Shelley Valle
PhD Student
School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
PO Box 874601
Tempe, Arizona 85287
[email protected]
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Arizona State University, Biology
Expected graduation: 2016
Advisor: Pierre Deviche
Research Focus: Environmental regulation and neuroendocrine
mechanisms of reproduction
B.S., University of Pittsburgh, Ecology and Evolution
Advisor: Stephen Tonsor
Research Focus: Physiological plasticity in plants in response to heat and
drought stress.
2011 – Present
2009
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Technician, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Endocrinology
Advisor: Adolfo García-Ocaña
Research Focus: Molecular targets and therapeutic approaches to
improve beta cell function in models of Diabetes.
2009-2011
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab TA, ASU
Created and delivered weekly lectures, created and administered quizzes,
worksheets, and practicals, and led dissections.
Spring 2014,
Spring and Fall
2012
Animal Physiology Lab TA, ASU
Created and delivered weekly lecture, created quizzes and final, and
guided weekly dissections and experiments.
Spring and Fall
2013
General Biology I Lab TA, ASU
Created and delivered weekly lectures, created and administered quizzes
and final, and led experiments.
Fall 2011
AWARDS AND GRANTS
Facilities Initiative Grant for Grads, School of Life Sciences, ASU, $1500
2013
Sigma Xi Grant-in-aid of Research, ASU Chapter, $300
2013
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention
2013
PUBLICATIONS
Deviche, P, B Beouche-Helias, S Davies, S Gao, S Lane, S Valle. 2014. Regulation of plasma
testosterone, corticosterone, and metabolites in response to stress, reproductive stage, and
social challenges in a desert male songbird. General and Comparative Endocrinology. In
press.
Demirci C, S Ernst, JC Alvarez-Perez, TC Rosa, SR Valle, V Shridhar, GP Casinelli, LC Alonso, RC
Vasavada, A Garcia-Ocaña. 2012. Loss of HGF/c-Met Signaling in pancreatic β-cells leads to
incomplete maternal beta-cell adaptation and gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes.
61(5):1143-52.
Velazquez-Garcia S, SR Valle , TC Rosa , KK Takane , C Demirci , JC Alvarez-Perez , JM
Mellado-Gil , S Ernst , DK Scott , RC Vasavada , LC Alonso , A Garcia-Ocaña . 2011.
Activation of protein kinase C-ζ in pancreatic β-cells in vivo improves glucose tolerance and
induces β-cell expansion via mTOR activation. Diabetes. 60(10):2546-59.
Ernst S, C Demirci, SR Valle, S Velazquez-Garcia, A Garcia-Ocaña. 2011. Mechanisms in the
adaptation of maternal beta cells during pregnancy. Diabetes Management (London).1(2):23948.
Mellado-Gil JM, TC Rosa, C Demirci, JA Gonzalez-Pertusa, S Velazquez-Garcia, S Ernst, SR
Valle, RC Vasavada, AF Stewart, LC Alonso and A Garcia-Ocaña. 2011. Disruption of HGF/cmet signaling enhances pancreatic beta cell death and accelerates the onset of diabetes.
Diabetes.60(2):525-36.
González-Pertusa, JA, J Dubé , SR Valle , TC Rosa , KK Takane , JM Mellado-Gil, G Perdomo, RC
Vasavada , A García-Ocaña . 2010. Novel proapoptotic effect of hepatocyte growth factor:
synergy with palmitate to cause pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. Endocrinology.151(4):1487-98.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Valle, SR and A García-Ocaña. Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in
IRS-2 Deficient Mice by Increasing ß-Cell Mass and Maintaining Compensatory
Hyperinsulinemia. Oral Presentation. American Diabetes Association 71 st Scientific Sessions,
San Diego, CA, 2011.
Valle, SR and A García-Ocaña. Administration of low molecular weight dextran sulfate prevents type I
diabetes in non-obese diabetic (Nod) mice. Oral Presentation: Midwest Islet Club 4th Annual
Conference, Madison, WI, 2011.
Valle, SR and A García-Ocaña. Administration of low molecular weight dextran sulfate prevents type I
diabetes in non-obese diabetic (Nod) mice. Poster Presentation: Department of Medicine
Research Day, University of Pittsburgh, 2011.
Valle, SR and A García-Ocaña. Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in
IRS-2 Deficient Mice by Increasing ß-Cell Mass and Maintaining Compensatory
Hyperinsulinemia. Oral Presentation. Department of Medicine Research Day, University of
Pittsburgh, 2010.
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE
Grant Reviewer, Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), ASU
Reviewed grant proposals for a university-wide competition.
2012-present
Ask-a-Biologist Panelist, ASU
Provided in-depth, age-appropriate responses to questions from K-12
students and the general public, regarding topics in physiology and
general biology through the Ask-a-Biologist website.
2011-present
Secretary, Graduate Student Executive Board, School of Life Sciences, ASU
Developed student newsletter, updated unofficial guide to graduate
student life, and assisted in planning events, including a graduate
student retreat.
2012-2013
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Graduate Partners in Science Education (GPSE) Mentor, ASU
Developed inquiry-based lesson for middle-school students on
comparative neuroanatomy, implemented a variety of biology lessons,
and assisted in science fair projects in a weekly outreach program.
2012-2014
Night of the Open Door Volunteer, ASU
Guided the public through an interactive science learning experience
focused on the Nervous System.
2013
Arizona SciTech Festival Contributor
Collaborated with a local artist to create science-inspired artwork that
was put on display at the festival.
2012
Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer, Animal Rescue League, Pittsburgh, PA
Assisted in the rehabilitation of injured wildlife and attended public
outreach events aimed at educating the public..
2010-2011