John Pollock

Former Fellows

Dr. John Pollock is an Associate Professor of Biological Science at Duquesne University and Director of the university’s Regenerative Medicine Partnership in Education, a project that will produce a series of innovative planetarium shows using high-tech scientific visualization to bring the audience into the human body.  Pollock also hold a Visiting Professorship at the Entertainment Technology Center of Carnegie Mellon University, a center jointly managed by the College of Fine Arts and School of Computer Science.

Dr. Pollock’s research involves identifying genes involved in neural development, perception, and pain sensation. To do this he studies genetics, behavior, expression profiling, molecular cell biology, and advanced microscopy.  In addition to his research, Dr. Pollock has taken a leadership role for five related informal science education projects that produce artistically rich, science education films for young people and the general public. One project concerns Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and involves a year-long and city-wide partnership with Duquesne University, Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden, National Aviary, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Other current projects are producing health literacy films for patients.