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CURRICLUM VITAE
Gilbert R. Pitts
UNIVERSITY
ADDRESS:
HOME ADDRESS:
Department of Biology
1144 Keystone Drive
Austin Peay
State
University
Pleasant
View,
TN
37146
P.O. Box
4718
Clarksville,
TN
37044
Phone: Day
(931) 221-7777
Evening (615) 491-7536
Fax:
(931) 221-6323
CITIZENSHIP: United States of America
EDUCATION
Jan., 1999: University
of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; Ph.D. -- Animal Physiology;
Minor: Neuroscience; Thesis: Prolactin and the
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis; Adviser: Mohamed E. El Halawani, Ph.D.;
Co-adviser: Douglas N. Foster, Ph.D.
Feb., 1994: University
of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; M.S. -- Animal Physiology;
Thesis: The Regulation of Incubation Behavior by Vasoactive
Intestinal Peptide; Adviser: Mohamed E. El Halawani, Ph.D.
Mar., 1991: University
of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; B.S. -- Animal Science
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Associate
Professor: Austin
Peay
State
University, Department of Biology; Aug.,
2007 to present.
Supervisor: Don Dailey.
Taught classes in Animal Physiology, Human Physiology, and Human
Anatomy and Physiology as well as the associated laboratories.
Developed a web course for Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Managed laboratory to investigate the regulation of GnRH
secretion from GT1 cells. Chaired the Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committee as well as the Department Curriculum Committee.
Assistant
Professor: Austin Peay
State
University, Department of
Biology; Aug., 2004 to Aug. 2007.
Supervisor: Don Dailey.
Senior Research Associate:
Vanderbilt
University,
Department of Biological Sciences; Aug. 2002 to Jul 2004.
Supervisor: Doug McMahon. Designed, performed, and analyzed
experiments to study the neural generation and control of circadian
rhythms using single-cell RT-PCR in transgenic mice. Prepared K01
grant application. Supervised graduate students during their
rotations with the laboratory.
Postdoctoral Scholar:
University
of Kentucky,
Department of Physiology; Feb. 2001 to Aug. 2002.
Supervisor: Doug McMahon. Designed, performed, and analyzed experiments to
study the neural generation and control of circadian rhythms using
single-cell RT-PCR in transgenic mice.
Prepared K01 grant application.
Postdoctoral
Fellow: University of Virginia, Department of Internal
Medicine; Jan. 1999 to Jan. 2001.
Supervisor: Suzanne Moenter. Designed, performed, and
analyzed experiments to determine if RNA transcription is required
for pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone from
immortalized GnRH neurons.
Developed a single-cell RT-PCR method to identify mRNA
transcripts in transgenic GnRH neurons.
Contributed to the validation of an enzyme immunoassay for
GnRH. Gained experience
handling mice. Submitted
an application for an Individual National Research Service Award.
Responsible for laboratory immunoassay, radioimmunoassay, and
PCR training. Supervised
research of undergraduate students.
Maintained laboratory computer network, radioactive material
inventory and survey records.
Treatment
Platoon Sergeant: Virginia Army National
Guard, Company C, 429th FSB, Sergeant First Class; Mar.,
1999 to Sep., 2000.
Supervisor: 1SG Greg Whisler.
Supervised approximately 20 soldiers.
Responsible for platoon training and equipment maintenance.
Applied for direct commission.
Research
Assistant: University of Minnesota, Department of Animal Science;
Mar. 1991 to Dec. 1998.
Supervisor: Mohamed E. El Halawani.
Studied the neuroendocrine regulation of prolactin secretion
from the hypothalamus of conscious, freely moving adult turkeys.
Trained incoming students and technicians in laboratory
techniques and repeated measures analysis.
Presented guest lectures and laboratories for a reproductive
physiology class.
Assisted teaching systemic physiology laboratories.
Maintained laboratory computers.
Armament
Systems Section Sergeant/Acting First Sergeant: Minnesota Army National Guard, Company D,
3-147th AVN; Sergeant First Class; Nov., 1995 to Dec.,
1998. Supervisor: 1SG
David Thrush. Supervised
4 soldiers and the maintenance of AH-1 Cobra helicopter armament
systems. Planned and executed the operation of forward arming and
refueling points (FARP). Wrote battalion FARP standard operating
procedures. Supervised
up to 40 soldiers as acting First Sergeant for approximately 9
months.
Armament
Technical Inspector: United States
Army Reserve, Company D, 2-123rd AVN; Staff Sergeant;
Nov. 1986 to Nov. 1995.
Prepared company for Aviation Readiness Management Survey.
Planned and supervised FARP operations.
