My research explores how genomes respond to environmental and physiological challenges, and how these responses influence organisms across time. What began with genome stability and plant epigenetics has expanded into biotechnology, medicinal plants, cannabinoids, aging and human health.
Epigenetics, genome stability & environmental responses
My laboratory investigates how environmental conditions influence genome stability, gene regulation and epigenetic states. Using plants as experimental systems, we study how stresses reshape DNA methylation, small-RNA pathways and genome activity, and whether some of these molecular changes persist after the original stress has disappeared or across generations. This work addresses a fundamental question in biology: how does environmental experience become embedded in the regulation of the genome?
Plant biotechnology & medicinal plants
My research in plant biotechnology focuses on understanding and manipulating the mechanisms that allow plants to respond and adapt to their environment. This work has included stress biology, genome and epigenome manipulation, and the development of approaches to improve plant performance and useful traits. A major extension of this program has been research on medicinal plants, particularly cannabis, linking plant genetics, biotechnology and the production of biologically active compounds.
Cannabinoids & human health
My research on cannabinoids examines how cannabis-derived compounds interact with human physiology, particularly through the endocannabinoid system. Our work investigates their effects on inflammation, neurological function, metabolism and aging, as well as their potential therapeutic applications. An important focus is moving beyond general claims about cannabis toward evidence-based approaches that identify which cannabinoids, doses and biological responses may be relevant to specific health conditions.
Aging, metabolism & longevity
My research increasingly examines the biology of aging and the factors that influence health across the lifespan. We are interested in how epigenetic regulation, metabolism, inflammation, nutrition and the endocannabinoid system interact during aging, and whether these processes can be modified to preserve function and reduce age-related disease. This work connects molecular biology with a broader goal: understanding not simply how to extend lifespan, but how to extend the years of healthy life.
Selected research themes & current projects
Current projects in my laboratory and collaborations extend these research themes into several active areas:
Environmental stress, small RNAs & DNA methylation — investigating how stress reshapes epigenetic regulation in plants and whether altered states persist over time and across generations.
Cannabinoids, neurological health & biomarkers — examining cannabinoid-based interventions and molecular signatures associated with neurological conditions and treatment response.
Cannabis biology & biotechnology — studying the genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology of cannabis and other medicinal plants.
Aging, inflammation & nutrition — investigating molecular pathways connecting diet, metabolism, inflammation and healthy aging.