I started my research career in female reproductive endocrinology using an animal model to evaluate clomiphene citrate, and cyproterone acetate versus copper intrauterine devices, as birth control measures. During my post-doctoral training in the area of Biochemistry at Dr. Das’s laboratory at Meharry, I developed a guinea pig model for lung injuries caused by a vitamin A deficiency. The vitamin results indicated that injury was secondary to alterations in the density and binding capabilities of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors. Since then I have gained additional research experience related to environmental neurotoxicology, reproductive toxicology and Parkinson’s disease. I studied the functional impact of benzo(a)pyrene and/or dioxin exposure of pregnant rat dams on the subsequent development of brain glutamatergic cortical circuits in delivered pups. This led me to work Drs. Osteen and Bruner-Tran at Vanderbilt University on another first author paper in Reproductive Toxicology which concluded that the phenotype of mice exposed to dioxin was similar to that seen in women with endometriosis. More recently I have worked with Dr. Twum Ansah and Dr. Ariel Deutch on the effects of MPTP in mice (a model of Parkinson’s disease) on the cortical serotonin system. Because of all these experiences, I developed a keen interest in the role of ovarian steroids on the regulations of brain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, and its relationship to depression. Combining my basic science research backgrounds in neuroscience and reproductive endocrinology I therefore developed a translational research pilot project to determine the relationships between ovarian steroids and, leukocyte beta-arrestin levels (as a regulator of serotonin neurotransmission), and the severity of depression in reproductive women. To develop my skill on translational and clinical research, I am collaborating with clinical investigators Dr. Bailey and Dr. Richie at Elam Mental Health Center at Meharry, and also enrolled myself in Master of Science in Clinical Investigations Program at Meharry Medical College.