Dr. Bell educates on topics of muscle physiology and neuroscience within several courses in the osteopathic medicine program and the graduate program in biomedical sciences. In these courses his goal is to break down difficult physical and biochemical concepts into paradigms that can be comprehended and remembered intuitively for future understanding the function of the body its response to disease and to osteopathic and pharmacological interventions. To help foster comprehensive educational approaches through deliberate, innovative curriculum design and delivery, as well as through supporting our students at all levels by means of appropriate resources, Dr. Bell serves on numerous committees involving student academic matters from admission through graduation. Dr. Bell also directs the Journal Club course for the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Research Concentration.
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Thomas Jefferson University
PhD, Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania
BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Bell's basic science research has been concentrated in two areas. 1) In his work
with other researchers on the regulatory systems of cardiac and skeletal muscle, he
hopes to elucidate the mechanism by which changes in intracellular calcium are translated
into the varying rate and strength of the muscular contraction. The technique of time-resolved
polarized fluorescence is used to measure motions of the regulatory proteins as calcium
binds to activate the system. The rate and extent of regulatory protein movement is
compared to the rate and extent of force generation. By combining results from fluorescent
probes attached to several sites in the system, a broader understanding of the mechanism
may be achieved. 2) In his collaborations with researchers focused on Alzheimer's
Disease, Dr. Bell investigates the root causes of neuropathological cascades characteristic
of the disease. Of particular interest are the roles of infections agents, such as
C. pneumoniae, in evading the immune response even as they induce host cells to secrete
compounds, such as abnormal amyloid beta protein, that ultimately lead to the death
of neighboring cells in the brain.
Dr. Bell also collaborates in research focused on medical education, and is a member
of the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE).
Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (PCOM), 2012-2013. Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in blood samples: A diagnostic screen for Alzheimer’s disease. Role: Co-PI.
Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (PCOM), 2012-2013. Infection with Chlamydia Pneumoniae alters calcium-associated gene regulation and processes in neuronal cells and monocytes: Implications for Alzheimer’s disease. Role: PI.
NIH 5R01HL086838-04, 2008-2012. Determinants of Cardiac Thin Filament Regulation. Co-PI with Robert J. Barsotti, PCOM.
American Heart Grant-In-Aid, 2002-2004, Mechanism of Thin-Filament Based Control of Cardiac Muscle Contraction. Co-authored with Robert J. Barsotti, Thomas Jefferson University.
HHS SBIR Phase II, 1996-1998. Sucking Device for Feeding Of Low-Birthweight Infants. Co-authored with BioFlo, Inc., and KDL Medical Technologies, Inc., Philadelphia.
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