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Adaptive Responses in Female Physiology and Why This Matters for Women’s Health

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Holly Ingraham, Ph.D. headshot

Holly Ingraham, Ph.D.


Herzstein Endowed Professor of Molecular Physiology
Professor, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
University of California San Francisco

Elected Member
National Academy of Sciences
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Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture

Adaptive Responses in Female Physiology and Why This Matters for Women’s Health  

Date: Jan. 22, 2026

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  (Reception and hors d'oeuvres at 5 p.m.)

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About this Seminar

Holly Ingraham studies hormonal control of neuronal circuits in the female brain and peripheral tissues. Her research group is particularly keen to understand how fluctuations or permanent loss of hormones during different life stages result in adaptive responses that affect female physiology. Defining the cellular and molecular basis of hormone action in responsive neurons and cells is highly relevant to chronic disorders that degrade the quality of life. Among the multiple diseases affecting men and women, Ingraham’s work is highly relevant to age-related metabolic decline, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis, and frailty, which are all prevalent in females.

Additional Details

This is a free event hosted by Dr. Michael Friedlander and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. For more information, please call 540-526-2059.

About Maury Strauss

Maury Strauss was a longtime community benefactor and businessman who supported biomedical research with the goal of energizing the local economy and improving quality of life in our neighborhoods and around the world. In order to ensure the continued success of Roanoke’s biomedical research enterprise, as well as the free public seminars, Mr. Strauss made a generous gift to the series. He passed away in June 2024 at age 99. 

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