Maintained AH-1 Cobra Helicopter reference library.
Inspected maintenance of helicopter armament systems.
Undergraduate
Teaching Assistant: University
of Minnesota,
Department of Animal Science; Sept. 1990 to Dec. 1990.
Taught animal breeding using small group exercises.
TEACHING
EXPERIENCE
Austin
Peay State University:
Biology 2010/2011: Human Anatomy
and Physiology with a lab section
Biology 2020/2021: Human Anatomy
and Physiology with a lab section
Biology 4110/4111: Animal
Physiology with a lab section
Biology 4160/4161: Human
Physiology with a lab section
Biology 4500: Research in
Physiology/Cell Biology/Molecular Biology
Biology 4700: Topics in Biology
Biology 5100/5101: Biostatistics
Biology 5410/5411: Reproductive
Physiology
Biology 5500: Special Problems in
Physiology
Biology 5735: Contemporary Issues
in Biology
Biology 5990: Thesis
University of Minnesota:
Animal
Science 5322: Physiology of Reproduction; Taught 1-2 lectures and 1
lab every fall quarter from 1991
to 1997.
Topics included photoperiodism, avian reproductive
endocrinology, and physiology.
Animal
Science 3301: Systemic Physiology; Assisted with laboratory
exercises every fall quarter from 1990 to
1993.
Animal Science 3220: Animal
Breeding; Undergraduate teaching assistant. The class
was conducted through
small group exercises.
A professor and 2
assistants instructed the students in each group; Sep., 1990 to
Dec.
1990.
HONORS AND
AWARDS
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa
Phi: 2007-present
Excellence in Advising: Austin
Peay State University, 2009.
Socrates Award for Excellence in
Teaching: Austin Peay State University, 2006.
Society for Research on
Biological Rhythms Travel Award: 2002.
National Research Service Award (T32HD07382: This is
an institutional award given to the Center for Research
in
Reproduction to support postdoctoral research): Jan. 1999 Jan.
2001.
Animal Physiology Merit Travel Award: Jul. 1995; Jun.
1994; Jun. 1993.
Robert
N. Shoffner Scholarship in Avian Genetics: 1994
Sven
Ranelius Scholarship: Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Inc.,
1993
Deans
List: winter, 1991; fall, 1990; winter, 1990; fall, 1989
FUNDED
GRANTS
Confocal Microscope System
($305,000), Technology Access Fee Proposal (with Dr. Sarah
Lundin-Schiller and Dr. Karen Meisch), Austin Peay State University,
2010
Redesign of Human and Anatomy I
($2,700), Course Redesign Award (with Dr. Cindy Taylor), Austin Peay
State University, 2009
Redesign of Human and Anatomy II
($2,700), Course Redesign Award (with Dr. Cindy Taylor), Austin Peay
State University, 2009
Examination of Amphibian
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Secretion ($2000), Faculty Research
Award, Austin Peay State University, 2009.
Microcentrifuge Acquisition
($9,100), Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin Peay State
University, 2009
Immortalization of Avian
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons ($2000), Faculty Research
Award, Austin Peay State University, 2008
Acquisition of Dissection
Equipment ($1147.82). College of Science and Mathematics Equipment
Committee, Austin Peay State University, 2008
GnRH Enzyme Immunoassay and PCR
Equipment ($3,073), Department of Biology Equipment Fund Proposal,
Austin Peay State University, 2007
Spectrophotometer Acquisition for
Biology Students ($47,600), Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin Peay
State
University, 2007
Upgrade to Microbiology
Laboratories ($19,200), Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin Peay
State
University, 2007
Water
Bath Acquisition for Physiology Students
($3,000), Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin
Peay State University, 2007
Acquisition of Laboratory
Electronics for Physiology Students ($60,335), Technology Access Fee
Proposal, Austin Peay State University,
2006
Patterns of Gonadotropin-Releasing
Hormone Secretion ($2000), Faculty Research Grant, Austin Peay
State
University, 2006
Incubator Acquisition for
Physiology Students ($13,840), Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin Peay
State
University, 2006
Acquisition of Network Printers
($6,756), Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin
Peay State University, 2005
Avian Gonadotropin-Releasing
Hormone Neurons ($2000), Tower Fund Grant, Austin Peay
State
University, 2005
Real-time Thermocycler ($87,860),
Technology Access Fee Proposal, Austin
Peay State University, 2005
SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS
American Association for the Advancement of Science:
1993-1996, 2000 - present Tennessee Academy of Science: 2004
present
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology: 2004
present
Society for Neuroscience: 2003 - present
Poultry Science Association: 1993-1996, 2000 - 2002
Society for the Study of Reproduction: 1994-1996
Sigma Xi: 1992-1996, 2000 - 2002
DEPARTMENT AND UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES
Biology Curriculum Committee (Member: 2006, Chair:
2007 to present).
