Nominees for ASPET Office 2006

P. Jeffrey Conn

Professor and Director, Program in Translational Neuropharmacology, and Director, VICB Program and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology,Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee

Education: B.S. Magna Cum Laude (1981, Psychology), Lee University; Ph.D. (1986, Pharmacology), Vanderbilt University.

Professional Experience: Postdoctoral Fellow (1986-1988), Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine; Visiting Lecturer (1988), Yale College; Assistant Professor (1998-1994), Associate Professor (1994-1999), Professor (1999-2001), Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine; Senior Director and Department Head (2000-2003), Department of Neuroscience, Merck Research Laboratories; Professor (2003present), Department of Pharmacology, ,Director (2003-present), Program in Translational Neuropharmacology, VICB Program in Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Research Interests: The primary focus of research in Dr. Conn’s laboratory is to develop a detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by activation of G protein-coupled receptors regulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. They apply a highly multidisciplinary approach with a combination of biochemical, imaging, immunological, behavioral, electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques; as well as high throughput screens and chemical organic synthesis for new ligand discovery. Most of this work is ultimately focused on developing novel strategies for treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Activities: ASPET: Member of ASPET since 1992. Committee on Public Information (1995-1998, Chair 1996-1997), Pharmacia-ASPET Award for Experimental Therapeutics Committee (2004-2007). Divisions – Neuropharmacology (Executive Committee Industry Liaison 2001-2003). Molecular Pharmacology (Associate Editor 1995-2000, Editor 2006-2009). Other: AAAS, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (Liaison Committee with Government Agencies and the Pharmaceutical Industry 2003-present), American Scientific Affiliation, Society for Neuroscience (Program Committee 1997-2000), International Brain Research Organization, International Society for Neurochemistry, International Basal Ganglia Society; NC-IUPHAR Subcommittee on Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors; Editorial Activities – Neuroscience Net (Editorial Board 1996-2001), SYNAPSE (Editorial Board 1993-2004), Journal of Neurochemistry (Editorial Board 1998-present), Current Drug Targets, CNS and Neurological Disorders (Editorial Board 2000-present), Current Neuropharmacology (Regional Editor 2002-present), Letters in Drug Design & Discovery (Editorial Board 2002-present), Medicinal Chemistry Reviews (Editorial Board 2003-present), Medicinal Chemistry (Editorial Board 2004-present), Neurobiology of Disease (Editorial Board 2004-2007).

NOMINEE FOR CHAIR-ELECT

L. Charles Murrin

Professor and Vice-Chair for Research, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska

Education: B.A. (1965, Philosophy), St. John’s College, Camarillo, CA; Ph.D. (1975, Pharmacology), Yale University.

Professional Experience: Postdoctoral Associate (1975), Department of

Psychiatry, Yale University; Postdoctoral Fellow (1975-1978), Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The Johns Hopkins University; Assistant Professor (19781983), Associate Professor (1983-1988, tenure 1985), Professor and Vice-Chairman (1988-present), Department of Pharmacology, University of Nebraska; Courtesy appointment (1985-present), Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska.

Research Interests: Development of neurotransmitter systems, particularly receptors and transporters, in the CNS, with an emphasis on dopamine and adrenergic systems. Regulation of the development of neurotransmitter systems and the role these systems play in regulating the development of other neurons. Differences between juvenile and adolescent brain in response to antidepressant drug treatment, with a focus on adrenergic neuronal systems. Regulation of mu opioid receptor function by accessory proteins.

Activities:
ASPET: Elected to ASPET in 1981; Educational Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Surveys (19901996, Chair 1991-1996), Educational Affairs Committee (1991-1996), Goodman and Gilman Award Committee (1999-2005, Chair 2001-2005), Nominating Committee (2005). Divisions – Neuropharmacology (Secretary/Treasurer 2004-2005; Executive Committee 2003-2006), Molecular Pharmacology. Editorial Advisory Board, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics(1987-present). Other: Member – AAAS, American Society for Neurochemistry, International Society for Neurochemistry, International Society for Developmental Neuroscience, International Brain Research Organization, Society for Neuroscience; Editorial Activities: xPharm (Assistant Editor 2001-2005; Editor 2005-present).

NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER

Margarita L. Dubocovich

Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois

Education: B.S. (1971, Biological Chemistry), Ph.D. (1976, Pharmacology), Buenos Aires University.

Professional Experience: Pharmacologist (1976-1977), Wellcome Research Laboratories (UK); Project Leader (1977-1980), Synthelabo (now Sanofi-Aventis), Paris; Research Associate (1980-1982), Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Health Science Center; Assistant Professor (1982-1986), Associate Professor (1986-1991), Professor (1991present), Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Member (1993-present), Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Member (1995-present), Center for Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology, Member (1996-present), Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University Medical School.

Research Interests: Dr. Dubocovich’s laboratory established the functional and pharmacological properties of several melatonin receptors in mammals and discovered novel and receptor selective melatonin receptor ligands. Her current work investigates the functional role of melatonin receptors as potential targets for the discovery of ligands aimed to treat depressive disorders, insomnia and circadian rhythm dysfunction.

Activities: ASPET: Member of ASPET since 1983. Committee on Minorities (1999-present; Chair 2002-2005), Committee on Women in Pharmacology (2002-present), ASPET representative to Super Minority Action Committee (2004-2005), Great Lakes Chapter (Councilor 2005-present). Divisions – Neuropharmacology (Councilor 1990-1992), Molecular Pharmacology, Pharmacology Education (Executive Committee 20012005).

Other: Member – American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, British Pharmacological Society, Catecholamine Club (President 1997-1998; Councilor 1996-present), Melatonin Club (President), Society for Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience Chicago Chapter (Councilor 1985-1989; Secretary-Treasurer

1989-1993; President 1995), Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.

NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER-ELECT

Kelly M. Standifer

Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Vice-Chair, and Director, Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas

Education: B.S. (1984, Zoology), Duke University; Ph.D. (1988, Pharmacology), University of Florida.

Professional Experience: Postdoctoral Fellow (1988-1990), Research Associate

(1990-1992), Assistant Laboratory Member (1992-1995), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Assistant Professor of Pharmacology (1995-2001), Associate Professor of Pharmacology (2001-present), Vice-Chair and Director of Graduate Studies (2003-present), Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston College of Pharmacy.

Research Interests: The recently discovered opioid receptor like-1 receptor (ORL1) and its endogenous agonist, orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), have been strongly implicated in the development of morphine tolerance. It also has analgesic and anxiolytic actions of its own. We study the cellular mechanisms of ORL1- and mu opioid receptor-mediated tolerance and cross-tolerance using a variety of approaches. The purpose of our studies, ultimately, is to develop alternative therapeutic options (to morphine) for the treatment of severe pain.

Activities: ASPET: Member of ASPET since 1997. Divisions – Neuropharmacology, Molecular Pharmacology. Other: Member – American Association of College of Pharmacy, Society for Neuroscience (WIN Travel Award Reviewer 2003); International Narcotics Research Conference (U.S. representative to Executive Council 2004-present), Sigma Xi (University of Houston Chapter Treasurer 2003-2004, President 2005), Rho Chi, Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology; University of Houston College of Pharmacy Faculty Achievement Award (1996, 2001); Faculty Research Excellence Award (2003); Faculty Service Excellence Award (2005); Fellow, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy- and Pfizer-sponsored Academic Leadership Fellows Program (2004-2005).