TROY A. ROEPKE, B.S., M.A., Ph.D.
Department of Animal Sciences
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Dr. Roepke is an Associate Professor at Rutgers University, where they study the interactions of gonadal steroids (estrogens), diets, and endocrine disruptors on the physiological and neurological processes controlled by the hypothalamus, including reproduction, energy homeostasis, stress, and mood, with a current focus on chronic stress models and the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone signaling and the effects of perinatal and adult exposures to organophosphate flame retardants on metabolism, stress, and cognition/memory. They received a doctorate in Physiology with a designated emphasis in Reproductive Biology from the University of California, Davis in 2005. Their postdoctoral training was at Oregon Health & Science University studying the neuroendocrinology of estrogens from 2005 to 2011 where they were the recipient of a K99/R00 Pathways to Independence Award from NIDDK to study how endocrine disruptors influence metabolism. Dr. Roepke has authored or co-authored sixty publications over a wide range of fields including endocrine disruption, the hypothalamic control of reproduction, estrogen signaling, potassium channel activity in the context of energy homeostasis and reproduction, the stress response, and feeding, avoidance, and motivated behaviors. More recently, they have written about the experience of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in STEM, inclusive practices for assessing the health of the community, and pre-clinical models of gender-affirming hormone therapy. They are currently the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences working to implement the Rutgers and SEBS Diversity Action Plan.