Biology Equipment Committee (Chair: 2006, 2007)
Biology Honors and Awards Committee (2006 to
present).
College
of Science
and Mathematics Teaching and Learning Committee (Member: 2007)
Faculty Senate (Member: 2006 to present).
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC,
Member: 2006 to 2008, Chair: 2008 to present).
Supervised care and operation of departmental animal
facilities (2004 to present).
Represented Biology Department during Multicultural
Outstanding Scholars Advancing into College (MOSAIC)
fair (Mar.
2006).
Search Committees:
Herpetologist (2011).
Taxonomic Botanist (2007).
Medical Technology Clinical Chemistry (2006).
Medical Technology Immunohematology (2006).
Microbiology/Human Anatomy & Physiology Faculty (2005).
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Reviewer for Biology of
Reproduction, a premier journal that publishes scientific papers
concerning the study of reproductive biology. Nov. 2004 present.
Tennessee Academy of Science, Member-At-Large, 2009 present.
Tennessee Academy of Science, Zoology Section Chair, 2007, 2008.
National Science Foundation grant reviewer, Sep. 2006.
Served
on the Scientific Review Committee for the Middle Tennessee Science
and Engineering Fair: 2004 -
present.
Presented a laboratory physiology session to students from
Montgomery Central High School, Oct. 2006.
Science
Fair Judging:
Middle
Tennessee
Science and Engineering Fair: 2005 to 2007.
Burt School that was held in 2005
to 2007.
Moore Magnet School (2005).
SCIENTIFIC
PUBLICATIONS
Covington KR, Mahaffey KL, Pitts GR.
Continuous Connexin 26 Expression in GT1-7 Cells.
Tennessee Academy of Science,
In preparation.
Lachance PA, LeBlanc DV, Roberson
JH, Pitts GR. A Method
for Serially Collecting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
Neurons. Tennessee Academy of Science,
In preparation.
Pitts GR, Fu Y, Youngren
OM, Rozenboim I, Whiting SE, and El Halawani ME.
The effects of serotonin, stress, and light on
monoamines in the turkey. Poultry Science,
In preparation.
Bluhm CK, Silsby JL, Pitts GR, and El Halawani ME.
Continuous egglaying and
inhibition of incubation by active immunization against
vasoactive intestinal peptide in wild mallards. Physiological
Zoology, In Preparation.
Pitts GR, Ohta H, Zhou
T, McMahon DG (2006).
Daily rhythmicity of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+
currents in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons.
Brain Research 1071:54-62.
Nunemaker CS, DeFazio RA, Geusz ME, Herzog ED, Pitts GR, Moenter
SM (2001). Long-term recordings of networks of immortalized GnRH
neurons reveal episodic patterns of electrical activity. J
Neurophysiol 86:86-93.
Pitts GR, Nunemaker CS, and Moenter SM (2001).
Cycles of transcription and translation do
not comprise the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator
in GT1 cells. Endocrinology 142:1858-1864.
El Halawani ME, Whiting SE, Silsby JL, Pitts GR, and Chaiseha Y
(2000). Active
Immunization with vasoactive intestinal peptide in turkey hens.
Poultry Science 79:349-354.
Pitts GR, You S, Foster DN, and El Halawani ME (2000).
Evidence for multiple prolactin
receptor transcripts in the turkey. Poultry Science 79:355-362.
Youngren OM, Pitts GR, Chaiseha Y, and El Halawani ME (1999).
An opioid pathway in the
hypothalamus of the turkey that stimulates prolactin secretion.
Neuroendocrinology 70:317-323.
Tong Z, Pitts GR, You S, Foster DN, and El Halawani ME (1998).
Vasoactive intestinal peptide
stimulates turkey prolactin gene expression by increasing
transcription rate and enhancing
mRNA stability. J Molec Endocrinol 21:259-266.
El Halawani ME, Youngren OM, and Pitts GR (1997).
Vasoactive intestinal peptide as the avian
prolactin releasing factor
In: Perspectives in Avian Endocrinology S. Harvey, and RJ
Etches (Eds). J of Endocrinology LTD,
Bristol, UK, pp 403-416.
Tong Z,
Pitts GR, Foster DN, and El Halawani ME (1997). Transcriptional and
post-transcriptional regulation of prolactin during
the turkey reproductive cycle. J Molec
Endocrinol 18:223-231.
