Faculty Profiles

I am a fish physiologist and endocrinologist with a decade of research experience focused on the intriguing realm of pheromones and chemical communication in fish. My primary area of study at Texas State University centers on olfactory processes in vertebrates. Specifically, I investigate the effects of environmental pollutants, including nitrite, viruses, and bacteria, on the sense of smell. Additionally, I aim to uncover how external chemical signals—comprising pheromones, chemical cues, and pathogens—are
detected by the olfactory epithelium, how this information is integrated into the brain, and how it subsequently activates the endocrine axis to initiate specific physiological processes like reproduction and behavior.
To achieve my research goals, I employ a range of refined techniques, including electrophysiology (utilizing electro-olfactogram and electro-encephalogram), protein biochemistry (to explore the morphology and physiology of components within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gland axis), steroid analysis (including radioimmunoassay, ELISA, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry), as well as histology (through
immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization) and molecular procedures (such as transcriptomics, qPCR, and dPCR). I chose to specialize in this field to deepen my understanding of vertebrate olfaction, ultimately providing new tools to manage fish populations and address environmental health issues.
During my career, I encountered inspirational mentors and realized the importance of intentional mentoring. Since then, I committed to learning and continually developing mentoring best practices that guide my students to success. I started my mentor activities in 2009 and have been a mentor at Texas State since 2016.