Ph.D., Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB (2004)

Dissertation Topic: Role of the Gut in Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones and

Regulation of Thyroidal Status in the Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

M.S., Zoology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (1994)

Thesis Topic: Thyroid Function in the Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii

B.S., Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (1990)

COURSES

BIO 104 Human Physiology

BIO 219 Physiology of Aging

BIO 230 Nutrition in Health and Disease

BIO 346 Animal Nutrition

BIO 348 Animal Behavior

BIO 376 Animal Physiology

BIO 410 Endocrinology

BIO 126 How Your Body Works

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My area of research interest is comparative physiology, since this allows me to integrate zoology, endocrinology, and aspects of evolution. I find it interesting how different species with similar hormones or enzymes have developed different uses adapted specifically for survival.

One area my research has focused on is thyroid hormones, tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine, T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃), in poikilothermic vertebrates. The thyroid gland and the hormones it produces are found throughout the vertebrate classes. Even though the gland and hormone structures are conserved, the hormones appear to possess diverse functions. I have investigated the roles of thyroid hormones in growth, nutrient intake, and reproduction, along with the overall regulation of thyroidal status.

In addition to comparative studies on thyroid hormone regulation, I am also branching into studies on the role of the gut in calcium (Ca⁺⁺) regulation in reptiles.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Kohel, K. A., MacKenzie, D. S., Rostal, D. C., Grumbles, J. S., and V .A. Lance. 2001. Seasonality

In Plasma Thyroxine in the Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. General and Comparative

Endocrinology 121: 214-222.

Kohel, K. A. and J. G. Eales. 2002. Effects of Food Supplemented with Triiodothyronine and

Thyroxine on Intestinal Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus

mykiss (in progress).

Kohel, K. A. and J. G. Eales. 2002. Characterization of In vivo Absorption of Radioactive

Triiodothyronine, Thyroxine, and Iodide from an Intestinal Loop and Their Uptake into

Tissues of Enterohepatic Circulation in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (in progress).

Kohel, K. A. and J. G. Eales. 2002. Effects of Food Supplemented with Triiodothyronine and

Thyroxine on In vivo Absorption of Radioactive Triiodothyronine, Thyroxine, and Iodide

from an Intestinal Loop and Their Uptake into Tissues of Enterohepatic Circulation in

Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (in progress).