I am interested in understanding the changes in immune cell mitochondria during physiological aging and during the development and progression of aging-associated metabolic dysregulation such as obesity and diabetes. Emerging evidence shows a strong association between immune cell function and cellular metabolism. However, the mechanistic links among immune cell function, changes in mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics has not been explored and characterized thoroughly. This fueled my interest in “mitochondrial aging” and inflammation.
Faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences said Merrimack College’s newest research incubator has benefited their work immensely.