FACULTY
Rebecca A. Sheller
Associate Professor of Biology, Department Chair
Education and Training:
B.S.: 1982, Southwestern University
Ph.D.: 1989, University of Texas at Austin
Postdoctoral research: 1989-1994, University of Texas at Austin and Marine
Biological Laboratories, Woods Hole, MA
Research Interests:
I perform research in the area of cellular neurobiology. I am particularly
interested in protein expression and localization in neurons. I have performed
experiments on crayfish medial giant axons, squid giant axons, and PC12 cells.
Most of my research is related to seeking strategies for nerve regeneration.
For instance, my students and I at Southwestern University have investigated
the role of heat shock proteins in axons following axonal severance, exposure
to ethanol, and exposure to heavy metals. Heat shock proteins could potentially
be applied to injured axons as a therapy to improve axonal survival and nerve
regeneration. My most recent full-time research endeavor was a sabbatical
experience in the laboratory of C. Schmidt at the University of Texas at
Austin. I electrically stimulated primed PC12 cells and monitored the extent
of neurite outgrowth following stimulation. If electrical stimulation enhances
neurite outgrowth, then nerve guidance channels can be engineered to stimulate
growing neurons and used to improve the surgical repair of the peripheral
nervous system. I plan to continue working on this PC12 cell project with
my students at Southwestern University and collaborate with the laboratory
of C. Schmidt at the University of Texas.
Teaching Interests:
I seek to form a bridge between students and the information they seek
to learn. I try to teach skills for life-long learning and I encourage students
to enjoy their studies. I actively research methods for making biological
information more accessible to all students. The most frequent courses that
I have taught at Southwestern University are Organ Physiology, Cellular Physiology,
Neurobiology, Capstone Seminar in Neurobiology, Cell Biology for first year
students, and Biology of Perception for non-biology majors. As part of my
teaching endeavors, I also enjoy advising students about methods for preparing
themselves for post-graduate studies and careers. I have received specific
training for teaching science to undergraduate students by participating
in Project Kaleidoscope, Faculty for the 21st Century, since 1995 and by
attending workshops sponsored by other associations.
Selected Publications:
Sheller, R.A., M.E. Smyers, R.M. Grossfeld, M.L. Ballinger, and G.D. Bittner.
1998. Heat shock proteins in axoplasm: high constitutive levels
and transfer of inducible isoforms from glia. J Comp Neurol,
396: 1-11. (Cover illustration)
Sheller, R.A., M. Tytell, M.Smyers, and G.D. Bittner. 1995. Glia-to-axon
communication: enrichment of glial proteins transferred to the squid
giant axon. J. Neurosci. Res., 41: 324-334.
Sheller, R.A. and C.E. Schmidt. 2002. Protein expression in primed
PC12 cells after electrical stimulation and enhanced neurite outgrowth. (Abstr.)
J. Neurochem. 81 (Suppl. 1) CP04-03.
CONTACT:
Department of Biology
Southwestern University
P.O. Box 770
Georgetown, TX 78627
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