معرفی
Kari Naylor is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Central Arkansas. She has been with UCA since 2006, contributing to both administrative leadership and research excellence in cell biology and microbiology.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of California, Davis (2004)
Research Interests:
Dr. Naylor's primary research focuses on mitochondrial dynamics, specifically investigating the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial fission, fusion, and motility. Her work employs Dictyostelium discoideum as a model organism to understand:
- Role of cytoskeletal proteins (actin and microtubules) in mitochondrial dynamics
- Identification of key regulatory proteins including FszA, FszB, DlpA, DlpB, and DlpC
- Development of Parkinson's disease models using cellular phenotypes
- Investigation of reactive oxygen species effects on mitochondrial function
Research Publications:
Her recent work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Publications span from basic cellular mechanisms to therapeutic applications, including studies on honey's antimicrobial properties and the effects of rotenone on cellular systems.
Teaching Contributions:
- Cell Biology
- General Microbiology
Research Team:
Dr. Naylor leads an active research group comprising graduate and undergraduate students, as evidenced by co-authorship on numerous publications. Her lab maintains a collaborative environment fostering student research experiences.
