People
Stacia Sower
Ph.D. Oregon State University 1981
- Professor of Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences
- Director, AFAIR Laboratory
- Director, Center for Molecular and Comparative Endocrinology (CME)
Research Areas
Fish reproductive physiology, molecular neuroendocrinology
Research Emphasis
The research in my laboratory and with my collaborators and students emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to studying the molecular and evolution of the neuroendocrine system in basal vertebrates, the agnathans. Modern agnathans consist of only two living groups of this ancient class of vertebrates that include lampreys and hagfish, anadromous and marine fish, respectively.
Lampreys and hagfish are an exciting group of fish to research because of their ancient lineage that raises interesting questions on the evolution of reproduction and reproductive physiology in vertebrates.
In addition, we are involved in marine biomedical research. Studying the lamprey genome is a basis for understanding genes that arose in the vertebrates and offers an innovative approach to therapeutic research.
My laboratory also focuses on fisheries endocrinology and applied fisheries in lampreys and hagfish. In addition, my laboratory has been involved in studies on endocrine disruptors in frogs and fish. These ongoing studies involve collaborators, graduate students, postdoctoral research associate(s), visiting scholars and undergraduates. These studies have or are currently supported by NSF, Sea Grant, Great Lakes Fisheries Commission and NIH.