and Medical Ethics;
HCOA Faculty Associate
mccullou@bcm.edu
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Dr.
McCullough is a philosopher specializing in biomedical
ethics. He is active in clinical teaching and consultation
for medical students and residents at HVAMC and Texas
Children's Hospital and engages in clinically based
and theoretical scholarship on ethical issues across
the lifespan. He leads the HCOA Ethics Research Group,
which has focused on ethical and conceptual dimensions
of long-term care decisions by elders and family members.
The group is currently pilot testing an intervention
to enhance the autonomy of elders in long-term care
decisions and is planning a clinical trial of this intervention. |
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Tonta
M. Marchand, BS
Senior Administrative
Coordinator
tontam@bcm.edu |
Tonta
Marchand assists faculty and administrators in a variety
of areas instrumental to their research and teaching. |
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Estela
E. Medrano, PhD
Professor, Department of
Cell Biology; HCOA Faculty Associate
medrano@bcm.edu
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Benign
and malignant pigmentary disorders in the skin increase
with aging. Dr. Medrano's laboratory is focused in elucidating
mechanisms involved in melanocyte senescence and malignant
transformation. To study this, she is analyzing cell
cycle regulatory genes and transcription factors which
may be involved in the development of lesions such as
lentigo senilis (aging spots), melanocytic nevi and
malignant melanomas. Dr. Medrano
also directs the NIA-funded Biology of Aging Training
Program. To apply to this program, click here:
http://www.hcoa.org/newsite/Grant.asp. |
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Debra
Meyer, BA
Administrative Coordinator
II
dlm@bcm.edu |
| Ms.
Meyer is Administrative
Coordinator for HCOA research lab professors; coordinator for weekly Biology of
Aging Seminars, journal clubs, departmental meetings;
she provides administrative support to the HCOA Associate Director of
Research. |
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Laura Morrison, MD
Assistant Professor,
Geriatrics Section,
Department of Medicine
lmorriso@bcm.edu
Dr. Morrison is a graduate of Case
Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She took
her Geriatrics Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
Upon completion, she joined the faculty and was awarded a
Geriatric Academic Career Award from the U.S. Health
Resources and Services Administration. Her clinical
interest is in palliative care, an area in which she holds
national certification. Additionally, Dr. Morrison works
with the Baylor Geriatrics Fellows on their roles as
teachers and moderators of clinical education programs.
Her work in this area was recognized by the BCM Academy of
Distinguished Educators. |
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Maria
J. Pesantez, BBA
Financial and Grants Analyst
pesantez@bcm.edu |
Ms. Pesantez is responsible for the preparation of reports for all
faculty, short-term and long-term financial fore-casting
for all research activities, assures all expenses meet
relevant spending guidelines of BCM, government funding
agencies and industry sponsors and assists in
preparation of annual budget for research
administration. She also works with Grants and
Contracts to set up accounts and budgets for all
projects, interfaces with participating departments to
distribute allocation of research funds and assists
faculty in preparing and submitting yearly progress
reports.
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Fred
A. Pereira, Ph.D.
Assistant
Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Molecular
and Cellular Biology, HCOA Core Faculty.
pereira@bcm.edu |
| Dr.
Pereira investigates the genetic and developmental regulation
of the hearing and balance systems, which include the
regulation of the development of the inner ear organ
and the neuronal circuitry necessary to establish the
complexities of hearing and balance. One area of focus
is the analysis of a mouse mutant defective in the gene
coding for the orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFI. COUP-TFI
mutants are profoundly deaf with a complete absence
of auditory brainstem responses, which represent the
relay of electrical stimuli from the inner ear through
the brainstem. Indeed, COUP-TFI mutants have a foreshortened
cochlear duct reducing the extent of frequency hearing
and malformed vestibular chambers and lack of otoconia
in the sacculus, which are critical for detecting vertical
acceleration and result in balance deficits in early
adulthood. Using gene chips and biochemical analyses
they are interested in identifying and understanding
the molecular signaling pathways regulated by genes
such as COUP-TFI to provide insight into understanding
human disorders of auditory and
vestibular function, and congenital and age-related
hearing and balance disabilities. |
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Scott
Pletcher, PhD
Associate Professor, Dept.
of Molecular Genetics.
pletcher@bcm.edu |
The
broad objective of Dr. Pletcher’s laboratory is to identify
and analyze genetic mechanisms of aging that are likely
to be important in humans, by focusing on equivalent,
conserved processes in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.
