Dr. Scott Taylor has a PH.D. in Biology, from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a B.S. in Marine Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from The University of Tampa. Dr. Taylor’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate development and regeneration of neurons in thecentral nervous system (CNS), focusing particularly on the retina. This research has important medical applications, in the development of therapies that restore/replace neurons and restore function in the damaged human brain, spinal cord or retina. Damage to the human CNS is permanent, but the teleost fish CNS produces neurons throughout life and, following injury, fully regenerates neurons from intrinsic stem cells. For these reasons, Dr. Taylor utilizes the zebrafish, Danio rerio, and various marine fish species to investigate molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal development and regeneration in theretina. The hope is that understanding these mechanisms in fish will lead to advances in human medicine aimed at treating CNS injury and disease. Dr. Taylor also seeks to understand how environmental and physiological factors influence CNS development and how, particularly in marine vertebrates, animal sensory systems are adapted for specific ecological niches. PH.D. Biology, from the Florida Institute of Technology B.S. Marine Biology/Chemistry Minor, University of Tampa

In his spare time, Dr. Taylor particularly enjoys outdoor water activities (SCUBA diving, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, etc.) and spending time with family.