Thomas B. Shea

Professor and Director, Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research

Phone: 978-934-2881

Email: Thomas_Shea@uml.edu

B.A., Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 1974
M.S., Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 1979
Ph.D., Biology, Northeastern University, 1983

In my laboratory researchers are examining the roles played by axonal cytoskeletal proteins in nervous system development, and in the etiology of Alzheimer's and other related neurodegenerative diseases. For these studies we use neurons that are maintained in cell culture as well as genetically-modified strains of mice that are at increased risk for developing neurodegenerative conditions analogous to those observed in humans. Our studies indicate that Alzheimer's disease can arise from a combination of genetics, poor diet, and environmental stress, under conditions where no single one of these factors would induce the disease. My research center collaborates with a number of other nationally and internationally recognized laboratories. I am happy to discuss research opportunities in my laboratory with motivated undergraduate and graduate students.

http://www.uml.edu/Dept/Biology/tshea