Associate Professor of Biology ; Director of Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences

Dr. Durham is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department where he teaches Introduction to Cellular Biology (BIO 320), Introduction to Development Biology (BIO 355), and General Biology I (BIO 121).  Dr. Durham’s research interest lies in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the synthesis and release of neuropeptides from sensory neurons.  One of the primary goals of his research is to determine the signaling pathways by which inflammatory and anti-inflammatory agents control neuropeptide gene expression in disorders involving the trigeminal nerve.  Currently, Dr. Durham is studying the regulation of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide gene (CGRP) expression in cultured trigeminal neurons, neuronal-like cell lines, in vivo animal models, and clinical studies.  A major focus of his current research has been to elucidate the cellular/molecular mechanisms by which serotonergic antimigraine drugs and inflammatory stimuli that activate MAP kinase pathways regulate CGRP transcription, synthesis, and release from neuronal cells.  More recently, he has begun to study the effect of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, protons, topiramate, carbon dioxide, and botulinum neurotoxin type A (BOTOX) on CGRP gene expression in trigeminal neurons.

Dr. Durham has published numerous articles peer-reviewed research articles and invited review articles. Some of his most current publications include:

Dr. Durham has been the recipient of significant grant support. Since 2003, Dr. Durham has brought in over 9 million dollars of grant money to Missouri State to support his research initiatives.  Some of his grants include the following:    

• 2006-2011, National Institutes of Health (RO1) CGRP Regulation of iNOS and MAP Kinases/ Phosphatases in Trigeminal Ganglia Glia (PI) ($1,262,000)

• 2003-2007, National Institutes of Health (RO1)  CGRP Control in Trigeminal Neurons In Vitro and In Vivo (PI) ($837,000)

• 2004-2007, Office of Naval Research (2004 Congressional Plus-Up) Multiple Strategy Bio-detection Sensor Platforms Made From Carbon and Polymer Materials (Co-PI) ($5,900,750)

Besides his research and grant activities, Dr. Durham has also served the Department of Biology as the faculty advisor for the biology honor society Beta Beta Beta, as well as the faculty advisor for the MSU ice and roller hockey teams.  He serves as the chair of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences Student Awards and Scholarship Committee as well as a member of the Premedical Committee and the Radiation Safety Committee.  Dr. Durham has also played a vital role in the establishment of Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, and has flown to Washington DC to meet with members of Senator Bond’s office in an effort to support the University’s biomedical research proposals. Dr. Durham has been well recognized for his outstanding research. He has won both a College research award (2003) as well as a University research award (2004).  In 2005, he also won the Excellence in Innovation Award from Allergan and a College teaching award, and was nominated by NIH for a Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineers (PECASE).