Dr. Sanaya Stocke

Bio:
Dr. Sanaya Stocke is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville. She holds M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Zoology from the University of Pune, India. She earned her Ph.D. in Biology from the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville, where she now serves as faculty. She completed her postdoctoral training in the Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology at the same institution.

Dr. Stocke has authored seven first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, and Metabolomics. Her teaching portfolio spans both introductory and upper-level biology courses, and she is strongly committed to inclusive, active-learning pedagogy. She also supervises undergraduate laboratories and mentors graduate teaching assistants.

Her research bridges gene expression, neurobiology, metabolism, and pedagogy, ranging from molecular investigations of neuropeptide signaling and food preference in model organisms to the development of inclusive, research-based lab experiences for undergraduates. Dr. Stocke is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in STEM and has received departmental recognition for excellence in teaching.

Abstract:
In this talk, I will demonstrate my integrated approach to undergraduate education and research training by highlighting my experience as a classroom instructor and neuroscientist. I will begin with a short teaching demonstration on DNA replication, illustrating how I foster student engagement and conceptual understanding in large introductory biology courses using active learning strategies.

I will then present an overview of my Ph.D. and postdoctoral research, which investigated the effects of glyceollins (soy-derived phytoestrogens) on gene expression in the mouse brain and the role of cortico-cortical interactions in flavor processing in rats, respectively. 

Finally, I will introduce a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) I am developing that explores how dietary factors influence neuropeptide F signaling and food preference in Drosophila melanogaster. This project not only offers students hands-on experience with experimental design, molecular biology, and behavioral assays, but also allows me to pursue parallel pedagogical research on the impact of research-integrated lab courses on student belonging and confidence in STEM.

My goal is to create a research and teaching environment that is inclusive, curiosity-driven, and centered on building foundational skills that will prepare undergraduates for diverse careers in biology.

Watch the seminar here!