Faculty Research
Robert Steven
Senior LecturerOffice: BO 1100
Phone No: 419.530.7890
Email: robert.steven2@utoledo.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Molecular and Medical Genetics from the University of Toronto
B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto
Teaching at the University of Toledo:
Fundamentals of Life Science: Biomolecules, Cells and Inheritance (BIOL 2170)
Fundamentals of Life Science: Diversity of Life, Evolution and Physiological Adaptations
(BIOL 2150)
Developmental Biology (BIOL 3090)
Cell Biology (BIOL 3030)
Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory (BIOL 6020)
Teaching Philosophy:
Throughout my own learning experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student,
I found that I was most stimulated and inspired when there was significant interaction between
the instructor, myself and the other students. It is therefore my intention to always
try to provide a similarly positive and interactive experience for my own students whether
I am teaching a small group or a large lecture hall of students. As a former scientist,
I feel a responsibility to communicate exciting scientific developments and our knowledge
of biology to others. Everyone has an innate level of curiosity and it is my objective
as a teacher to fuel this natural curiosity by drawing on my own knowledge of science
and the history behind the experimentation to present topics in as interesting and
stimulating manner as possible. An important focus is the incorporation of active learning
techniques and technology in the lecture hall. Ultimately it is my goal to engage
all of my students and instill within them a respect for knowledge.
Research Interests:
My research interests are focused on the development and function of the nervous
system. I have taken a molecular genetic approach to understanding the mechanisms
that underlie neuronal growth cone migrations (axon guidance) during nervous system
development and the subsequent communication that occurs at synapses between neurons (neurotransmission)
using the soil nematode C. elegans as a model organism. A fundamental comprehension of neurotransmission will help us
understand information storage and processing in the brain and combined with a through knowledge
of axon guidance it may eventually be possible to use drugs to recreate functional neural
circuits in those who have suffered damage to the central nervous system.
Select Publications:
Lin, L., Tran, T., Hu, S., Cramer, T., Komuniecki, R. and Steven, R. (2012). RHGF-2 is an essential Rho-1 specific RhoGEF that binds to the multi-PDZ
domain scaffold protein MPZ-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS ONE 7(2): e31499.
Hu, S., Pawson, T. and Steven, R. (2011). UNC-73/Trio RhoGEF-2 activity modulates C. elegans motility through changes in neurotransmitter signaling upstream of the GSA-1/Gαs
pathway. Genetics 189:137-151.
Steven, R., Zhang, L., Culotti, J. and Pawson, T. (2005). The UNC-73/Trio RhoGEF-2 domain is
required in separate isoforms for the regulation of pharynx pumping and normal neurotransmission
in C. elegans. Genes Dev. 19:2016-2029.
Steven, R., Kubiseski, T., Zheng, H., Kulkarni, S., Mancillas, J., Ruiz Morales, A., Hogue, C.,
Pawson, T. and Culotti, J. (1998). UNC-73 activates the Rac GTPase and is required
for cell and growth cone migrations in C. elegans. Cell 92:785-795