Dr. Kevin Hallock received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry and biophysics from the University of Michigan studying the behavior of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides in mechanically aligned lipid bilayers using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). With antibiotic resistance an ever-increasing problem, new methods for combating the most resistant infections are essential. The prospect of a pandemic flu resistant to treatments like Tamiflu is chilling.

Dr. Hallock’s current research interests include using imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to learn about fundamental physical processes in a human nervous system to better understand how people learn. How does biology impact bias? What is the best way to teach somebody something new? These questions are central to the training of first responders and first receivers because they constantly face new hazards, often requiring additional training. Developing more efficient training techniques will maximize the availability of the people who are the backbone of our emergency response network.