Ayokunle Hodonu

Associate Professor of Biology

Biography: My training is in reproductive endocrinology. Our research lab focuses on understanding and determining
the optimal uterine conditions for embryo implantation in mammals. We use the American mink (Neovison vison) as a biological model because of its extended window of implantation. In addition to this, we use labcultured immortalized mink uterine cells to investigate how ovarian hormones, prolactin, insulin etc. affect the uterus during the earliest stages of pregnancy. There is evidence, that glycogen supply during the window of implantation contributes directly to the success of implantation. Our goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which glycogen is regulated, the genes and enzymes involved, and the hormone
interactions that promote the synthesis, catabolism and mobilization of glycogen during the narrow window of implantation. Our research has many implications including:

Greater understanding of what regulates successful pregnancies

The role many important hormones (insulin, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin) in mammalian
physiology.

Better understanding and solution to diseases such as PCOS, gestational diabetes, and infertility.

Improving the science of birth controls

Increasing litter sizes in farm animals and the improves the reproductive and survival chances of
threatened and endangered species.

What is your favorite thing about working at NNU? We have incredibly intelligent students, committed faculty and overall dedicated staff. Most importantly, we have infused the knowledge of God into everything we teach.

Share a few pieces of information that represent your teaching experience and why you love working with students: I spend the majority of my time as a teacher and I also enjoy the privilege of doing research with undergraduate students. Many of my undergraduate students have gone on to graduate school, medical school, and into the work force as lab researchers. At NNU, our students are required to do research, and I have been fortunate to mentor many students in research. Our students attend many conferences where they get to present their work in form of posters and talks.