About
Stephen D. Roper, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Physiology and Biophysics and Otolaryngology at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular and cellular physiology of sensory organs, particularly taste buds and their role in signal transduction. He investigates how chemotherapy disrupts taste and orofacial pain, aiming to develop treatments for these side effects. Roper holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of London (1970) and a BS in Biology from Harvard College (1967). He has received numerous awards, including the Max Mozell Award and George Paff Award for teaching excellence.
Education:
- PhD, Physiology, University of London (1970)
- BS, Biology, Harvard College (1967)
- Postdoctoral Training: Harvard Medical School (1973)
Research Interests: His lab studies taste-evoked signals from taste buds into the hindbrain, and the effects of chemotherapy on sensory neurons. Key areas include decoding taste signals, understanding cold allodynia from oxaliplatin/cisplatin, and exploring therapeutic interventions.
Publications: Over 130 peer-reviewed articles, including work on taste transduction mechanisms, synaptic interactions in taste buds, and the role of ATP/GABA in taste signaling.
Awards: Landmark contributions recognized through awards in both research and teaching, emphasizing his dual role as a scientist and educator.
