DR. RADHIKA REDDY
Radhika Reddy is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Biology Department at Portland State University, where she teaches the Principles of Biology sequence for majors as well as courses in neurophysiology and sensory physiology. Her scientific research background focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system function and plasticity. Her graduate training examined hippocampal synaptic plasticity, followed by postdoctoral research investigating the molecular mechanisms of fear-based learning. She has also conducted research on neuroendocrine-regulated mechanisms of neural circuit formation. In addition to her neuroscience research background, Reddy is actively engaged in biology education research with a focus on assessment and student learning. Her current interests include evidence-based teaching practices, scaffolded and collaborative assessment models, and strategies to improve student engagement and retention in STEM courses. In particular, she studies approaches such as two-stage exams and structured self-testing models designed to reduce student anxiety while supporting deeper learning and long-term retention. Through both her teaching and scholarship, she aims to create inclusive learning environments that help students build confidence, scientific literacy, and effective learning strategies.