El Halawani ME, Pitts GR, Sun S, Silsby JL, and Sivanandan V
(1996). Active immunization
against vasoactive intestinal peptide prevents photo-induced
prolactin secretion in
turkeys. Gen Comp Endocrinol 104:76-83.
Pitts
GR, Youngren OM, Phillips RE, and El Halawani ME (1996). Photoperiod
mediates the
ability of serotonin to release prolactin secretion
in the turkey. Gen Comp Endocrinol
104: 265-272.
Xu M,
Proudman JA, Pitts GR, Wong EA, Foster DN, and El Halawani ME
(1996). Vasoactive
intestinal peptide stimulates prolactin mRNA
expression in turkey pituitary cells: Effects of dopaminergic drugs.
Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 212:52-62.
Youngren OM, Pitts GR, Phillips RE, and El Halawani ME (1996).
Dopaminergic control of
prolactin secretion in the turkey. Gen Comp
Endocrinol 104:225-230.
El Halawani ME, Silsby JL, Rozenboim I, and Pitts GR (1995).
Increased egg production by
active immunization against vasoactive intestinal peptide in the
turkey (Meleagris
gallopavo). Biol Reprod 52:179-183.
El
Halawani ME, Youngren OM, Rozenboim I, Pitts GR, Silsby JL, and
Phillips RE (1995).
Serotonergic stimulation of prolactin secretion is
inhibited by vasoactive intestinal
peptide immunoneutralization in the turkey. Gen Comp
Endocrinol 99:69-74.
Tabibzadeh C, Rozenboim I, Silsby JL, Pitts GR, Foster DN, and El
Halawani ME (1995).
Modulation of ovarian cytochrome P450 17a-hydroxylase and cytochrome aromatase
messenger ribonucleic acid by prolactin in the
domestic turkey. Biol Reprod 52:600-608.
Youngren OM, Pitts GR, Phillips RE, and El Halawani ME (1995). The
stimulatory and
inhibitory effects of dopamine on prolactin secretion
in the turkey. Gen Comp Endocrinol
98:111-117.
Pitts
GR, Youngren OM, Silsby JL, Foster LK, Foster DN, Rozenboim I,
Phillips RE, and
El Halawani ME (1994). Role of vasoactive intestinal
peptide in the control of prolactin
induced turkey incubation behavior. I. Acute infusion
of vasoactive intestinal peptide.
Biol Reprod 50:1344-1349.
Pitts
GR, Youngren OM, Silsby JL, Rozenboim I, Chaiseha Y, Phillips RE,
Foster DN, and
El Halawani ME (1994). Role of vasoactive intestinal
peptide in the control of prolactin induced turkey incubation
behavior. II. Chronic infusion of vasoactive intestinal peptide.
Biol Reprod 50:1350-1356.
Tabibzadeh C, Silsby JL, Rozenboim I, Pitts GR, Foster DN, and EL
Halawani ME (1994).
Theca cell cytochrome P450 17-hydroxylase and
aromatase messenger ribonucleic acid
abundance and serum steroid levels during follicular
atresia associated with incubation
behavior in the domestic turkey hen. Biol Reprod
51:731-738.
Rozenboim I, Silsby JL, Tabibzadeh C, Pitts GR, Youngren OM, and El
Halawani ME (1993).
Hypothalamic and posterior pituitary content of
vasoactive intestinal peptide and
gonadotropin-releasing hormones I and II in the
turkey hen. Biol Reprod 49:622-626.
ABSTRACTS
Walker
MJ and Pitts GR (2010). Relative connexin-26 mRNA levels in GT1-7
cells following passaging. 120th Tennessee Academy of
Science Annual Meeting, Tennessee Technological University,
Cookeville, TN
Smith
BG, Osborn A, and Pitts GR (2010). Immortalization of avian GnRH
cells. Fifth Annual College of Science and Mathematics Research
Forum, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.
Farsian
M, and Pitts GR (2008).
Optimization of an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of
gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH). 118th Tennessee Academy of Science Annual
Meeting, Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, TN.
Farsian
M, and Pitts GR (2008).
Further optimization of an assay for murine gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH). Third Annual College of Science and Mathematics
Research Forum, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.
Reyes
JO, and Pitts GR (2008).
Detection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from frogs. Third
Annual College of Science and Mathematics Research Forum, Austin
Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.
Boules
C, Farsian M, and Pitts GR (2007).
GnRH enzyme immunoassay optimization. Second Annual College
of Science and Mathematics Research Forum, Austin Peay State
University, Clarksville, TN.
Parikh
I, Tragle L, Cobb P, and Pitts GR (2007).
