University of California, San Diego

Post-Doc, Reproductive Medicine

Postdoctoral Fellow

About

Dr. Kristen Tolson's research interests are neuroendocrinology and its control of reproduction, metabolism and obesity. In the fall of 2010 she began her post-doctoral research in reproductive neuroendocrinology at Oregon State University in Dr. Patrick Chappell’s laboratory, investigating the role of endogenous clocks and steroid regulation in the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) surge that controls ovulation. Starting in October 2011 she is continuing her post-doctoral work on reproductive neuroendocrinology in Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Kauffman's lab at UC San Diego.

Prior to this she worked on elucidating the roles of postnatal and neuron specific Single-minded homolog 1 (Sim1) deficiency and the gene's effects on obesity and food intake at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Zinn.

Kristen is dedicated to both research and education, using her research experience to inform her teaching and bring relevance to abstract concepts. In addition to presenting her research at national and international conferences, she works to remain active in the non-professional community through volunteer opportunities, especially in programs designed to increase scientific interest in disadvantaged and minority populations. She has also led Anatomy and Physiology and Obesity and Eating Disorders courses at Trident University International as a part-time instructor.

Interested in the interface of faith and science, Kristen has lead seminars promoting the importance of science education and the continuing dialogue between scientists and non-scientists in evaluating bioethical issues.