David J. Earnest

David J. Earnest, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, affiliated with the School of Medicine. He leads research in the TAMU Center for Biological Clocks Research and participates in the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience. His work focuses on cellular/molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms and their connections to metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes), neuroprotection in stroke, and age-related cognitive decline.

Research Techniques:

• Cell culture (neural explants, immortalized cell lines)
• Retroviral gene transfer
• Real-time gene expression imaging
• Neural transplantation
• Behavioral analysis (wheel-running)

Funding Sources:

• Texas A&M Health Science Center Seedling Grant (Optogenetic Therapy)
• WoodNext Foundation

Labs/Initiatives:

• Executive member of Center for Biological Clocks Research
• Director of circadian rhythm research facilities including bioluminescence imaging systems and behavioral monitoring systems