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Pepperdine | Seaver College
Kenneth Sossa

Kenneth G. Sossa

Visiting Assistant Professor
Natural Science, Seaver College

Biography

Dr. Kenneth Sossa is a neuroscientist with post-doctoral training from the University of Maryland College Park and previously held faculty positions at faith-based institutions. He came to Pepperdine after having taught a variety of courses for many years including Comparative Anatomy, Neurobiology, Animal Physiology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Human Anatomy, Development, Human Physiology, and General Biology intro courses. He also enjoys teaching Senior Seminar where worldviews and ethics engage with scientific disciplines. Dr. Sossa is committed to training and mentoring the next generation of scientists. His research interests include cockroach sensory neuron adaptation as well as insect metabolism, microbiology, and behavior. He enjoys sharing his cockroach research with students, scientists, and science educators. As a Hispanic and Latino raised in the melting pot of NYC, Dr. Sossa developed the ability to really see students as individuals and foster genuine connections. He does not shy away from working with struggling or neuro-diverse students. Dr. Sossa often serves as a role model and advisor for underrepresented students. 

Education

  • PhD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2002- 2007

  • MS, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1999 - 2002
  • BS, Hampton University, 1995 - 1999

 

 

Publications

  • Sossa, KG et al. “How Do You Tell Good Science From Bad? A COVID19 Case Study”. The Truth About Science: Answering Your Most Common Questions. Edited by Prosser, Morris, and Clark, Kendall Hunt; pp. 27-44. | 2023

  • Ng, M.; Sanchez, R.; Soliman, J.; Sossa, KG. “Using the Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) to teach metabolic and respiratory principles of ectothermic animals” Advances in Biology Laboratory Education; 43. | June 2022
  • “Using Gromphadorhina portentosa to study sensory neuron action potentials” Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching; 38. | 2016

  • “Using Gromphadorhina portentosa, the Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, as a Model Organism in the Biology Laboratory” Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching 2015; 36:80.

  •  “The Size of Living Things” Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching; 34:260-276. | 2013
  • Casimiro, T.M.; Sossa, K.G.; Uzunova, G; Beattie, J.B; Marsden, K. C.; Carroll, R.C., “mGluR and NMDAR activation internalize distinct populations of AMPARs.” Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience 48(2):161-70. | Oct 2011
  • Gao, M; Sossa, K; Song, L; Errington, L; Cummings, L; Hwang, H; Kuhl, D; Worley, P; Lee, H.K., “A specific requirement of Arc/Arg3.1 for visual experience-induced homeostatic synaptic plasticity in mouse primary visual cortex.” Journal of Neuroscience; 30(21):7168-78. | May 2010

  • Sossa et al., “AMPAR exocytosis through NO modulation of PICK1.” Neuropharmacology; 53(1):92-100. | Jul 2007 

  • Sossa et al., “NMDA receptors mediate calcium-dependent, bidirectional changes in dendritic PICK1 clustering.” Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience; 31(3):574-85. | Mar 2006

Manuscripts

  • Chahine, G; Ezzeddine, R; Sossa, KG. “Using the Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) to teach olfactory-based discrimination and learned behavior”. Manuscript submitted to Advances in Biology Laboratory Education | Oct 2023
  • Faculty Research Council Grant | 2023 & 2022
  • Faculty Research and Development Grant | 2012-2016, 2019
  • Beta Beta Beta Research Award | 2011-2013
  • Postdoctoral NRSA for Comparative and Evolutionary Biology of Hearing | 2008
  • Mechanisms of Intercellular Communication NIH Grant | 2001-2006
  • Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Scholar | 1997-1999

Invited Oral Presentations

  • “Nobel Prize in Physiology & Medicine”  Talk delivered for APU biology seminar course on the research that earned 2021 winners of the Nobel Prize | Spring 2022
  • “La Cucaracha: Behavioral and Ocular Neuron physiology of the Gromphadorhina portentosa” Talk delivered to APU faculty and students | Spring 2022 & 2021
  • “Roach Studies at NDMU” Talk delivered to honor students | March 2019
  • “Using Gromphadorhina portentosa as a model organism in the physiology lab”  Talk delivered to faculty | May 2018
  • “Classifying microbial life in the hindgut of Gromphadorhina portentosa”  Talk delivered at a Lunch and Learn for faculty | April 2015

Courses

  • Statistical Research Methods and Physiology and Anatomy of Vertebrates

Links