Our group is interested in understanding how sensory systems enable us to perceive our world. In one aspect of our research, we exploit the power of natural products to elucidate molecular mechanisms of touch and pain sensation. For example, we have asked how capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient in "hot" chili peppers, elicits burning pain, and how menthol, the cooling agent in mint leaves, evokes an icy cool sensation.

My research and practice interests include maternal-child stress, social determinants of health, childhood obesity, school-based health, and nursing education. I am also interested in Latinx populations in the context of child and family health.

POSITIONS:
Chief of Clinical Hepatology, San Francisco General Hospital
Director, Clinical and Translational Research in Hepatology, San Francisco General Hospital
Director, Investigator Development Unit, UCSF Research Coordinating Center to Reduce Disparities in Multiple Chronic Diseases (Health Equity Action Network)
Co-Director, UCSF Mentor Training Program
Co-Director, UCSF T32 Hepatology Training Program
Editorial board member, Hepatology Journal