Interview: Pathways to discovery: reflections on an ongoing journey

Dr Robert Yezierski received his PhD in Physiology from West Virginia University (WV, USA). He completed postdoctoral training at the Marine Biomedical Institute in Galveston (TX, USA). Dr Yezierski joined the faculty in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson (MS, USA) in 1981 where he carried out studies related to the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of spinal neurons projecting to different targets of the mesencephalon (spinomesencephalic tract). In 1987, he assumed the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami (FL, USA) where he initiated studies related to the condition of pain and abnormal sensation associated with spinal cord injury. Dr Yezierski created a program in pain research at The Miami Project and was co-chair of an international task force related to the condition of spinal cord injury pain along with organizing numerous symposia and workshops related to this topic. In 2001 Dr Yezierski was appointed Professor and Director of the Comprehensive Center for Pain Research at the University of Florida (FL, USA). Dr Yezierski's current research is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of abnormal sensation including pain with advancing age. His research program is multidisciplinary, combining a variety of anatomical, molecular, pharmacological, physiological and behavioral techniques.