Ross S. Feldberg
Associate Professor
Biochemistry

B.S., Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL - 1961-1965
Ph.D., Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI - 1965-1970
Postdoctoral Fellow of Dr. H.M. Keir, Department of Biochemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland - 1970-1972
Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. L. Grossman, Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA - 1972-1975

Research Interests

My most recent research was on hormone-induced inflammation, using estrogen-induced inflammation of the rat prostate as a model system. I discovered that one could detect molecular changes consistent with the onset of the inflammatory process within a day or two after hormone exposure (in contrast to the three week time lag necessary to detect histological changes). I hoped to apply this system to stress-induced inflammation - stress being a more difficult agent to quantitate or control. However, I was unable to win extramural funding and when the department was given the opportunity to make a senior hire two years ago, I agreed to give up my lab so that space would be available for that person. My research since then has been limited to collaborative work with my colleagues and I have worked with Drs Lewis, Cochrane, Romero and Reed on projects that required biochemical input.

I have also refocused my energies on innovations in biological and biochemical teaching. I have taken responsibility for the first semester of Introductory Biology (400 students) and have worked to make this a rigorous, but enjoyable experience for our students. I also teach a seminar course focused on parasitology (Bio 16) and the biochemistry survey course (Bio 152).

I am currently exploring new teaching technologies and have developed a web site to teach the basics of Bioinformatics as well as a web site employing the Chime molecular visualization tutorial to teach structural biochemistry. I was a speaker on Innovations in Biochemical Education at the 2002 Project Kaleidoscope Summer Institute National Meeting.

I have also developed a new seminar on BioSocial Problems (Bio 97) that examines the intersection of biological theories and social beliefs. This course is quite unique and stresses analysis of evidence in the original scientific literature and a critical reading of how science is reported in the popular press. The class has treated topics such as Bioethics, Ideological uses of biology, Gender and biology, Behavioral Genetics, Evolutionary psychology, Genetic basis for homosexuality and Racially based medicine. I have published in this area ("A Self-Perpetuating Treatment: Humatrope and the Medicalization of Social Problems" GeneWatch 17: 12-13 (2004)).

Courses

Biology 13: Cells and Organisms with Lab
Biology 97: Contemporary Biosocial Problems in America
Biology 16: Bioscience Challenge Seminars
Biology 152: Biochemistry and Cellular Metabolism

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