Caroline Geisler joins Pharmaceutical Sciences Department
LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 9, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Geisler, Ph.D., as an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, effective July 31, 2024. Geisler brings a wealth of expertise in metabolism, neuroscience, and physiology, which will significantly enhance the College’s research and educational initiatives.
Geisler’s extensive academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Miami University of Ohio, followed by a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science from the University of Arizona. Her doctoral and postdoctoral research has focused on the neurohormonal control of energy homeostasis, and the metabolic derangements associated with obesity.
"What drew me to UK were the diverse research areas of the faculty in the College of Pharmacy," said Geisler. "I view being surrounded by faculty with different skill sets than me as an advantage for intellectual and technical collaboration. I also found the people and overall environment at UK very welcoming and supportive, and I knew this was the right place to succeed in my career."
Geisler’s research has spanned various foci, including how fatty liver alters metabolism in type 2 diabetes and obesity and how gut-derived satiation hormones signal in the brain to regulate energy balance. Her current research interests focus on understanding how the brain and body cooperate to regulate systemic metabolism, and she aims to investigate how nutrients signal in hormone-like ways to regulate cellular function.
One of the projects Geisler will explore at UKCOP involves the signaling mechanisms underlying appetite and metabolic regulation by the glial-produced peptide, octadecaneuropeptide (ODN). This project includes identifying the circuits that ODN engages in the hindbrain and mapping their signaling forward to other energy-balance centers of the brain and down to the periphery, where ODN regulates the function of gut organs, including pancreatic hormone release.
"We are truly excited to welcome Dr. Geisler to our community," said Tom Prisinzano, Ph.D., chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences. "Her innovative work aligns with our commitment to fostering a collaborative and dynamic academic environment, promising to advance our scientific understanding and enrich our students' academic and personal growth. We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber join our department and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly have."
Geisler has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Harry R. Kissileff Award from the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior and the NIH F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship. She has also been a highly cited author in the Journal of Endocrinology and holds several patents related to her research in metabolic physiology.
Outside of her professional work, Geisler enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, engaging in activities like hiking, kayaking, and cooking. She is an avid reader of both non-fiction and fiction novels.
Geisler’s appointment reflects UKCOP’s commitment to recruiting top-tier faculty leaders. Her expertise and vision will help prepare the next generation of professionals poised to lead in academia, healthcare, industry, and society.