One particular area of investigation is dietary restriction
(also called caloric restriction), where aging is slowed
by exposing experimental animals to a reduced-calorie
environment.
Webpage
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Robert E. Reichlin,
Ph.D
Faculty Associate
gerodoc@swbell.net |
Dr.
Robert E. Reichlin, a licensed clinical psychologist
and geropsychologist for over 20 years, is one of the
few clinical psychologists in the greater Houston area
who specializes in working with older adults and their
families. Maintaining a private practice in Bellaire,
Texas. Dr. Reichlin specializes in working with
older adults in psychotherapy. He also is the lead facilitator
of the Early Stage Peer Group Program, a program for
early stage dementia patients and their families conducted
under the auspices of the Alzheimer's Association.
Visit his website using this link: http://www.robertreichlinphd.com/.
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Robert
E. Roush, EdD, MPH
Director, Texas Consortium
Geriatric Education Center;
Associate Professor, Geriatrics Section, Department
of Medicine;
HCOA Faculty Associate.
rroush@bcm.edu
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Dr. Roush oversees a statewide consortium providing
geriatrics education to Texas health care
professionals. He also teaches Geriatrics Fellows to be
better teachers, coordinates continuing education programs,
and produces the Arts in Aging Calendar. Additionally, Dr.
Roush acts as HCOA Webmaster. He is a past
President of the National Association of Geriatric Education
Centers and the incoming chair of the
Humanities and Arts Committee for the Gerontological Society
of America for 2008-2009.
Webpage |
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Sarah
E. Selleck, MD
Assistant Professor, Geriatrics
Section, Department of Medicine.
sselleck@bcm.edu |
Dr.
Selleck is a physician educator with the clinical practice
of Geriatric Medicine Associates and sees inpatients
at The Methodist and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospitals.
She sees outpatients in their homes and area long-term
care facilities. Her special area of interest is end-of-life
care. |
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Carolyn Stubbs, Development Coordinator
cstubbs@bcm.edu |
Ms. Stubbs has rejoined the HCOA to
resume her former position of coordinating development
activities. She works with the Development Board and will
coordinate such special events as the Annual Women's
Health Summits and Spring Forums. She will also prepare
periodic newsletters and other HCOA publications.
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 Yuxiang
Sun, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Huffington Center on Aging and
Children's
Nutrition Research Center, Departments
of Pediatrics and Molecular and
Cellular Biology
yuxiangs@bcm.edu
Dr. Sun completed her postdoctoral
fellowship at the HCOA where she studies the
role of Ghrelin receptors
in obesity and diabetes.
One in five Americans over age 60 now has Type 2
diabetes due to increased insulin
resistance precipitated by increased fat mass and decreased
muscle mass, leading
to pancreatic beta cell failure and to
diabetes.
WebPage
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George E. Taffet, MD
Associate Professor &
Chief, Section of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, and
Section of Cardiovascular Sciences;
Director, John A. Hartford Foundation Center of
Excellence;
HCOA Faculty Associate
gtaffet@bcm.edu |
Dr. Taffet's primary area of research is the impaired
cardiac relaxation of senescence. This problem is being
explored with biochemical, molecular and physiologic
techniques in rats and normal and transgenic mice.
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Nikolai Timchenko, PhD
Professor, Department of
Pathology;
HCOA Core Faculty
nikolait@bcm.edu |
Nikolai
Timchenko studies molecular mechanisms that control
hepatocyte growth and differentiation. Role of RNA binding
proteins and transcription factors in aging associated
alterations of cell cycle progression is the focus of
his investigations. |
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Patricia
White, BS
HCOA Administrator.
pwhite@bcm.edu |
Ms.
White is responsible for planning and directing the
administrative business functions of the center. She
works closely with the Director, Faculty Associates,
staff, and trainees at HCOA in pre- and post-grant and
contract management. |
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Susan
Williams, MD
Assistant Professor, Section
of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine.
spw@bcm.edu |
Dr. Williams directs the clinic and
sees patients as a member of the Geriatrics Medicine
Associates. |
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Nancy
L. Wilson, MA, LMSW
Assistant Director for Program
Development, HCOA;
Assistant Professor, Geriatrics Section, Departments
of Medicine and Medical Ethics;
Project Director, Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training
Initiative;
HCOA Faculty Associate.
nwilson@bcm.edu
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Ms.
