Chris Barton

Biography

I am originally from Alabama and earned a B.A. in Biology from Berea College. Following graduation, I relocated to Nashville, where I completed a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University.While in graduate school, my research focused on proteins and signaling pathways that control the development, repair, and tumorigenesis of epithelial tissues.During my postdoctoral research in the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, I was able to teach a number of Introductory Biology courses at Belmont as a part-time adjunct instructor.I later joined Belmont in 2011 as a Lecturer, teaching non-major courses in biology, linked-cohort courses, as well as anatomy and physiology I and II.In August 2014, I was fortunate enough to join Belmont as a full-time faculty member.I really enjoy teaching and find it to be extremely fun and rewarding.I feel quite fortunate to have a position that allows me to teach and interact with students on a daily basis.

My current research interests focus on proteins and signaling pathways that control growth, development, and differentiation of human epithelial cells.That we can easily grow and manipulate human cells in a plastic dish gives us a wonderful model system to study these major processes.In addition, I am constantly looking for ways that I can use my molecular biology skill set to branch into additional fields, something I hope to accomplish through multiple collaborations here at Belmont.

In my time away from Belmont, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Danielle, and son Eli. I also enjoy finding my way onto a golf course whenever possible.