Immortalization of avian GnRH-I hypothalamic cells. Second
Annual College of Science and Mathematics Research Forum, Austin
Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.
Covington KR, Mahaffey KL, Pitts GR (2006). Continuous connexin 26
mRNA expression in GT1-7 cells. West Tennessee Regional Collegiate
Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science, page 7.
Lachance P, LeBlanc DV, Roberson H, Pitts GR (2006). Rapid
collection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. West Tennessee
Regional Collegiate Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science,
page 8.
Covington KR, Hester M, and Pitts GR (2006).
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from immortalized
hypothalamic neurons. First Annual College of Science and
Mathematics Research Forum, Austin Peay State University,
Clarksville, TN.
Pitts
GR, McMahon DG (2003).
Circadian activity of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium
channels in period1 neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucles.
Soc Neurosci Abstr Program Number 284.27.
Pitts
GR, Kuhlman SJ, McMahon DG (2002).
Large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels
mediate per1 cell excitability in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Society for Biological Research Abstr.
Pitts
GR, Nunemaker CS, and Moenter SM (2001).
Transcription does not drive episodic GnRH
secretion. Soc Neurosci Abstr 26:5.
Kulick
R, Whiting S, Pitts GR, You S, El Halawani M (1999).
Vasoactive intestinal peptide but
not peptide histidine isoleucine as a physiological
regulator of prolactin secretion in the domestic turkey. Poultry Sci
78 (Suppl 1):65.
Youngren O, Pitts G, and El Halawani M (1999).
Partial characterization of an opiate pathway
modulating prolactin secretion in the turkey. Poultry Sci 78 (Suppl
1):65.
Pitts GR and El Halawani ME (1998).
The use of microdialysis to determine the effects of
serotonin, stress, and light on monoamines in the
turkey hypothalamus. Poultry Sci 77 (Suppl 1):59.
El
Halawani ME, Whiting SE, Silsby JL, and Pitts GR (1996). Active
immunization against
vasoactive intestinal peptide in first and second
cycle turkey hens. Poultry Sci 75
(Suppl 1): 93.
El
Halawani ME, Pitts GR, Sun S, Silsby JL, and Sivanandan V (1995).
Active immunization
against vasoactive intestinal peptide prevents
photoperiodically stimulated prolactin
secretion in turkeys. Poultry Sci 74 (Suppl 1): 157.
Pitts
GR, You S, Foster DN, and El Halawani ME (1995). Prolactin receptor
mRNA
quantification in the domestic turkey (Meleagris
gallopavo). Poultry Sci 74
(Suppl 1): 114.
Youngren OM, El Halawani ME, Pitts GR, and Phillips RE (1995). The
paradoxical effects of
dopamine on prolactin secretion in the turkey.
Poultry Sci 74 (Suppl 1): 157.
Chaiseha Y, Youngren OM, Pitts GR, Rozenboim I, Silsby JL, and El
Halawani ME (1994).
Enhanced vasoactive intestinal peptide secretion by
turkey hypothalamic explants.
Poultry Sci 73 (Suppl 1): 55.
Pitts
GR, Youngren OM, Phillips RE, and El Halawani ME (1994). Photoperiod
modulates
serotonin-stimulated prolactin secretion in turkeys.
Poultry Sci 73 (Suppl 1): 54.
El
Halawani ME, Youngren OM, Pitts GR, Rozenboim I, and Phillips RE
(1994). Vasoactive
intestinal peptide (VIP) mediates serotonergic
stimulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion in
the turkey. Poultry Sci 73 (Suppl 1): 56.
Pitts
GR, Youngren OM, Silsby JL, Rozenboim I, Phillips RE, Foster DN, and
El Halawani ME
(1993). Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide infusion
into the turkey brain does not induce
incubation behavior. Poultry Sci 72 (Suppl 1): 59.
Rozenboim I, Ghaly K, Pitts GR, Youngren OM, and El Halawani ME
(1993). Maternal
immunization of turkey poults against vasoactive
intestinal peptide, as a model for
passive immunization. Poultry Sci 72 (Suppl 1): 94.
Pitts GR, Youngren OM, Silsby JL, Foster LK, Foster DN,
Rozenboim I, Phillips RE, and El
Halawani ME (1992). The effect of vasoactive intestinal
polypeptide perfused into the
median eminence on plasma prolactin, pituitary prolactin
content, and prolactin mRNA in
laying turkeys. Poultry Sci 71 (Suppl 1): 21.
INVITED
BOOK REVIEW
Pitts
GR (1997). Endocrinology with a backbone. Trends in Endocrinol and
Metab.
8(6):252-253.
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