Wilson is a gerontological social worker who is interested
in training health care professionals of all disciplines
to provide comprehensive geriatric care. Her primary
research activities are related to community-based
long-term care including ethical aspects of care and
service delivery to elders and families coping with
dementia. |
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Anita Woods, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Geriatrics Section, Department of Medicine; Assistant
Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine;
Associate Project Director of the Geriatrics in
Primary Care Residency Training Initiative;
HCOA Faculty Associate.
awoods@bcm.edu
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WebPage
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 Lynn
C. Yeoman, Ph.D.
A Faculty Associate of Baylor’s
Huffington Center on Aging, he is also a Professor of
Pharmacology and Medicine. In addition, Dr. Yeoman is
Director of the College’s Integrated Problem Solving (IPS)
course and the Curriculum Database Program, and Executive Director of the College’s
Education Resource Center. Dr. Yeoman currently serves as
Chairman of the CATCHUM Project’s Problem-based Learning Task
Force, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded program in
cancer prevention education at the University of Texas Medical
Branch, Galveston, and Chairman of the United States Pharmacopeia’s
(USP’s) Committee of Experts on Biotechnology and Natural
Therapeutics.
lyeoman@bcm.edu
WebPage
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Marcia
C. Yparraguirre, MHA, MBA marciac@bcm.edu
As Office Manager of the Geriatric Section,
Department of Medicine, Ms. Ypparaguirre works with
Dr. George Taffet, Section Chief, and Ms. Patricia White,
HCOA Administrator, to oversee the clinical activities
of our faculty and fellows who comprise Geriatric Medicine
Associates. She also helps coordinate the monthly grand
rounds hosted by the Section of Geriatrics.
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Hui
Zheng, PhD
Professor, Department
of Molecular and Human Genetics; HCOA Core Faculty
huiz@bcm.edu |
Dr.
Zheng's research focuses on identifying targets that
can be exploited for the prevention and treatment of
Alzheimer' s disease (AD). AD is a neurodegenerative
disorder associated with cognitive impairment and memory
loss. It is the most common cause of dementia in the
elderly. Dr. Zheng's laboratory is identifying and characterizing
AD related genes and pathways in vivo using transgenic
and gene knockout technologies. Three genes have been
identified that are genetically linked to AD. These
are the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilins
(PS1 and PS2). Mutations in these genes lead to early
onset of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Zheng's laboratory
created knockout mice that are deficient in APP or PS1,
as well as transgenic mice expressing human APP or PS1
containing mutations that are associated with early
onset AD. APP knockout mice are viable but exhibit learning
and memory defects. Deletion of PS1 in mice results
in embryonic or newborn death, a phenotype that can
be rescued by neuronal expression of human PS1. APP
transgenic mice develop AD pathology, which is accelerated
by PS1 mutations. Analysis of the mice has provided
important information regarding the physiological functions
of APP and PS1 as well as the pathological mechanisms
of disease-causing mutations. Dr. Zheng continues to
use mouse genetic approaches to seek further understanding
of AD pathogenesis in vivo. This understanding will
be critically important for the prevention and treatment
of this devastating disease of aging. To learn more
about Dr. Zheng's interdepartmental research efforts,
click on this hyperlink, http://imgen.bcm.tmc.edu/molgen/faculty/index.html,
then scroll down to the link on the left for Hui
Zheng, Ph.D.
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Faculty and Staff
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Gretchen Darlington, PhD,
Acting Director
Adam Antebi, Ph.D.
Ursula Braun, MD
Kathy Ponchak Clifton
Ronald L. Davis, PhD
Aimee Garcia, MD
Edith Gibson
Mehrnaz Gill, MS
Soo-Kyung Lee, Ph.D.
Laurence McCullough, PhD
Tonta M. Marchand, BS
Estela E. Medrano, PhD
Debra Meyer,BA
Laura Morrison, M.D.
VictorNarcisse, MD
Fred Pereira, PhD
Maria Pesantez, BBA
Scott Pletcher, PhD
Elisabeth Pous
Robert E. Reichlin, PhD
Robert E. Roush, EdD, MPH
Sarah Selleck, MD
Yuxiang Sun, MD, PhD
George E. Taffet, MD
Nikolai Timchenko, PhD
Jordan Train, MD
Patricia White, BS
Nancy L. Wilson, MA, LMSW
Susan Williams, MD
Anita Woods, PhD
Lynn
C. Yoeman, PhD
Marcia C. Yparraguirre,
MHA, MBA
Hui Zheng, PhD
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