CDR Faculty

CDR Core Investigators

	Cheryl A. Dyer, Ph.D., Research Professor, Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Dyer conducts research related to VCD, ovarian androgen synthesis, follicular development, atherosclerosis, obesity (e.g., low density lipoprotein receptor function), sexual differentiation, and Alzheimer's disease. With regard to environmental issues, Dr. Dyer investigates estrogenic alterations in mice and rats associated with uranium levels in drinking water which fall below the U.S. EPA drinking water standard.
	Loretta Mayer, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Mayer and her NAU and UA colleagues have developed a drug-induced (VCD: 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide) mouse model that reproductively mimics the transitional, multistage components of human menopause. The development of this model provides for the conduction of basic research on multiple, medically-related perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal pathologies. Its pioneering and potential impact on veterinary practice is in evidence as a money-saving, non-surgical, non-invasive technique with which to spay animals and control animal overpopulation. Dr. Mayer also conducts research related to hormone replacement and cardiovascular disease. Selected Publications
	Catherine A. Propper, Ph.D., Professor, Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Propper conducts basic research aimed at assessing how trace organic, environmental pollutants (e.g., pesticides) impact development, reproduction and behavior in aquatic vertebrate populations. She uses a combination of field and laboratory approaches to evaluate how exposure to single compounds and complex mixes, such as those found in reclaimed waste water effluent can change developmental or adult amphibian function.
	Constance J. Smith, Ph.D., Professor, Northern Arizona University, Department of Psychology Dr. Smith investigates the effects of neuroendocrine alterations on emotional (e.g., depressed), cognitive (attention, learning and memory,) and sexual behaviors in rats and mice. Her most recent efforts are directed at 1) assessing brain and behavioral alterations in animals undergoing VCD-induced menopause, 2) investigating dimorphic, lifespan changes in anti-Mullerian hormone and 3) obtaining simultaneous measures of brain acetylcholine and acetylcholine esterase levels from aged female rats.
	Timothy Vail, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Vail's research contributions relate to the development of nanoparticle drug delivery systems for reproductive failure, nanoparticle development for diagnostic applications and biofilm imaging of infections. He has also, with Dr. Propper, developed portable lateral flow assays for the detection of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater.

CDR Principle Investigators

Melissa Birkett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor,
Northern Arizona University, Department of Psychology

My current research interests include various aspects of anxiety disorders and their treatment. At NAU, I look forward to working collaboratively to examine physiological measures of anxiety within a university population. One goal of my future research is to better understand how people respond to stressful situations (through measures such as heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormone release) and what factors may be involved in regulating these responses.

Cathy Klock , Ph.D., Assistant Professor,
Northern Arizona University, Department of Electrical Engineering

Cathy Klock, Ph.D.,

Center for Discovery Research

Center for Discovery Research

Staff

Graduate Students

CDR Core Investigators

Selected Publications

CDR Principle Investigators