I am a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. My research program integrates ion channel physiology, translational pharmacology, and toxinology to investigate how dysregulated ion channel function contributes to disease conditions such as hypertension and others. The long-term goal of my research is to identify and characterize ion channels involved in salt-sensitive high blood pressure and to develop novel therapeutics, particularly from animal venoms, that modulate these channels to restore gland function and improve oral health.