Robyn Puffenbarger

Robyn Puffenbarger earned her Ph.D. in molecular genetics and immunology from VCU in 1999, with a dissertation titled, “Cannabinoids inhibit inducible cytokine gene expression from rat microglial cells.”

She did her post-doctoral research at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she spent two years in the laboratory of Dr. Dale Deutsch working on the genetic regulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase (faah).

Puffenbarger is currently a biochemistry assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Bridgewater College, in Bridgewater, Va. Her current research is on regulation of the CB2 receptor in macrophages (CB2 in the "peripheral" cannabinoid receptor doesn't have the CNS effects — making a human feel high, interfering with memory and stimulating appetite. CB2 is in cells of the immune system and may regulate immune system response).

Puffenbarger said mentors such as Dr. Frank Macrina, Dr. Darrell Peterson and Drs. Guy and Francine Cabral helped her achieve the education she needed for her experiences after graduation. When asked if her current position was what she had anticipated doing after graduation, Puffenbarger said, “I had hoped when I finished my Ph.D. to get a job at a smaller, undergraduate institution where I could teach and do undergraduate research. I think I was pretty lucky.”

E-mail: rpuffenb@bridgewater.edu

Web site: http://www.bridgewater.edu/index.php?id=1023