{"id":6,"date":"2017-04-14T16:25:02","date_gmt":"2017-04-14T16:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/commons.ggc.edu\/cachantme\/?page_id=6"},"modified":"2023-02-11T02:16:41","modified_gmt":"2023-02-11T02:16:41","slug":"about-me","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/commons.ggc.edu\/cachatme\/","title":{"rendered":"About Me"},"content":{"rendered":"

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At Georgia Gwinnett College, my efforts are focused on providing an enriched academic environment for students of all backgrounds. My teaching philosophy is simply that everyone can learn anything –\u00a0provided they have the tools needed to succeed<\/em>. Thus, I am continuously working to equip students with critical learning skills while identifying and creating effective academic environments that meet different student needs.<\/p>\n

I currently teach a range of biology courses including Principles of Biology I, Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology. \u00a0I am also an enthusiastic advocate of undergraduate research in science and currently mentor students in neuroscience research. \u00a0Our work utilizes cellular, molecular, and behavioral approaches to investigate events that contribute to dopamine cell death, upregulation of glial activity, and nicotine’s neuroprotective and addictive effects.\u00a0 In addition, my STEM colleagues and I have led the development of a student study program at GGC. \u00a0Peer Supplemental Instruction (PSI) facilitates study sessions for students in\u00a0foundation STEM\u00a0courses while training senior students in leadership and communication in their STEM fields.<\/p>\n

Prior to serving in this current role, I conducted my postdoctoral studies in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard Medical School, working with medicinal chemists and behavioral pharmacologists on the development of medication therapies against drug addiction relapse. \u00a0My research highlighted the role of specific neurotransmitter systems (dopamine and glutamate receptors) in the attenuation of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine abuse.\u00a0 My doctoral studies in the Neuroscience Program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine<\/strong><\/em> contributed to our understanding of the deleterious effects of common amphetamines of abuse (methamphetamine and ecstasy) on monoaminergic systems, and on memory.<\/p>\n

Hailing from the beautiful, bustling islands of Trinidad and Tobago (land of the Steel Pan and Hummingbird), I enjoy cooking, dancing, going to the beach, and spending time with my family.<\/p>\n

I have many professional passions that support student success!\u00a0 <\/strong>Visit the links below to learn more about my work.<\/span><\/p>\n