Rory Fisher
Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and Internal Medicine
Address: 2-505 BSB
Phone: (319) 335-8331
Email: rory-fisher@uiowa.edu
Rory obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in the Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Program from Iowa State University in 1983. In his postdoctoral work with Drs. Merle S. Olson and Donald Hanahan at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (1983-1987), he studied fundamental mechanisms of hormones/lipid mediators on hepatic glycogenolysis and discovered a novel mechanism of glycogenolysis induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) and other vasoactive agents. He joined the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Iowa in 1987 where his research has evolved from studying PAF and antigen-induced glycogenolysis, to cloning GPCRs and studying their signaling mechanisms, to cloning numerous members of the RGS protein family and studying their signaling and physiological/pathophysiological roles. His research now focuses on RGS6 which possesses critical roles in neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer biology and heart disease. His laboratory uses interdisciplinary approaches including manipulation and monitoring of neuronal circuits, mouse behavior, CRISPR gene editing of mice, and molecular genetic/cellular studies. Outside of the laboratory, Rory enjoys time with family, fishing, fitness and following his college and professional sports teams.
Katelin Ahlers-Dannen, PhD
Assistant Professor
Address: 2-248 BSB
Phone: (319) 335-9907
Email: katelin-dannen@uiowa.edu
Kate received her Ph.D. in Biology, with an emphasis in Neurobiology, from the University of Iowa in 2014. Since joining the Department of Pharmacology in 2015, Kate has filled the dual roles of Associate and Postdoctoral Scholar. As an Associate, Kate is responsible for teaching Neuropharmacology in several Department courses. In her role as Postdoctoral Scholar, in Dr. Rory Fisher’s lab, she studies the role of RGS6 in neuropsychiatric disease and has worked to clone/identify a novel brain-specific RGS6 isoform. Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. She also loves to be outdoors (in the summer) hiking or working in the yard.
Mackenzie Spicer
Graduate Research Assistant
Address: 2-505 BSB
Phone: (319) 335-7769
Email: mackenzie-spicer@uiowa.edu
Mackenzie joined the Molecular Medicine PhD program in August 2017. Mackenzie is from Indianapolis, Indiana and attended Hanover College for her undergraduate degree (B.A. in Biology, 2017). Mackenzie joined Dr. Fisher's laboratory in May 2018. Her dissertation project investigates the role of RGS6 in dopaminergic pathways in the brain and its role in a variety of CNS disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Outside of the laboratory, Mackenzie spends a considerable amount of time playing (or napping) with her two kitties (Thomas & Felix) and two golden retriever puppies (Fynn & Bailey). In her free time, she also enjoys playing tennis, working out, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jianqi Yang, PhD
Associate Research Scientist
Address: 2-505 BSB
Phone: (319) 335-8331
Email: jianqi-yang@uiowa.edu