Education
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Thomas Jefferson University
PhD, Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania
BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
Research
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).
Grants
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.
