Dr. James Peters is leading research in the College of Veterinary into the peripheral and central neurocircuitry that provides critical controls of food intake and energy homeostasis that could lead to new treatments for disorders ranging from heart conditions to obesity.
Dr. Peters completed a doctorate in neuroscience at WSU in 2005, followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University. He returned to WSU in 2010 and now serves as an associate professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience.
He recently took some time to discuss his research and experiences at WSU.
What are your current research interests and what attracted you to that area?
My research is focused on the neurobiology of the vagus nerve; in particular how it signals our “interoceptive” (internal organ signals) state to the brain with specific interest in the controls of eating and cardiovascular function. Most of our work is at a very fundamental level looking into the fundamental building blocks of neuronal communication. Other parts of our work explore potential drug actions and aim to inform therapeutic approaches for humans.
How can your research help people and animals?
My work provides new information into the body systems that keep us alive, thus it has a big impact on how we treat many diseases and disorders in humans and animals, from heart conditions to obesity.
What do you ultimately hope to accomplish with your research?
I hope to contribute my small piece to our overall understanding of the brain and nervous system and make some important discoveries at a basic fundamental level.
What are you most proud of in your career to this point?
I’m most proud of earning and developing a reputation for being careful and rigorous with my science. All the other good things that have come have been secondary to holding this high standard.
When your career is over, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for being a careful and insightful scientist as well as a positive mentor and educator.
What do you enjoy about working with students?
I enjoy seeing my students discover something truly new. There is no better feeling. Once that occurs, they are on their way to going further than we have and keeping the process alive moving into the future.
What advice would you give to younger people considering a career in science?
Do it because you love it, make it your own, and be curious to understand the world.
Why did you choose to come to WSU?
WSU is a beautiful research institution in the rural Pacific Northwest. There’s nothing better or anything else like it.
What motivates you outside of work?
My family. I enjoy dedicating my time and energies to my children.